A Vintage Four Seasons YouTube Clip form the early 60s.

A lucky fan plays Opus 17 on Joe Long's famous bass guitar: Joe Long YouTube.
"There is no "correct" way of playing the electric base (Sir Paul plays his like a guitar). Joey LaBracio just played it in a "plucking" motion, primarily because he was training to become a classical bassist..." rwboa22 (YouTube)

The Four Seasons

1967: Long, Valli, Gaudio and Devito

2007: Long, Valli, Gaudio and Devito

The Four Seasons

Left to Right: Joe Long, Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio and Tommy DeVito

The Cast Of Broadway's Tony Award Winning Jersey Boys and The Four Seasons
New York City 10/21/07

Above The Four Seasons Left to right: Long, Valli, Gaudio and DeVito

Above "The Four Seasons" with the cast of Broadway's Jersey Boys

On Sunday evening October 21 fans of the award winning musical smash Jersey Boys had the rare opportunity to meet Broadway's "Four Seasons" at an exclusive cocktail party benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA).

Tony Award-winner John Lloyd Young (Frankie Valli), Tony Award-winner Christian Hoff (Tommy DeVito), Daniel Reichard (Bob Gaudio), J. Robert Spencer (Nick Massi/Joe Long) and cast members of Jersey Boys came together for a special one-time-only evening of conversation, cocktails and hors d'ouevres with fans of the show.
The legendary members of The Four Seasons Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio and Tommy DeVito and Joe Long were also on-hand. The event was held at The View Bar on the 48th floor of The Marriott Marquis in Times Square, and also featured a silent and live auction of rare autographed one of a kind Jersey Boys memorabilia.

"Jersey Boys is the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons; a group of blue collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks who became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records world wide – all before they were thirty," explain press notes.

Visit BC/EFA.org for more information on Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. For tickets and information on Jersey Boys visit JerseyBoysInfo.com

above Left to Right: Valli, Long and Gaudio

Sunday October 21, 2007
I’ll make this short, and then you can continue on and view the pictures.
What can I say? Another “Oh What A Night” happening to experience. I just can’t get enough of these, and when I think there will be no more another opportunity presents itself. The main purpose of this evening was to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Funds Aids, surely a very worthwhile purpose. But in all honesty I was there to see the Jersey Boys, both faux and real. Meeting up with old friends and finally put faces to names I had only known by way of the Internet. Everyone involved was as gracious and friendly as could be.
The highlight of the evening was having Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Joe Long together in one setting.

- F.R.

The Four Seasons Guitar Guys: DeVito and Long

Valli, Gauio and Long take some time for a few pics!

Above: Long and Gaudio
Jersey Boys Broadway Tony Award Winning star John Lloyd Young with The Four Season's Frankie Valli and Joe Long
Frankie Valli, Joe Long and Bob Gaudio

Original "Jersey Boys" Joe Long and Tommy DeVito are still recording after all these years.. and they sound great!!

We are all looking forward to hearing some of these new tunes!

FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS: The Motown Years

RELEASE DATE: May 27, 2008 Limited Edition CD

It was a dream come true: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, who had shared and sometimes battled on the charts with Motown in their respective ‘60s heydays, signed with the company in 1972. There were two albums, several singles, no hits—at least not right away—and then a mutual parting. But the prized, sophisticated recordings, long sought after by fans, and even more desired since the global success of the musical Jersey Boys, were stuck back in the vault. These rare recordings include the legendary members of The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio and Tommy DeVito and Joe Long

Now for the first time ever, Hip-oSelect.com collects the great Motown albums and singles of the Four Seasons and solo Frankie Valli released from 1972 through 1975. The Motown Years, a 2-CD set compiled with the cooperation of the group, features the album Chameleon and the LP issued as a Valli solo set, Inside You, along with every U.S. and U.K. single not included on either LP. Here’s a glimpse inside the set’s booklet sleeve notes by noted chronicler Brian Chin:
“Chameleon, produced by [the Four Season’s Bob] Gaudio, and written by him with collaborations from his then-wife Brit, Bob Crewe, and the group’s newly-arrived keyboard and organ player, Al Ruzicka, plainly responds to the signals of game-changing albums like Carole King’s Tapestry and the first post-Beatles solo albums. Confessional, adult-oriented relationship stories dominate the album…”
Eventually Frankie and the group looked to go back to independent production. In 1975, just as they broke away, Motown U.K. released “The Night,” a popular underground club track, as a single—and it leapt into the British national Top 10. But by then the Four Seasons had bought back a track they had worked up for Motown: “My Eyes Adored You.” It became a No. 1 Frankie Valli solo hit on Private Stock, while “December 1963 (Oh What Night),” written while they were at Motown, became a group No. 1 at Warner Bros. Both songs retained their Jobete Publishing copyright.
The rest of the music they left behind at Motown has endured. Rejoice, Seasons fans. The Motown Years is finally here.

