FrankieValli

Frankie
Valli

    Frankie Valli was born Frank Castelluccio on May 3, 1937. As a teenager living in Newark, New Jersey, Valli sang with the Varietones, who later changed their name to the Four Lovers and had a minor hit with an Otis Blackwell number, "You're The Apple Of My Eye," in 1956. With the addition of Bob Gaudio, they changed their name to the Four Seasons and began working with Philadelphia producer Bob Crewe. In addition to Gaudio and Valli, the Four Seasons' definitive lineup included singer/guitarist Tommy DeVito and bass vocalist/vocal arranger Nick Massi (later replaced by Joe Long).
     During a hitmaking streak that spanned the years 1962-68, the Four Seasons netted two dozen Top Forty singles, including the Number One hits "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man" and "Rag Doll." They've sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them the most successful white doo-wop group in rock and roll history.
     Frankie launched his solo career in 1965, while still continuing with the group which was re-billed as "Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons." His debut solo single was "(You're Gonna) Hurt Yourself" at the end of 1965, but his first solo success came with the gold-selling "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (June 1967), which appeared on his first solo album, "Frankie Valli—Solo" (July 1967). This was followed by "Timeless" (1968). Frankie then discontinued his solo work for half a dozen years, concentrating on the group instead.
     In 1975, a re-formed Four Seasons built around Valli and Gaudio found the top of the charts again with two disco hits "Who Loves You" and "December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night)." Though neither was released on 12" singles the 7" 45rpm of "Who Loves You" features a "disco version" on side-b.
     Frankie who had resumed his solo career with the number one hit "My Eyes Adored You" (November 1974), also jumped into the disco arena with one of disco's earliest 12" singles, "Swearin' To God" (May 1975). He followed that with several more singles for the Private Stock label including "Our Day Will Come" (October 1975). He hit the number one spot again in 1978 with the timeless "Grease" from the blockbuster movie and found a whole new generation of fans.
     By 1980 he was on MCA Records and would have his biggest disco success with the release of the album "Soul." The medley of "Soul/Heaven Above Me" was one of those rare songs that, even though it was brand new, sounded like something from the past. That was due in part to Valli's recognizable voice. The song has all the elements that constitute a favorite, violins, lots of musical shifts and changes and a workable mix. The one fault was that MCA didn't release it on a 12" single. This would be Valli's final solo output but not his last charting hit.
     Frank Valli & The Four Seasons were also signed to MCA Records in the early 1980's. In 1985 the group, along with Valli, would score two final disco charters with the 12" singles of "Book Of Love" and "Streetfighter." The two uptempo tunes were well within sync of the modern times and received serious club exposure. However little promotion and a lack of faith from the label failed to help them onto the pop charts.
     In 1988 Dutch remixer/legendary D.J. Ben Liebrand remixed three Four Seasons tracks that made their way to America as import 12" singles. "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore," Who Loves You '88" and "December 1963 (Oh What A Night)." Though the originals are quite good and very danceable these remixes become the definitive versions of these tracks. Ben gave them a fresh approach while retaining the original integrity of each song. If you happen to find them, buy them!
     Since the mid-1980's the Four Seasons, along with Valli, have kept a low profile. They can be seen occasionally on an oldies concert and in 1990 they were inducted in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. On Christmas Eve 2000 Nick Massi passed away.
     Valli still performs regularly and was recently seen As Rusty Millio on episodes of "The Sopranos" in 2004. Our hats off to one of America's premier groups and the voice behind them...thanks Mr. Vall!