From a tape kept by the late Tommy DeVito, here's Dawn  as performed in 1964 by the original Four Seasons. Sublime. 

On his 90th birthday, Frankie Valli (right) and the Four Seasons received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame a few minutes ago. Frankie and the Seasons were the music of my life and I am thrilled he received this honor. When others were excited about the Beatles and the Dave Clark Five, I was singing along to Dawn  and  Big Girls Don't Cry. Congratulations Frankie!! Today is also the birthday anniversary of my late father, Dick Smith. He would have been 93. Dad, I miss you every day!!

#15, Tommy DeVito headed for the end zone From a DuckDuckGo search earlier this week: Same name, same state,   different generations.  Tommy DeVito was the founding member of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons , by far the #1 early 1960's pop music group in the USA until Beatles "invasion" in 1964. He grew up in Belleville (northern) New Jersey and lived with his family until he dropped out of school after the 8th grade. When you watch Goodfellas  (starring his lifelong friend Joe Pesci) and hear the name "Tommy DeVito," it was named after this TDeV. CNN Tommy DeVito is the starting quarterback for the New York Giants and lives with his parents in northern New Jersey ...just eight miles from NJ's MetLife Stadium and 9 miles from Belleville.  When I am watching a Giants game and (frequently) hear Tommy DeVito's name, the sound of the Seasons' #1 hit Walk Like a Man runs through my mind. But, when they call a play for the Giants' #15, I suspect t...

I note that a number of PBS stations are currently playing Frankie Valli: A Life on Stage .  As a Four Seasons fan since the age of 12, I recommend it. 

Frankie Valli in Wichita in 2016 This past week was the great Frankie Valli's 88th birthday. By all accounts he is still singing, recording, touring and generally going strong.  As a basis for comparison here is the original "Silence is Golden" as recorded by the Four Seasons in 1964. And, here is the latest version with the current Four Seasons recorded during the COVID lockdowns in 2021. Thanks for the music of my life, Frankie!

I have been a huge fan of the Four Seasons since I heard "Rag Doll" for the first time in the summer of 1964. So, this news hit me hard. The full article is here .  As explained in the smash hit musical, Jersey Boys,  Tommy was the founding member of the group. The other three were Nick Massi (deceased), Bob Gaudio, and Frankie Valli. Below is a kinescope from 1964 with a medley of their early hits.  From left, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, Frankie Valli, Nick Massi If you wish to hear a 1964 live concert (audio only), click here .  Rest in Peace, Tommy. Thanks for starting the Four Seasons and for all of the great music!

On this date, 57 years ago.... For those who have seen Jersey Boys, that is how the release of "Sherry" is described. One radio station played Sherry continuously  for 21 hours ! It was released on this date, 57 years ago. Recently, I discovered an audio recording of a Four Seasons' concert in 1964. If you are a Four Seasons fan, like me, you'll enjoy it.

After several days of busy weather, let's lighten the blog a little. As long-time readers know, I'm a huge fan of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons as well as the musical about their lives, Jersey Boys. Frankie Valli made a guest appearance on the finale of "American Idol." It was very  well done. Enjoy!!