It was a dream come true: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, who had shared and sometimes battled on the charts with Motown in their respective ‘60s heydays, signed with the company in 1972. There were two albums, several singles, no hits—at least not right away—and then a mutual parting. But the prized, sophisticated recordings, long sought after by fans, and even more desired since the global success of the musical Jersey Boys, were stuck back in the vault.

Now, for the first time ever, Hip-oSelect.com collects the great Motown albums and singles of the Four Seasons and solo Frankie Valli released from 1972 through 1975. The Motown Years, a 2-CD set compiled with the cooperation of the group, features the album Chameleon and the LP issued as a Valli solo set, Inside You, along with every U.S. and U.K. single not included on either LP. Here’s a glimpse inside the set’s booklet sleeve notes by noted chronicler Brian Chin:

“Chameleon, produced by [the Four Season’s Bob] Gaudio, and written by him with collaborations from his then-wife Brit, Bob Crewe, and the group’s newly-arrived keyboard and organ player, Al Ruzicka, plainly responds to the signals of game-changing albums like Carole King’s Tapestry and the first post-Beatles solo albums. Confessional, adult-oriented relationship stories dominate the album…”

Eventually Frankie and the group looked to go back to independent production. In 1975, just as they broke away, Motown U.K. released “The Night,” a popular underground club track, as a single—and it leapt into the British national Top 10. But by then the Four Seasons had bought back a track they had worked up for Motown: “My Eyes Adored You.” It became a No. 1 Frankie Valli solo hit on Private Stock, while “December 1963 (Oh What Night),” written while they were at Motown, became a group No. 1 at Warner Bros. Both songs retained their Jobete Publishing copyright.
The rest of the music they left behind at Motown has endured. Rejoice, Seasons fans. The Motown Years is finally here.

Now available at: http://www.hip-oselect.com/scr.public.productdetails.asp?product_id=693CB7F0-EFCD-40A8-9562-0F974A1C193E

DID YOU KNOW?

JOE LONG REMAINS THE ONLY MEMBER OF THE FOUR SEASONS NOT INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME IN CLEVELAND.

Despite his extensive contributions to the Four Seasons, Joe Long remains the only member of the group's “definitive line up” not inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, most likely because he was not one of groups "founders" in 1962. Much controversy still exists over this questionable decision, especially in light of the many top-10 hits the group had during his tenure.

Send your comments to:
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination Committee Rolling Stone Magazine Headquarters and Wenner Publishing: 1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10104-0298

You can also email: Ms. Terry Stewart, President Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at: suhl@rockhall.org

The Boycott of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
If you are a true rock and roll fan you should boycott the rock and roll hall of fame, do not watch its well hyped TV induction show and do not buy tickets to visit their museum in cleveland!

The fans of rock and roll music that pay to buy albums/CDs, concert tickets, admission tickets to the rock and roll hall of fame museum, watch sponsors TV ads during the induction shows, etc. have no voice in the induction process. Only a few elite insiders (mostly from Rolling Stone Magazine) deside what the rock and roll fans should like and only they deside who goes into the rock and roll hall of fame in Cleveland.

A wrote a letter requesting that Joe Long be inducted with the other members of The Four Season (he belongs! I saw them in concert at the Garden and AC, these rock and roll elitists from Rolling Stone Mag did not!! But yet they will tell us, the fans who are the best rock and roll musicians. Thanks, however I think the fans know better).

