Video of The Four Seasons Performing ‘Let’s Hang On’ & “Don’t Think Twice’
July 1st, 2010This video was an unexpected treat! I never knew that The Four Seasons sang “Don’t Think Twice” on any television programs back in the ’60s. In 1965, they released a version of the Bob Dylan song under the name “The Wonder Who.” “Don’t Think Twice” peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1965.
I’ve seen the “Let’s Hang On!” segment from The Ed Sullivan Show (complete with the intro clip by Mr. Sullivan himself, which is the very same video introduction used in “Jersey Boys” prior to the performance of “Dawn (Go Away),” many times before. But, I have never seen this clip, where they then break into the Dylan classic, “Don’t Think Twice (It’s All Right),” as performed by The Wonder Who! It is absolutely amazing just how effortlessly Frankie Valli hits those exaggerated falsetto notes (and some of those other otherworldly high-pitched vocal sounds) on this live version. Susie and Dale, thanks for finding this very rare gem and sharing it on the JBB.
Comment by Len Gersten — July 1, 2010 @ 12:35 pm
This Ed Sullivan show was aired on January 1 or 2, 1966, as I recall, while Let’s Hang On was still high on the charts and Don’t Think Twice was climbing.
This was also the first time I saw Joe Long. Who is this guy? I soon found out. After a few months, Joe Long took over on stage as the MC of each show. For those who may not be aware, Susie did a three part interview with Joe Long which everyone should read – just fabulous. For those who never saw a 4 Seasons concert in the 1966 – 1970 time frame when it was Joe, Frankie, Bob, and Tommy, you really missed something – an event really – a show you would never forget.
Comment by David Cace — July 1, 2010 @ 4:13 pm
You’re welcome, Len. I was so surprised that the Seasons performed this on TV back in the ’60s. You’re exactly right about how effortlessly Frankie sounds on his higher than usual falsetto.
David–I was thinking just that when I first caught this video last night…what it must have been like to see The Four Seasons live around this time. The guys look like they are having a blast performing!
Comment by Susie — July 1, 2010 @ 4:26 pm
After this, the 4 Seasons put “Dont Think Twice” in the act – it became one of their many lighter moments in the show and always done in a fun way.
Comment by David Cace — July 1, 2010 @ 4:42 pm
old timers like me saw them perform dont think twice
in person joe long became the stage spokesman and
would intro the song as the groups favorite song
Comment by john rish — July 1, 2010 @ 5:10 pm
Yes, Bob Dylan is reported to have liked the Wonder Who’s version of “Don’t Think Twice”. I doubt if Bob Dylan took himself nearly as seriously as his fans did. But the connection between the artists goes deeper. Consider that Al Kooper was with The Royal Teens and later also played the famous organ accompaniment on “Like A Rolling Stone” (also later covered by The Four Seasons) and “Positively Fourth Street” (many confuse the two songs) by Bob Dylan.
Al Kooper joined The Royal Teens about the time Bob Gaudio was leaving to join The Four Seasons. Kooper credits Bob Gaudio for his earliest opportunities in the business.
Comment by Ted Hammond — July 2, 2010 @ 5:31 pm
I remember finding out that the “Wonder Who” were the Four Seasons. I love this clip and keep em coming.
Comment by gladys — July 3, 2010 @ 7:10 am