THE LETTERMEN



The dictionary defines harmony as “a combination of musical sounds considered to be

pleasing”. The music world could define harmony as “The Lettermen”. Donovan 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 attempt at a doo-wop single,

figuring radio 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”,

“Goin’ 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 enjoyed 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 there have been personnel changes over the years, the one thing that has

remained constant is the vision 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 continues. Harmony will always endure the true test of time—

just as The Lettermen have stood the test of time.

DONOVAN TEA

Donovan Tea is the epitome of a true born and raised Texas gentlemen. As the second most

tenured member in the history of The Lettermen, his vocal talents have been shared with

audiences around the world including Japan, The Philippines, America, etc.

Donovan began performing at the tender age of 17. He has performed in choral groups,

television shows, night clubs and cruise ships during the course of his storied career.

Besides being a natural performer, Donovan is a prolific published songwriter. Many of his

songs have been recorded, and some have even been included in Lettermen performances.

In 1984, while Donovan was the lead production singer in the Lido show in Las Vegas, The

Lettermen approached him and asked him to travel to Los Angeles where he sang with the

group. They found that they had a natural blend and Donovan was honored to be asked to join

the group. Donovan is now celebrating 35 years with the Lettermen. Donovan Tea has

remained a continuous member of The Lettermen since he joined the group and to this day he

still enjoys performing in front of a live audience.

You will find Donovan, during his time off, enjoying his favorite things in life such as spending

time with his wife, children, and training horses on his property outside of Nashville, Tennessee.

Career:

Winner of vocal competition in Guilford, England

Lead singer for The Young Americans

Toured Europe

Performed with L.A. Master Chorale at Hollywood Bowl

Opening for Sammy Davis, Jr.; Rich Little; Tony Bennett

Solo artist at the prestigious “The Horn” in Los Angeles

Cruise industry

Featured act in “Casino de Paris” at The Dunes Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas

The Stardust Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

Became a member of The Lettermen in 1984

Appearances/Accomplishments:

Performed for President Gerald Ford

Guest-starred on NBC’s holiday special “Merry Christmas, Fred, From the Crosby’s”

Tap danced with Fred Astaire

Sang backup for Bing Crosby on the song “White Christmas”

Participated in “Nashville’s Christmas For Kids”

Time Life

Benefit performances for “HomelessHeart.Org”

Telethons (Jerry Lewis MDA; Children’s Miracle Network; etc.)

National Anthems (National Championship Air Races; Pittsburgh Steelers & Pirates; etc.)

BOBBY POYNTON

Bobby graduated with a degree from Illinois Wesleyan University with a BFA in drama.

Once completing his college education Bobby worked on many television movies and theatrical

productions. He found that even though he was keeping busy it was never enough.

The opportunity came to audition for The Lettermen in 1988. Bobby enjoyed the traveling and

the performing but felt torn between his career and his family. As a result, he decided to put all

of his efforts into raising his family and decided to leave the group in 1995. During this time,

besides spending time with his family, Bobby explored various other entertaining avenues. As

time went on, Bobby realized that he really missed performing as he did with The Lettermen.

As life would have it, his realization coincided with an opportunity to rejoin The Lettermen in

2011. Bobby realized his return to The Lettermen was a true honor and he couldn't wait for the

chance to recreate the magic on stage and in the recording studio.

After 40 years in show business Bobby still realizes that the most important things in his life are

his wife, children and family. Bobby finally found the balance between performing and family,

and he couldn’t be happier.

Credits:

Days of Our Lives

Jake and the Fatman

Life Goes On

Scarecrow and Mrs. King

The Sentinel

Touched By An Angel

Viper

Promised Land

Walker: Texas Ranger

Sang a duet with Jennifer Love Hewitt, on the soundtrack of the 2001 animated feature film

"The Adventures Of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina,"

Became a member of The Lettermen – 1988-1995

Rejoined The Lettermen – 2011-present

Associated Acts:

The Diamonds 2001-2011

The Vogues

ROB GULACK

Rob Gulack came to The Lettermen after an exhaustive nationwide talent search in 2019. To

quote Rob, he says “I'm now ready to begin this next chapter in my life on the road again with

the world-renowned Lettermen”.

Music has always played an important part in Rob's life. When in college he performed in a

choral group that traveled through central and northern Europe on multiple occasions, singing

at some of the most prestigious cathedrals on the continent.

Rob signed his 1st recording deal in 1997 which included singing multiple styles of music for a

movie soundtrack division. Rob ultimately missed live performing and decided to get back out

there in front of the audiences he loved. Once again Rob became a live performer.

During this time, Rob had a young family and it became more difficult to be away from home.

He painstakingly made the difficult decision to step back from music industry and focus on his

family and a new career opportunity that would keep him closer to home.

As time went on Rob began writing, and performing, again in Southern California with a classic

rock band. This allowed him to keep music and performing very near and dear to his heart,

while at that the same time remaining focused on his family.

When the opportunity came along to explore the possibility of joining The Lettermen, he

decided to take the chance and see if he could, at this time in his life, fulfill his life’s passion.

After almost giving up hope on the dream that was always in his heart, the door finally opened

for him and he wasn’t going to miss out and by not taking the chance. Of all the applicants in

the nationwide search, Rob stood out with a voice and a personality you could not overlook.

Career:

Citrus Singers, Citrus College, Glendora, CA – 1993-1996

Interscope Records – 1997-1999

The Blue Note Swing Orchestra – 1999

Became a member of The Lettermen – 2019

www.TheLettermen.com