The Four Seasons … By Joe Moretti

The Four Seasons. …This was a knockout group. One of the few vocal groups that managed to stay out in front as the "New wave" of rockers hit the scene in 1964 [The Beatles etc}. The original line up was as follows : Tom Devito, born June 19, 1935. Nick Massi, born September 19, 1935. Frankie Valli a.k.a Frank Castellucio, born May 3,1937. Bob Gaudio, born November 17, 1942. As a matter of fact the Four seasons didn't just survive the onslaught, 1964 was the best year of the all for the group. Frankie Valli had a three octave range and the harmonies and arrangements were immaculate. Bob Gaudio was responsible for much of the songwriting and the Four Seasons were never short on imagination when it came to production. They incorporated most of the great influences that were around at the time including Phil Spector's " Wall of sound "and Motown's great feel. They had two dozen hit singles from 1962-68 including the number one hits "Sherry" "Rag Doll" "Walk Like A Man" and "Big Girls Don't Cry". The most successful white doo- wop group in record history, they have sold more than 100 million records worldwide. As a teenager Frankie Valli lived in Newark, New Jersey, and originally sang with the "Varietones". The name was later changed to the "Four Lovers" and had a minor hit in 1956 with Otis Backwell's "You're The Apple Of My Eye". When Bob Gaudio joined them they changed the name to The Four Seasons and added the strength of Philadelphia Producer Bob Crewe to their recording work. In addition to the wonderful talents of Bob Gaudi and Frankie Valli, special mention must be made of Tommy DeVito { Singer/guitarist } and Nick Massi { Bass vocalist/Vocal Arranger }.

Nick was later replaced by Joe Long. I had the good fortune to work on the same bill with them around 1965 on their UK tour and they were as musically brilliant and cohesive live as they were on their recordings, in fact even more so. The Four Seasons reformed in 1975 with the New group retaining original members Valli and Gaudio and hit the charts again with " Who Loves You" and "Oh What A Night". Frankie Valli has enjoyed great success as a solo artist with " My Eyes Adored You" and "Grease". The movie " Forest Gump " brought " Oh What A Night" to the musical fore once more and it re-entered the singles charts making it the longest chart single in history with fifty two weeks.

The Four Seasons were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1990.

Joe Moretti……May 2002

©Copyright BNC2000 & all rights reserved