Cowboy Singer Russell Pike Dies

Russell Preston Pike Jr., a cowboy performer, radio singer and the father of two members of the popular 1960s vocal group The Lettermen, has died at his Twin Falls home. He was 87.

His sons, Jim and Gary Pike, had hits with such songs as “When I Fall in Love,” and “The Way You Look Tonight.” theme from “A Summer Place,” “Going Out of My Head/Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” and “Hurts So Bad.”

Russell Pike was born in Weston, Mo., where his father was a day laborer for area farmers. He started playing guitar and singing with his father at local dances at the age of 16. He was singing professionally on Midwest radio stations by 19 or 20 and Hollywood came calling in 1940.Instead, he moved to Twin Falls, where he died Saturday.

During World War II, Pike played on the radio, at dances and personal appearances with his band, “The Prairie Knights,” throughout Idaho.

He later toured the Midwest, and in about 1950 he moved to the eastern Idaho town of Swan Valley, where he opened the Covered Wagon, a restaurant, bar and ballroom.