Song:December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night)
Album:The Very Best Of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
The British Invasion killed most doo wop influenced vocal groups in the mid-60s. But it didn't affect The Four Seasons much as they continued to score plenty of hits. The late 60s change to socially conscious lyrics and psychedelia is what killed them. Bob Gaudio didn't seem to know what to do. The 1967 Frankie Valli solo hit Can't Take My Eyes Off You should have pointed Gaudio in the right direction. But he was reluctant to abandon The Four Seasons for Valli as a solo act and chart success was drying up. Gaudio even tried a concept album with The Genuine Imitation Life Gazette. But it didn't work and The Four Seasons left Philips in 1970. They signed with Motown's new Mowest label for the 1972 album Chameleon. But it didn't sell and Motown refused to release their second album. So they signed two new record deals. Valli signed with Private Stock Records and had success with My Eyes Adored You. The Four Seasons signed with Curb Records distributed by Warner Bros. They scored hits with the disco influenced Who Loves You which reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and then December, 1963 which topped the charts in 1975. Bob Gaudio wrote the song with wife Judy Parker. The lead vocals were by drummer Gerry Polci and bassist Don Ciccone. Valli sang the bridge. Though The Four Seasons would continue to record in the 80s, December, 1963 was their final number one hit. Here's the video for December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night) by The Four Seasons.
I love that song!! It's such a great tune and not dirty or graphic or ugly. Just such a great fun song. I love the Four Seasons. I like some of their other music. Sherry, Dawn and Candy Girl, to name a few. I love the times I listen to them and grew up with some of their music. I will always love the memories of the 60's and 70's. To me it was a golden time in my life. Thanks Frank.
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