Original Jersey Boy Frankie Valli Keeps Going!
May 4th, 2011
Just like that bunny on TV with the battery, Frankie Valli keeps going and going and going–to quote that great JB line! From tonight until Saturday, he is performing in concert at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston. Jed Gottlieb spoke to Valli recently and here’s a preview:
Valli admits sometimes keys have to be tinkered with for him to sing his old hits. But he also says he does a tremendous amount to maintain his voice. Or, rather, he doesn’t do a tremendous amount.
“I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t do substances,†Valli said from his California home. “I used to and I would have voice problems. Even when I wasn’t feeling well I would still go out and sing and there were times that I hurt myself. I can’t do that anymore. I’ve got to take care of it.â€
The legendary Four Seasons singer babies his fragile voice now. But he’s still out there on the road — Valli estimates he plays 75 to 85 shows a year with the young, new Four Seasons he now has behind him.
“Our success would stop for a while then, when everybody thought it was over, we’d have another hit,†he said.
Valli’s weathered the British Invasion, psychedelic rock, punk and disco. And in the midst of each new ’60s and ’70s trend, he managed to get something big on the charts.
Will he ever get anything else on the charts? Not likely. But he hasn’t given up hope.
Visit BostonHerald.com to read the full interview with Valli.
No wonder Frankie Valli hasn’t had a hit lately. Have you looked at some of the titles on Billboard’s Hot 100 lately? I’ve not only not heard those titles, I don’t want to. It would be hard for a high quality act like Frankie to enter such a low class milieu.
Comment by Ted Hammond — May 4, 2011 @ 9:58 am
From what I understand he was booked for May 4, 5 and 6 in Boston. They had to add another show on the 7th because of popular demand.
How good is that?
Comment by Ray — May 4, 2011 @ 12:44 pm
How many singers that are on Billboard today will still be in the music business for 58 years as Frankie has? From 1953 to present.
P.S. HAPPY NUMBER 77 TO FRANKIE AND MANY MANY MORE.
Comment by Marty Hoffer — May 4, 2011 @ 9:04 pm
Just enjoyed Frankie’s opening night in Boston. Fabulous show! Super talented band, crisp arrangements, slick choreography, and that one-of-a-kind lead vocalist! He looks and sounds great! Brought me back to the days of WABC and Cousin Brucie! If you liked The Jersey Boys, do yourself a favor and catch the real thing as soon as you can! Thank you, Mr. Valli!
Comment by Peter Stassa — May 4, 2011 @ 11:04 pm