MY LETTERMEN'S SCRAPBOOK

I first saw the Lettermen live in the early 70s. They had already been busily recording hits since 1961, their first being "The Way You Look Tonight." Even though there have been some changes in the members of the group, they have managed to retain that distinctive Lettermen sound, and they have been on the road ever since, wowing their audiences with a vast collection of romantic ballads, as well as current hits. They have certainly stood the test of time . Tony Butala, an original, has remained the nucleus of the group over the years. He has not only been able to successfully select new vocalists, those to fill the shoes of some who became "road weary" or developed voice problems, but he has then helped to train the newcomers to produce the same sounds we have grown accustomed to hearing on all of their old hits. The Lettermen have many international fans also. They travel to Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, France, Thailand, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

They have had innumerous TV appearances, like this early one with Ed Sullivan

This was the The group that started it all, Bob Engemann, Jim Pike and Tony Butala.

They were with Jack Benny on stage as well as on his TV show.

I was returning from a Chicago business trip in the early 70s and had grown tired. I decided to stop in Evansville. IN to spend the night. I noted that the Lettermen were playing there and still had a late show that I could make if I hurried. I had heard, and loved, their music but hadn't seen them live. Bob Engemann had left the group and was replaced by Jim Pike's brother, Gary. Later Jim also retired and was replaced by another Pike brother, Donny. This then, was the group that made me a Lettermen fan for life. .

Gary, Tony and Donny