The Lettermen
The dictionary defines harmony as "a combination of musical sounds considered to be pleasing". The music world could define harmony at "The Lettermen".
Donavon Tea, Bobby Poynton and Rob Gulack, each of whom are entertainers in their own right, have kept the meaning of harmony alive with their soft, romantic, harmonic blend of music which is as popular with their fans today as it was in 1961 when The Lettermen recorded their first hit, "The Way You Look Tonight".
For The Lettermen debut single record in the summer of 1961, Capitol Records decided to put a romantic ballad on the B-side of "That's My Desire", which was an ateempt at a doo-wop single, figuring readio stations would have to play the A-side because the B-side was so sweet, and slow, and did not necessarily encompass the commercial sound of the day. The B-side was "The Way You Look Tonight". Soft, melodic and romantic, it was a departure from the rock 'n' roll music of the day. Eventually, listener requests made it a must for radio station play lists nationwide. The song shot to No. 13, on the Billboard chart. The group's second single that year did even better. "When I Fall In Love," another soft, slow ballad hit No. 7, establishing The Lettermen as the most romantic singing group of a generation.
To their credit, The Lettermen have over 75 albums - numerous certified gold - and a myriad of hits including "When I Fall In Love," "Come Back Silly Girl", "Theme From A Summer Place", "Going Out Of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You", "Put Your Head On My Shoulder", "Hurt So Bad", and "Shangri-La".
The Lettermen have also enjoed international success touring Japan, The Philippines, China, Thailand, Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, Germany, France, South America, Canada, MExico and even Saudi Arabia.
They have sung and recorded in many different languages and have received eighteen gold records internationally. Even though that have been personnel changes over the years, the one thing that has remained constant is the cision that Tony Butala first dreamed of - that unique three-part harmony as only The Lettermen can achieve. Though musical tastes have changed over the years, The Lettermen legacy continures. Harmony will always endure the true test of time - just as The Lettermen have stoof the test of time.
“Thank you so much for another great Lettermen show!! As always, all the guys were excellent to work with. It’s not that common for every single person in an organization is a joy to work with. FABULOUS SHOW & THE AUDIENCE STILL LOVES THEM. More standing ovations. Tony left The Lettermen in great hands. His vision, love and dedication to the audience lives on with Donovan, Bobby and Rob. This was the 38th year we have booked them for 2 shows in one day.”
Denny Hitchcock
Executive Producer/ President
Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse
Rock Island, Illinois
“The Garden State Arts Foundation was proud to have the Lettermen grace our stage at the PNC Bank Arts Center on Wed. May 17. As in the past, The Lettermen were fantastic. With a crowd of approximately 5,000 they wowed the audience. As people were leaving after the show many stopped to say how they loved every minute of The Lettermen performance. Again we thank these great entertainers and would definitely welcome them back.”
Cookie Santiago
Garden State Arts Foundation
Holmdel, NJ
“Lost for words what a great show and fabulous harmonies , we love The Lettermen”
Michael Libonati, Entertainment Director
South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa – Las Vegas, NV
Asher Franco, born and raised in southern California, is a captivating vocalist who effortlessly channels the timeless elegance of legends like Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, Bobby Darin, and the electrifying Elvis Presley. With a voice that resonates through the decades, Asher is a rising star in the world of classic jazz and swing.
Asher’s journey began at the age of 10 when he stumbled upon hits by the crooners of yesteryear. The smooth sounds of Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” Bublé’s soulful renditions, along with Presley’s rock ‘n’ roll anthems ignited a passion within him. Inspired by the suave crooners and the rebellious spirit of Elvis, Asher embarked on a musical quest to revive the golden era of swing.
Much like Sinatra, Asher understands that a song is more than just lyrics and melody—it’s a story waiting to be told. His velvet-smooth voice glides effortlessly over lush orchestral arrangements, capturing the essence of romance, heartache, and longing. Whether he’s belting out “My Way” or crooning “Strangers in the Night,” Asher pays homage to Sinatra’s impeccable phrasing and emotional depth.
Asher extends beyond the classics, breathing new life into Elton John’s timeless hits, singing them with the same fervor that made Elton a legend. When Asher delivers “Your Song,” the audience feels the magic. And when performing Billy Joel’s classics, Asher’s voice carries the weight of Joel’s storytelling.
Be sure to watch the marquee, as Asher Franco is set to captivate the audience. His voice, akin to matured whiskey, leaves a lasting impression even after the performance ends. Bathed in the warm glow of the spotlight, he confidently raises the microphone, transporting listeners to a realm where love, swing, and rock ‘n’ roll intersect.