Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, WA Home Inspector (King of the House)

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Stories Behind the Music -- What a Long and Glorious Ride

If a person was to try to rank the all-time most popular American male rock or pop group, the Four Seasons would have to be right up there near the top. These guys were cranking super hits before anyone ever heard of the British Invasion. The Four Seasons were "Jersey Boys" and they worked hard to achieve their success and fame. Frankie Valli, the lead singer, had been in the music business for ten years prior to his music catching on in the early 1960's. Valli's falsetto is legend in pop music. The boys took the name from a bowling alley, The Four Seasons, where they had an audition that went nowhere. At least they got a name out of the deal.

Sherry, the first of several #1 hits for the group, was recorded in 15 minutes. I could not find a video that was, exclusively, dedicated to their rendition of Sherry, but this is an early video and includes Sherry and a number of their hits through 1966. It is reported to be from an American Bandstand broadcast.

Sherry was at the top of the charts in 1962. But, if we race ahead 12 years, we connect up with the Four Seasons final #1 hit. The Seasons at that point, as far as original members, consisted of Frankie Valli and three recruits. A former member, with his wife, had been involved in writing the song that would be their last hit -- December, 1963. Bob Gaudio, co-writer, said that it described events that had taken place 30 years previously -- the repeal of prohibition. I do not think many fans knew that, but they liked the tune.

These guys had such staying power that, even now, there is a major musical about the group. It is playing at theaters around the world and on Broadway. The show is The Jersey Boys.

For more "Stories Behind the Music" click on the guitar

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspections

Comments

Hi Steven,

I'm glad for your post. You mentioned a group that I hadn't thought of in a long time. I'm going to login to iTunes later and relive some of the Four Seasons' songs.

Michael

Posted by Michael Caruso Real Estate Group about 1 year ago

Michael,

Yeah, I liked them. Especially some of the stuff without so much falsetto. I would like to see The Jersey Boys.

Posted by Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc) about 1 year ago

I really liked the beat of that second song.  I remember them both rather fondly.  Another good lesson.  It was especially interesting about the repeal of prohibition. (Now that's a strange word, isn't it?)

Posted by Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) about 1 year ago

Thanks for a shout out to your "Jersey Boys" :-). Great info on the Four Seasons too!

Posted by Jim Albano / North Jersey Real Estate Team - Jean-Marie Vantuno / Realtors® (Prudential Damiano Realty ) about 1 year ago

Steve, although not normally my taste, I liked the Four Seasons.  Thanks for the post. Wow, high school.

Posted by Jack Gilleland (Home Inspection Services Clayton) about 1 year ago

Barbara,

They were a fun group.

Jim,

Speaking of Jersey Boys, welcome.

Jack,

I know what you mean and I liked them too.

Posted by Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc) about 1 year ago

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