I'm sorry, John. My mom loves that song as well. It reminds her of my aunt Colleen who also passed away... it was the first record Aunt Colleen gave her for Christmas.

[Joe Szulczewski]

Bonni & John,
There's a story that Tommy DiVito tells about the origin of Rag Doll. He and Bob Gaudio were headed toward the Lincoln Tunnel after a recording session. They were approached by one of the windshield washers, who in this case was a little girl. Bob reached into his pocket and the smallest he had was a $5 bill, which he gave her. When Tommy asked why he did that, Bob answered......"She needs it more than we do...she's a rag doll."

My favorite Seasons recording is "I've Got You Under My Skin," and Bob Gaudio's other-world-like arrangement was inspired by a performance of the song that Frank did in Vegas. The Seasons took Frank's version, slowed it down considerably, added strings, Frankie's falsetto and four-part harmony, giving them a version that was just as much theirs as Frank's upbeat version with the full brass and bass trombone riffs.

[Joe Szulczewski]

Just a couple of notes about Jersey Boys......it opened in London's West End to rave reviews, and it is also staying in Chicago for a while.

[Noebie]

we saw the chicago production last saturday - incredible

i'll be reviewing the show on the next frank truth

@bonni: erich is doing well - just got an email from him this week...he's bob gaudio in the las vegas production now

also, there's a cool fan podcast about the show done by steve and christy holden

http://jerseyboyspodcast.com

lots of interviews and news about the show

[Joe Szulczewski]

Just a note that tomorrow marks the 74th anniversary of Frankie Valli's entrance into the world. Like a fine wine, frankie gets better with age. Happy birthday, Frankie.

[Carolinagirl]

but I saw bits of it when I went to the Tony Awards the year they won so many awards. Franki Valli was there and the Jersey Boys
performed several numbers from the show. I've wanted to see it ever since.

After the Tony Awards I ran into another celebrity who had not attended and that meeting was more exciting than the whole show.

[Joe Szulczewski]

A note about Jersey Boys..................the London production was extended 6 months to April 2009.

[Joe Szulczewski]

Just a note that this week marks 44 years ago that "Rag Doll" hit #1.

[Joe Szulczewski]

Just a note to say Happy Birthday, Bob Gaudio, original organist for the Four Seasons and composer of the Watertown album and many more hits. 66 Years old today.

[Joe Szulczewski]

Today is Frankie Valli's 75th birthday. Happy Birthday, Big Guy!!! Here's hoping that Frankie's 75th is the best yet, and that he takes to heart the words from two other "Jersey Boys," the Count and the Chairman of the Board......"The Best Is Yet to Come."...."Out of the tree of life, I picked me a plum"..........

[George Lyons]

Happy 75th Birthday, Frankie Valli!!

[Joe Szulczewski]

Frankie's performance last night at the Borgata was awesome. The voice is still there; and everything from the opener, Dawn to the closer, Let's Hang On was bright, crisp and done with enthusiasm. It felt like we just got there when the show ended, and there was more to the show than just the music, although that would have been more than enough. Frankie looks like he's enjoying himself and really having fun performing, which always makes for a great show. My only comment is when Frankie gave his intro to the Romancing the Sixties segment, he showed his true lack of knowledge about Rap Music.......he got the math right.

[Amy L]

Nice to hear that Frrankie's still performing in rare form...I saw Jersey Boys last year and it was such a moving tribute of Frankie and the 4 seasons....A

[AndrewT]

Lately, I've been listening to Frankie Valli's recently released Motown Years compilation, which collects his output for that label during the 1970s. They are great, overlooked recordings. His version of "Just Look What You've Done" (previously recorded by Brenda Holloway) should have been released as a single in 1975.

[Bren]

Went to see The Jersey Boys in London last night and it was brilliant. The singer who played the part of Frankie Valli was fantastic, his name is Ryan Molloy and his voice is excellent

[johnofphilly]

A curious reference - Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, as opposed to Frankie Valli and the Three Other Seasons.
I'm not sure exactly what the legalese aspect of it is.

[AndrewT]

Originally Posted by johnofphilly

A curious reference - Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, as opposed to Frankie Valli and the Three Other Seasons.
I'm not sure exactly what the legalese aspect of it is.

An interesting observation, John. The group's official name is The Four Seasons Partnership (the legalese aspect?) and, prior to 1967, Frankie Valli's name was not part of the group's name.

[Bren]

They used to be only 4 including Frankie Valli but when Tommy DeVito was sent to Las Vegas by people he owed money to and Nick Massi left the group to go back home, it left only Frankie and Bob Gaudio. Bob wanted to just write and produce so they got another 4 guys and then called themselves Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons

[Joe Szulczewski]

Just a note that Frankie Valli appears on the New Jersey Hall of Fame ballot in Arts and Entertainment this, the third year of elections to the NJHOF. It's his first appearance on the ballot and it would be fitting if he were elected to join his mentor, Frank in the HOF. He would be the second singer inducted. The other A & E industees are Abbot and Costello.
Another note about Jersey Boys London.......it's still going strong, playing to sell out crowds.
The Broadway production is also selling out every performance, quite an achievement after close to 4 years on the Great White Way, with several national companies touring the US, Europe and Australia.

[Noebie]

i'll definitely get on over to the hall of fame site to vote

thanks for the headsup