If get this right, there will be many cover versions by future bands. I shall try and link live versions if they exist from the tellybox or a film, the sound quality may not be the best, but there is nothing like watching a real talent live.
So, in a sort of chronological order, my thirty seventh legend is: Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
The featured track “Sherry” was their biggest hit and one I remember well. Released in 1962. Ever since I first heard it I would singalong and being just a whippersnapper, could do the high notes. Terrific song and still played often today on the radio.
The Four Seasons are an American rock band that became internationally successful in the 1960s and 1970s. Since 1970, they have also been known at times as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. In 1960, the band known as the Four Lovers evolved into the Four Seasons, with Frankie Valli as the lead singer, Bob Gaudio (formerly of the Royal Teens) on keyboards and tenor vocals, Tommy DeVito on lead guitar and baritone vocals, and Nick Massi on electric bass and bass vocals. On nearly all of their 1960s hits they were credited as the 4 Seasons.
The legal name of the organization is the Four Seasons Partnership, formed by Gaudio and Valli, and was taken after a failed audition in 1960. While band members have come and gone, Gaudio and Valli remain the band’s constant (with each owning fifty percent of the act and its assets, including virtually all of its recording catalog). Gaudio no longer plays live, leaving Valli as the only member of the band from its inception who is touring as of 2021
The band’s original line-up was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and joined the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. They are one of the best-selling musical groups of all time, having sold an estimated 100 million records worldwide.
Francesco Stephen Castelluccio (born May 3, 1934), known professionally as Frankie Valli, is an American singer, known as the frontman of the Four Seasons beginning in 1960. He is known for his unusually powerful lead falsetto voice. Valli scored 29 top 40 hits with the Four Seasons, one top 40 hit under the Four Seasons alias the Wonder Who?, and nine top 40 hits as a solo artist. As a member of the Four Seasons, Valli’s number-one hits include “Sherry” (1962), “Big Girls Don’t Cry” (1962), “Walk Like a Man” (1963), “Rag Doll” (1964) and “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” (1975). Valli’s recording of the song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” reached number two in 1967. As a solo artist, Valli scored number-one hits with the songs “My Eyes Adored You” (1974) and “Grease” (1978).
A full discography is here: Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons – Big Girls Don t Cry 1962 – superb, another number 1 all over the world.
Frankie Valli & TFS – Walk Like A Man – Here they are performing live in 1992.
Frankie Valli – The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine (Anymore) – Bob Gaudio from The Four Seasons penned this and it’s his favourite among his own songs. The Walker Brothers turned it into an international hit soon after, but Frankie’s original didn’t do much for some reason.
Frankie Valli & Four Seasons – Candy Girl (Rare Studio Cut) ’63
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons – Dawn (Live in Chicago from 1982
Frankie Valli Performing Stay/December 1963 at Westbury Music Fair concert.
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons – Ronnie – Not released in the UK, but I like it.
Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons – Alone – Lovely be-bop
Frankie Valli – Save it for me – lovely ballad
Frankie Valli & TFS Bye Bye Baby – This is why I do like The Bay City Rollers (no laughing at the back)
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – Lets Hang On – How good is this, live in 1965.
Frankie Valli & Four Seasons Live 1975 – Who Loves You – awesome
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) (Official Music Video) – You must know this one!
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons – Theme From Grease (Live) – Loved this film, pretty awesome
Frankie Valli – My Eyes Adored You 1974 Midnight Special – A soppy one
I think one of my all time favourites. A timeless classic. Here he is in 2016. Frankie Valli Rag Doll 2016
Singalong, enjoy and be happy!
Links to previous Legend articles:
Featured Image: “Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons – The Best Of” by Brett Jordan is marked with CC BY 2.0.
© Phil the ex test manager 2022
