Four Seasons biography

This highly acclaimed New Jersey, USA vocal group first came together in the mid-50s with a line-up comprising vocalists Frankie Valli (b. Francis Castelluccio, 3 May 1937, Newark, New Jersey, USA), brothers Nick and Tommy DeVito (b. 19 June 1936, Bellville, New Jersey, USA) and Hank Majewski. Initially known as the Variatones, then the Four Lovers, they enjoyed a minor US hit in 1956 with "You're The Apple Of My Eye", composed by Otis Blackwell. After being dropped by RCA Records, they recorded a single for Epic, following which Valli departed in 1958. As a soloist he released "I Go Ape", composed by singer Bob Crewe. Meanwhile, the Four Lovers released several records under pseudonymous names, during which Nick DeVito and Majewski departed to be replaced by Nick Massi (b. Nicholas Macioci, 19 September 1935, Newark, New Jersey, USA, d. 24 December 2000, Newark, New Jersey, USA) and Bob Gaudio (b. 17 December 1942, the Bronx, New York, USA), a former member of the Royal Teens. After combining with Crewe and Gaudio, the group evolved into the Four Seasons, recording the single "Bermuda"/"Spanish Lace" for the End label, before signing with Vee Jay Records.

There, they released "Sherry", which reached number 1 in the USA in September 1962. A brilliant example of falsetto, harmony pop, the track established the group as one of America's most popular. Two months later, they were back at the top with the powerful "Big Girls Don't Cry" and achieved the same feat the following March with the equally powerful "Walk Like A Man". All these hits were underpinned by lustrous, soaring harmonies and thick up-front production, which gave the Seasons a sound that was totally unique in pop at that time. Their international fame continued throughout 1964 when they met fierce competition from the Beatles. A sign of their standing was evinced by Vee Jay's release of a battle of the bands album featuring the Seasons and the Beatles. Significantly, when the Fab Four held four of the Top 5 positions in the Billboard chart during early 1964, the Four Seasons represented the solitary competition with "Dawn (Go Away)" at number 3. The sublime "Rag Doll" brought them back to the top in the summer of 1964. Nick Massi left the group the following year and was replaced by Charles Calello and then Joe Long. It was during this period that they playfully released a version of Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" under the pseudonym the Wonder Who?.

Valli, meanwhile, was continuing to enjoy solo hits including the US number 2 single "Can't Take My Eyes Off You". By the end of the 60s, the group reflected the changing times by attempting to establish themselves as a more serious act with Genuine Imitation Life Gazette. The album was poorly received, however, and following its release Gaudio replaced Crewe as producer. When Tommy DeVito left in 1970, the lucrative Four Seasons back catalogue and rights to the group name rested with Valli and Gaudio. A brief tie-up with Berry Gordy's Motown Records label saw the release of Chameleon, which despite favourable reviews sold poorly. Meanwhile, Valli was receiving unexpected success in the UK thanks to a northern soul dancefloor revival of "You're Ready Now", which reached number 11 in 1971.

Throughout the early 70s, membership of the Four Seasons was erratic, and Gaudio retired from performing to concentrate on producing. Despite impending deafness, Valli was back at number 1 in 1975 with "My Eyes Adored You". With an old track from Chameleon, "The Night", adding to the glory and the latest group line-up reaching the US Top 3 with "Who Loves You", it was evident that the Four Seasons were as popular as ever. Immense success followed as the group became part of the disco boom sweeping America. The nostalgic "December 1963 (Oh What A Night)" was a formidable transatlantic number 1 in 1976, but the following year, Valli left the group to concentrate on his solo career. While he again hit number 1 in the USA with the Barry Gibb movie theme, Grease, the Four Seasons continued with drummer Gerry Polci taking on lead vocals. Valli returned to the group for a double album recorded live at Madison Square Garden. A team-up with the Beach Boys on the single "East Meets West" in 1984 was followed by a studio album, Streetfighter, which featured Valli. In 1990, the group was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Still going strong, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons have become an institution whose illustrious history spans several musical eras, from the barber shop harmonies of the 50s to the disco beat of the 70s and beyond. It is however the timeless hit singles of the 60s to which the group are indelibly linked.