Thanks! Bill Barnes, NYC

The Response to my letter to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

Thanks for your comments about Joe Long.
Nomination and induction into the Hall of Fame is not about popularity, records sales, which label the group is on, or anything other than the process below. The love for, the evaluation of, and the impact of any artist are subjective questions to be answered by the nominators and the voters. Unlike baseball, football, basketball or hockey, statistics are not relevant.
The entire nomination and induction process is coordinated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in New York City. Artists can be inducted in four categories: Performer, Early Influence, Non-Performer and Side-Men. The latter three categories are evaluated and decided by separate committees. The selection of Performers is a two-step process as described below.
The only formal criteria for the performance category is that an artist has to have had their first record 25 years ago. That said, candidates are reviewed and discussed relative to their impact on this music that we broadly call rock and roll. The innovation and influence of these artists is also critical. Gold records, number one hits, and million sellers are really not appropriate standards for evaluation.
The formal selection of Performers begins with an extensive panel of journalists, historians, previous inductees, noted musicians, industry heads, etc. In turn, those nominated are sent to a committee of more than 500 people around the world (journalists, historians, music industry management, all living inductees, musicians, etc.) who vote. Those receiving the highest number of votes and more than 50% of the votes cast are inducted into the Hall. Usually, this means five to seven new performing members each year. All this said, you can see the road to being inducted is an arduous one and for the most part, removed from the realm of influences or politics.
Once the Four Seasons were selected, the Advisory Committee looked at the history of the group, i.e., origins, songwriting for the group, arranging the group, etc., and decided to induct only the original four members. I understand your displeasure but this is a ruling that has to be made with every band or group inducted. Each time, this committee examines the history and impact of all those playing a role and then makes a determination as to who is inducted..
Peace & Soul, Rock & Roll!

Sharon Uhl

suhl@rockhall.org

The Four Seasons

Long, Valli, Gaudio and DeVito

* Note: Nick Massi had also briefly played with the early Four Seasons, sadly Nick passed away in 2000 and will be greatly missed by many.

The Four Seasons Honored in NYC 2006

DeVito, Valli and Gaudio

Note: Joe Long is the only band member missing since he is the only Four Season band member not inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Additional Note: also missing is Nick Massi (band member 1962-64) he sadly died in 2000

THE FOUR SEASONS ON ED SULLIVAN SHOW

Click Here to View The Four Seasons (Valli, Gaudio, DeVito and Long) on The Ed Sullivan Show

The 4 Seasons at Radio Station Promo 1965:

JOE LONG ONLY ORGINAL MEMBER OF THE FOUR SEASONS NOT IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME:

Did you know that Joe Long was the only orginal Four Season not inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the other 4 Seasons? Yes its true, he was over looked on some silly technicality. So, if you feel like most The Four Seasons fans then please take a moment to let the R&R Hall of Fame know how your feel: suhl@rockhall.org.

Please Contact Terry Stewart (Terry is aware of the oversite and we are all working with Terry and other board members to correct the problem ASAP):
Terry Stewart, President
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
One Key Plaza Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Email: suhl@rockhall.org

Also Contact:
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination Committee,
Rolling Stone Magazine Headquarters and Wenner Publishing
1290 Avenue of the Americas
2nd FloorNew York, NY 10104-0298

If you can help let us know: The Committee to Send Joe Long to Cleveland
Also, visit our blog and add your comments at: http://JoeLong2Cleveland.blogspot.com
Contact Us: Prof. Scott R. Stout, M.A. (NJ), Committee Chair at: SRSPSYCH@aol.com

Great 4 Seasons Concert Photo

The 4 Seasons in Asbury Park

What a show!!! Frankie, Bobby, Tommie and Joey where just awesome!!! It was classic Jersey Shore Rock that night!!! Played all the classics! Thanks for the show guys! Oh, what a night Late August back in seventy-three!!!

Also, checked out the "Boss" many years later. Another "Jersey Boy" that knows how to rock!!! Great Show!!!

The Four Sesons Singles:
1962: "Sherry", peaked at #1 on US pop chart
1962: "Big Girls Don't Cry", #1
1963: "Walk Like a Man", #1
1963: "Candy Girl", #3
1963: "Marlena"
1964: "Dawn (Go Away)", #3
1964: "Stay"
1964: "Ronnie", #6
1964: "Alone", #28
1964: "Rag Doll", #1
1964: "Save It For Me", #10
1964: "Big Man In Town"
1965: "Bye, Bye, Baby (Baby, Goodbye)", #12
1965: "Girl Come Running"
1965: "Let's Hang On (To What We've Got)", #3
1965: "Don't Think Twice (It's Allright)"
1966: "Working My Way Back To You", #9
1966: "Opus 17 (Don't You Worry 'Bout Me)", #13
1966: "I've Got You Under My Skin", #9
1966: "Tell It To The Rain"
1967: "Beggin'"
1967: "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", #2
1967: "C'mon Marianne", #9
1968: "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" )
1974: "My Eyes Adored You", #1
1975: "Swearin' To God", #6
1975: "Who Loves You", #3
1975: "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)", #1

A rare autographed pix of all 4 seasons ... I would not sell for any price!











