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December 1963
#1 in 1976
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In 1960, the group 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 bass guitar
and bass vocals (Massi was replaced in 1965 by Charles Calello, who was
in turn replaced in 1965 by Joe Long on bass guitar and bass vocals).
The Four Seasons released their first single in 1961 ("Bermuda"/"Spanish
Lace" on Gone Records). While the single did not chart, the songs
gave the group enough of a following to be signed with Vee Jay Records
late that year. In 1962, the group released their first album featuring
the single "Sherry", which was not only their first charted
hit but also their first number one song. Under the guidance of
producer/songwriter Bob Crewe, The Four Seasons followed up "Sherry"
with several million-selling hits, including "Big Girls Don't Cry"
(their second #1 hit), "Walk Like a Man" (their third #1), "Candy
Girl", "Ain't That a Shame", and several others.
Currently there is a play on Broadway entitled "The Jersey Boys"
which is the life story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons |