The Lettermen, one of the most popular vocal groups in pop music history, first hit it big with the romantic and melodic “The Way You Look Tonight” in 1961, which shot to the 13th spot on the charts.
The group will perform three Christmas-edition concerts in Bow.
Although their lettermen sweaters and name soon became outdated (along with similar names such as The Four Freshmen and The Four Preps), they were already a hit and their label insisted they stick to the original name. They had taken the middle ground between the Mills Brothers and The Platters, and it worked.
One of the founders, Tony Butala, remains with the group. Pre-Lettermen, he appeared with the Mitchell Boys Choir in classic films such as “White Christmas,” “Peter Pan” and “War of the Worlds.”
While still in high school, he formed a quartet that included Concetta Ingolia, later to be known as Connie Stevens.
The Lettermen are still known for their close harmonic sound made famous in songs such as “When I Fall In Love,” “Come Back Silly Girl” and 23 others that made the singles charts, including “Goin’ Out of My Head/Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
Del Rey and Matt Weiner: The ukulele-bass duo plus art-pop Tiny Manhood are recording a series of jazzy, old-timey duets as part of their Jack Straw Artist Support residency. They’ll perform and will be recorded live. Thursday, Seattle
Wolfmother: The Australian power trio’s self-titled album appeared in May and cracked the Top 40 chart. The riff-rock band of curly-haired Aussies is part of the 1970s rock revival, preaching a return to the creative use of instruments and vocals that disregards today’s modern packaged performers. Sunday, Seattle
Asleep at the Wheel: For some Wheel magic in Western swing, head to Tacoma. The long-running band (36 years) continues to draw appreciative crowds. The nine-time Grammy-winning band has had more than 80 members coming and going yet holds to its musical principles: Texas big band Western swing. Wednesday, Tacoma.
Iceage Cobra (and more): The high-energy Seattle band has been on the road with its “Brilliant Ideas from Amazing People.” Expect a mix of garage-rock, punk, metal, whatever lends itself to guitar riffs and dance beats, part of KEXP’s live show to raised money for Seattle schools. Saturday, Seattle
Amy Millan, Greg Laswell: Two good shows rolled into one. Millan (vocalist for Stars) will deliver indie pop with country shading as she tours off her first solo CD, “Honey from the Tombs.” Laswell’s touring with his pensively beautiful “Through Toledo.” Tonight, Seattle
Gypsy Soul: A critic called the duo “one of the most brilliantly instrumental and vocally adept bands alive and kicking. The most original material in the folk-rock scene today.” Gypsy Soul’s music has been featured in the movies and on TV shows. Expect a Celtic Christmas. Sunday, Seattle
New Riders of the Purple Sage: The bridge band between country and rock, which started in 1969 with a couple of Grateful Dead musicians and friends, continues. Tuesday, Seattle
Sea Songs: Celebrate maritime traditions in a free family program. Featured will be the Canoe Family Singers from the Samish Nation; Ruze Dalmatinke/Vela Luka Ensemble with music from the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia; the Samoan Men Singers; Dangerous Dave Densmore, Alaskan fishing boat captain and poet; and a performance of traditional naval bosun’s whistles. Saturday, Seattle
The Lettermen perform this weekend in Bow.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
