Jim Pike, co-founder of Lettermen vocal group, dies at 82

[turbinetree]

Source: Associated Press

By JOHN ROGERS 29 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jim Pike, co-founder and lead singer of The Lettermen, whose lush vocal harmonies made the Grammy-nominated trio one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1960s, has died at age 82.

Pike died June 9 at his home in Prescott, Arizona, his sister-in-law Becky Pike told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The cause was complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

Pike and Bob Engemann, a college buddy from Brigham Young University, formed The Lettermen in Los Angeles in 1961 with fellow singer Tony Butala.

They were looking for a name that would resonate with young people, Pike’s younger brother, Gary, said Wednesday, when Engemann suggested The Lettermen. Butala noted that he’d briefly sung with a group using that name and he’d have to ask its leader for permission.





Read more: https://www.apnews.com/9a753947ba33495b8bb6c2bc11f4f25a

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[NBachers]

1. Beautiful, heart-centered music that opens people up to love.

They were around for my entire growing-up time, and their songs are part of my musical DNA. Yes, the years went by when I thought they were sappy and over-wrought, and sought out music with a harder edge.

I still like the harder-edged music, but there's no denying the talent these guys had, and the love and emotions they helped people share.

And through times of love, or no love, or disappointment, or hope, their music can still re-awaken what it is, what it has been, what it could be, in my own heart. And that's good.

[Honeycombe8]

2. A great group. Out of date now, but back in the day....

Great harmony, romantic. Kinda corny these days, but when you're in love, you appreciate corny. Songs like the Carpenters. The Four Seasons.

I think the members of the group changed over the years? Not sure.

[ChazII]

3. Grew up in the '70's

but can still lip sync to their music. Sort of musical comfort food for me.