Frankie Valli, the iconic frontman of the Four Seasons, is set for his ultimate bow at the age of 89. His recent declaration marks a significant shift in a career that has spanned over five decades. Renowned for chart-toppers like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” Valli’s timeless classics continue to attract fans to his yearly concerts.
Valli recently made headlines with his new Las Vegas residency at the Westgate, formerly known as the Las Vegas Hilton, where he performed in the late ’80s. In addition to this, he is scheduled to take the stage at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage next month. While nostalgia plays a significant role in maintaining his on-the-road presence, Valli also surprised the music industry by appearing at Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy gala in Beverly Hills in February. His performance of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” captivated the audience, which included stars like Lil Wayne and Lizzo.
The falsetto-voiced star initially hesitated to accept the invitation, unsure if the industry elite would even remember him. However, Clive Davis was adamant about Valli’s inclusion in the event. Davis recognized the enduring popularity of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” as an audience favorite, and he knew that Valli’s performance would be a showstopper.
Valli has recently announced that he intends to reduce his live performances by half in 2024. Despite calling his next series of concerts the “Last Encores tour,” he insists that he’s not retiring. The decision to cut back is primarily due to the grueling nature of constant travel associated with one-night concerts, taking a toll on the veteran performer.
Remarkably, the music of the Four Seasons continues to flourish, thanks in part to Valli’s proactive steps to preserve the group’s legacy. Valli and Bob Gaudio, his long-time bandmate and creative partner, entered into a deal with Primary Wave, a music publishing company specializing in revitalizing hit catalogs through placements in various media and samples. The move has notably renewed the Four Seasons’ catalog, especially after the rapper Flo Rida’s remake of “December 1963 (Oh What a Night!)” featured prominently in ESPN’s Major League Baseball coverage.
The Four Seasons’ catalog exhibits substantial depth and variety, offering a perfect fit for the modern streaming era. The Four Seasons started out on the racially mixed streets of Newark, and this early experience with diverse audiences helped shape their music’s wide appeal. Despite the unconventional path of constantly switching record labels, Valli and the Four Seasons enriched themselves significantly through their hit records. This approach allowed them to avoid traditional record company fees and increased their financial gain. In contrast, it also meant they didn’t enjoy the promotional support that larger record companies could provide, requiring them to continuously fight for radio airplay.
As Valli moves into the “Last Encores” of his legendary career, he does so with humility and wisdom gained from his extensive experience in the music industry. While the Grammys may have eluded him, he remains undeterred. Staying grounded despite his immense success, Valli’s journey through the ever-evolving music industry continues to captivate fans, old and new, and cement his enduring legacy.
