Fabulous '50s & Beyond with Frankie Avalon, The Lettermen, and more

Born in South Philadelphia, Frankie Avalon, known for 1959's "Venus," transitioned from teen idol to actor in successful '60s Beach Party films with Annette Funicello. A former trumpet prodigy, he remained musically active, performing with Bobby Rydell and Fabian.

The Lettermen, formed in 1959 by Tony Butala, Jim Pike, and Bob Engemann, are renowned for their close-harmony pop style. Their 1961 hit "The Way You Look Tonight" marked the first of 20 Billboard Hot 100 singles, including "When I Fall in Love" and "Goin' Out of My Head." They achieved sustained success on the Billboard 200, with a series of albums, including "A Song for Young Love," reaching high positions. The group remained active for decades, with Butala retiring in 2019. They received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2019, maintaining appeal with concert tours and nostalgic releases.