Frankie Valli

Frankie Valli, born Francesco Stephen Castelluccio on May 3, 1934, in Newark, New Jersey, is a celebrated American singer and actor, known for his distinctive falsetto voice. He rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of The Four Seasons, one of the best-selling musical groups of all time.

Valli began his singing career in the early 1950s with the Variety Trio. His first single was released in 1953 under the stage name “Frankie Valley,” a name he adopted from his idol, Texas Jean Valli. However, his early solo efforts did not yield significant success.

The turning point in Valli’s career came with the formation of The Four Seasons in 1960. Alongside band members Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi, Valli achieved immense popularity. The group’s first major hit, “Sherry,” was released in 1962 and quickly climbed to the top of the charts. This success was followed by a series of hits like “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” and “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night).”

Valli’s unique falsetto voice became a signature element of The Four Seasons’ sound. In the mid-1960s, he also pursued a solo career, achieving hits with songs like “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” (1967) and the theme song to the film “Grease” (1978).

Throughout his career, Valli faced various challenges, including personal issues and changes in the music industry. Despite these, he continued to record and perform, both as a solo artist and with The Four Seasons. His longevity in the music business is a testament to his talent and adaptability.

Frankie Valli’s contributions to pop music have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He and The Four Seasons were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. The story of Valli and The Four Seasons’ rise to fame was dramatized in the successful Broadway musical “Jersey Boys,” which debuted in 2005 and was later adapted into a film directed by Clint Eastwood.

Valli’s influence on pop music is significant. His distinctive voice and the success of The Four Seasons have left an enduring mark on the music industry, influencing generations of musicians and entertainers.