Tony Butala was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, to Mary Ann Ference and John George Butala, both of Croatian descent. His early life and family background laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
Tony began his professional singing career in 1948, performing on KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh and as an impersonator of Al Jolson, Ted Lewis, and Eddie Cantor. He was only a teenager at the time, but his talent and enthusiasm were already evident.
In 1951, Tony moved to California and joined the renowned Robert Mitchell Boys' Choir. With the group, he appeared in several films, including On Moonlight Bay (1951),The War of the Worlds (1953),and White Christmas (1954). He also lent his voice to the animated classic Peter Pan (1953) and the Dr. Seuss film The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. (1953).
As a teenager, Tony began singing with his first group, The Fourmost, which consisted of Connie Stevens. Later, he became the guiding force behind The Lettermen, a group that would go on to achieve great success.
The Lettermen's early years were marked by several lineup changes, but Tony remained a constant presence. The group's first hit single was released in 1961, and they continued to produce hit after hit. Over the years, Tony worked with various partners, including Jim Pike and Bob Engemann.
Despite the many changes, Tony's musical talents and commitment to goodwill have remained a constant throughout The Lettermen's history. The group has won millions of fans worldwide, and their longevity in the entertainment industry is unparalleled.
When he's not performing, Tony spends much of his time in Sharon, Pennsylvania, overseeing the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and Museum, which he founded in 1998. He also developed a 40-acre vineyard in Napa Valley, which he has been cultivating since 1987.
Tony is a devoted father of four children and two grandchildren, and his family is an important part of his life. Despite his many accomplishments, Tony remains humble and dedicated to his craft, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of music lovers.
