Tony Butala and I first met in 1999. At the time, I was a freelancer for Goldmine magazine, a music collector’s biweekly paper. My editor wanted to know if I was interested in covering the opening of a brand new music museum in western Pennsylvania, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
Sure. Why not?
In that moment, I discovered who Tony Butala was and what his goals were for that museum.
See, Tony Butala was born in western Pennsylvania – Sharon, Pennsylvania, a town that straddled the Pennsylvania-Ohio border. He went from Sharon, Pennsylvania to a long and storied career as the lead vocalist of one of the most successful vocal harmony trios, The Lettermen.
During the 1960’s, the Lettermen were able to hold their own against the British Invasion and garage rock, and carved out a very successful career as pop troubadours. Here they are on a TV special as they perform a medley of the Four Seasons’ “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and Little Anthony and the Imperials’ “Going Out of My Head.” Smooth stuff.
In the mid-1990’s, Tony Butala had an idea. A museum and honorarium that would celebrate vocal harmony in all its forms – doo-wop, pop, soul, you name it. And he wanted it built in his hometown of Sharon, Pennsylvania.
So here I am, in 1999, meeting with Tony Butala and a few other famous artists and singers and performers, including Bill Pinckney from the original Drifters, Tim Hauser from Manhattan Transfer, and Mary Wilson from the Supremes. And the event culminated in a fantastic post-show concert featuring performers from past and present.
And for several years after that, I would travel to Sharon, Pennsylvania for this event. I would interview the surviving artists – either about their enshrinement and induction, or save the interviews for future full-length stories in Goldmine.
And each time there was an induction, Tony Butala made sure to bring the Lettermen for a concert.
There he is at the 2001 concert in dead center, as part of a Lettermen 25th anniversary reunion.
And here’s a video clip of the Lettermen from the 2002 Vocal Group Hall of Fame concert.
Attending the inductions was a personal joy. And chatting with Tony was always a pleasure.
Tony retired from the Lettermen only a few years ago, and enjoyed his final years at his California home and winery. The Vocal Group Hall of Fame lasted a few years; I think the last full-length induction ceremony was in 2009. But the concept is still part of my memories and enjoyment.
I received news last night that Tony Butala passed away on November 1st, 2026. He packed an entire life into 87 glorious years.
Rest in peace, my friend. And thanks for every single vocal harmony, every single memory. And thanks for being a kind and pleasant soul for all those years we interacted.
Great group, sad loss.
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