Among the greatest ballads of the 20th century, “When I Fall in Love” holds a timeless place. Composed in 1952 by Victor Young (music) and Edward Heyman (lyrics), it was first introduced in the film One Minute to Zero. While Nat King Cole’s 1956 version became the definitive classic, The Lettermen — the American male vocal trio known for their rich harmonies — brought the song back to prominence in the early 1960s.
The Lettermen, originally Tony Butala, Jim Pike, and Bob Engemann, formed in 1959 and quickly gained fame for their gentle, smooth vocal blend. Their 1961 release of “When I Fall in Love” became a breakout hit, climbing Adult Contemporary charts and solidifying the group’s reputation worldwide. It became one of their signature songs, inseparable from their identity as masters of harmony.
The Lettermen’s version transformed the song into more than just a love ballad. It captured the romantic spirit of the 1960s — a time when music was an anchor for innocence and sincerity. Their three-part harmony turned the lyrics into a tender promise, reminding listeners that love, once found, is complete and everlasting.
For many fans, this song became a “time machine” — carrying them back to youthful dates, gentle ballroom dances, or moonlit nights holding hands. The Lettermen immortalized the song as a symbol of sweetness, devotion, and the enduring power of love.