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Energized by hit musical, Frankie Valli plans Sinatra tribute In the spotlight
By John Benson
For the last five decades, fans haven’t been able to take their eyes off of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Early on the act scored hits with classic songs “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Rag Doll.” This was followed by ’70s disco tunes “Who Loves You” and “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” and solo Valli song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” along with the title track from the “Grease” soundtrack.
Now the Tony-winning musical “Jersey Boys,” which chronicles the life and times of Frankie and his legendary group, has become a national touring theatrical success. Invariably the older generation enjoys reliving the music, while the younger generation discovers the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee band’s magic.
Some may say the musical has brought Valli back into the spotlight but if you ask him he’ll say he never left. The Vindicator talked to Valli — who is touring alongside the Four Seasons but not with the original members — about his two Cleveland shows Saturday and Sunday at the Palace Theatre, and more.
Q. Your last CD, “Romancing The ’60s,” came out a few years ago. Is there a new Frankie Valli album planned?
A. I’m working on a project with the singers that travel with me. We call it “Tribute to Sinatra,” and we’re taking the best of Sinatra. I was fortunate enough to get to know him pretty well and hang out with him a number of years so he was very influential and very special for me. Secretly or non-secretly, for most of my life my major influence was jazz. I was into groups like The Four Freshman and The Hi-Lo’s. That’s how we’re approaching this project, doing four-part harmony. It’s really coming out great. We have eight or nine things done, need a few more songs. So there are a whole lot of things that are on the burner but too new to talk about. There will be a movie soon for “Jersey Boys.” Hopefully it’ll be out in 2013.
Q. Speaking of “Jersey Boys,” when the show debuted in Cleveland a few years ago there was actually a fight in the crowd during intermission. Supposedly one guy insulted another guy’s mother and things got out of hand. Any thoughts?
A. If a guy insulted someone’s mom I think he was out of order to start with. It’s really hard to understand what’s happening anymore. People are losing a sense of respect for each other. Just look around the world and see what’s happening, sometimes we don’t know how well off we are. We live in the greatest country in the world, I just hope one day we all wake up and realize that.
Q. Because of the popularity of “Jersey Boys,” have you noticed a bump of interest in your concert career?
A. I think they’ve both gotten a bump from each other. The funny thing is that even before “Jersey Boys,” we were touring around the country for years. We’ve had a very loyal audience and we’re very thrilled. We had a great career.
Q. What is it about the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons that has lasted all of these decades?
A. I personally think music of the ’60s and ’70s is probably the most predominant [era] of rock ’n’ roll. They’re all real songs about people and people in love. Music is an outlet, and it certainly is better therapy than having to go to therapy. To go and watch a show and lose all of your problems while you’re watching, that’s terrific.
Q. What do you hope the legacy of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is?
A. I hope we’re remembered for our performances and the fact that we love doing what we did and we tried never to cheat an audience. Beyond that, there’s not a whole lot more. I’m just thankful that I’ve been able to be in this business as long as I have, and still successful. And that could never have happened without an audience. There are many people in my business who take audiences for granted. Without an audience, you wouldn’t have a job. It’s really very simple.
Q. It sounds like after all these years Frankie Valli still walks like a man.
A. I try.