Tony Butala, co-founder of the Grammy-nominated trio The Lettermen, whose lush vocal harmonies made them one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1960s, died Sunday. He was 87. He was the final survivor of the group's original trio.
The Lettermen are best known for "The Way You Look Tonight." The band's media coordinator confirmed his death and shared a statement from the group. The statement said Butala loved the stage and that his passion and spirit will live on in every future performance of The Lettermen.
News of his death has sent searches for the group climbing, as fans look back at the songs that defined an era of romantic, close-harmony pop.
A reflection on harmony
Few things bring people together like voices singing in harmony. Psalm 133:1 says how good and pleasant it is when people dwell together in unity, and generations of fans found that unity in the music of The Lettermen. His songs will keep being played at weddings, anniversaries and family gatherings.
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