Check this one Out!
An exciting website for all fans of the Four Seasons:
http://genuine-imitation-life-gazette.com

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons ~ Downloadable Collectors Newsletter :
Our latest newsletter No 47 is published below. It features 29 pages containing original research and articles, more scrapbook cuttings of articles on the group from the mid 60’s and some recently about “Jersey Boys”. The reproduced 60’s articles give an insight into the group’s image and promotion during their original ‘heyday’. We include a track by track description of their albums and singles during 1967 and an article which asks ”Will THE FOUR SEASONS Last Forever”….well so far so good!.

Great Articles, New Clipping and More Great 4 Season stuff on this site:
http://www.seasonally.co.uk/collectors.htm

New Clips and Stories such as:
"The Four Sesons Celebrate 5th Anniversary"
Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, Joe Long:
http://www.seasonally.co.uk/News47PDFs/News47Page11.pdf

"A Four Season (Joe Long) Gets Married":
http://www.seasonally.co.uk/News47PDFs/News47Page10.pdf

"Pics and interview with Gaudio, Valli, Long in the Recording Studio":
http://www.seasonally.co.uk/News47PDFs/News47Page14.pdf
"More Great Pics of All 4 Seasons in the Studio Recording & Looking Cool":
http://www.seasonally.co.uk/News47PDFs/News47Page13.pdf
http://www.seasonally.co.uk/News47PDFs/News47Page15.pdf

"The 4 Seasons Golden Touch" 1967:
http://www.seasonally.co.uk/News47PDFs/News47Page17.pdf
"More on Stage Pics, etc" 1967:
http://www.seasonally.co.uk/News47PDFs/News47Page5.pdf

The Rag Doll Video

You’ve got to love the narrator in the beginning of this video- very 1960s

From the show 'Where the Action Is'"

Opus 17 Frankie Valli Bass Cover (using Joe Long's Bass)
A great bit of Rock and Roll history: Joe Long 's Bass:

The Four Season Albums
1962: Sherry & 11 Others
1962: Four Seasons' Greetings
1963: Big Girls Don't Cry and Twelve Others
1963: Ain't That a Shame and 11 Others
1963: Folk Nanny
1964: Born to Wander
1964: Dawn (Go Away) and 11 Other Great Songs
1964: Rag Doll
1964: The Beatles Vs. The Four Seasons
1964: Girls, Girls, Girls - We Love Girls
1965: The 4 Seasons Entertain You
1966: Live on Stage
1966: Working My Way Back to You
1966: Lookin' Back
1966: The 4 Seasons' Christmas Album
1968: Edizione D'oro
1969: The Genuine Imitation Life Gazette
1969: Peanuts
1970: Half and Half
1972: Chameleon
1975: Fallen Angel
1975: Who Loves You
1976: Helicon

Anyone rember this show? $4 for a concert ticket... how great was that!!

THEY HAD GREAT ALBUM COVERS BACK THEN!

OTHER CLASSIC 4 SEASONS MUST HAVES BY ANY TRUE FAN:

Big Girls Dont Cry Video

The Perfect Christmas Gift!

The Four Seasons Holiday Songs of 1967

Click here to by the CD for your next Christmas Party!

The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, Joe Long.

All tracks have been digitally remastered, but the bottom line is that it's one of the best-ever pop-rock Christmas albums, right up there with A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR YOU FROM PHIL SPECTOR and the Beach Boys' CHRISTMAS ALBUM. It is a bit more traditional than either of those (translation: It rocks out only sporadically), but given the Season's vocal approach, there's something ineffably and wonderfully weird about hearing them sing, say, "The Excelsis Deo Medley"; this could easily be a bunch of Benedectine monks on helium. In any case, it's all but impossible to resist their great Jersey doo-wop take on "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" or a version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" done a la "Big Girls Don't Cry." Essential stuff!!

I Love this CD I have grown up listening to this CD on LP at my Mom's house and I was crying listening to the sound clips from this CD. I cannot believe that I found it on CD for my Mom !!!! She does not even have a LP player anymore so she cannot listen to her favorite holiday songs and this will just make her Christmas !!!!! Submitted by Sandy in Louisville, KY

The Four Seasons at work inthe studio

Fankie Valli as the lead singer, Bob Gaudio on keyboards, Tommy DeVito on lead guitar and Nick Massi on bass.