More Albums Covers Featuring Joe Long
posted by The Four Seasons Fan Club Online | 7:37 PM
Joe Long of The Four Seasons belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!
Most fans of The Four Seasons were shocked to learn that do to a minor technicality Joe Long was the only member of band not fully inducted to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We are working to correct this oversite and have Joe Long join the other members of The Four Seasons already inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Thank you for your support!
- THE FOUR SEASONS CONCERT 1965
- The Four Seasons 40 Years Later
- FourSeasonsFans.blogspot.com
- The Four Seasons and Cast of Broadways Jersey Boys
- Help us Get Joe Long Inducted into the Rock & Roll...
- Joe Long into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS: The Motown Years
- THE FOUR SEASONS :: Classic 4 Seasons!!!
- Original News about The Four Seasons:
- Additional notes supporting Joe Long for HOF induc...
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- Current Posts
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Wenner Media, Rolling Stone Magazine and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame appears controlled by a rather small group of members associated with Wenner Publishing, the publishers of Rolling Stone Magazine (Jann S. Wenner -Founder) and so its inductees do not always reflect the opinion of music fans. Such is likely the case of the oversight in not inducting Joe Long into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the other members of The Four Seasons “definitive lineup".
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10104-0298 is the address for:
1. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Nomination Committee)
2. Wenner Publications (Rolling Stone Magazine)
3. Rolling Stone Magazine
4. Mr. Jann S. Wenner (Vice-Chair Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
(Also: Founder of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Hall of Fame Life Time Achievement Award and Publisher of Rolling Stone Magazine)
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination Committee, Rolling Stone Magazine Headquarters and Wenner Publishing:
1290 Avenue of the Americas
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10104-0298
If you are not fimilar with Mr. Wenner you can read a very interesting article about this very interesting man at: Jann's W o r l d "The evolution of Jann Wenner: How the ultimate '60s rock groupie built his fantasy into a media empire."
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10104-0298 is the address for:
1. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Nomination Committee)
2. Wenner Publications (Rolling Stone Magazine)
3. Rolling Stone Magazine
4. Mr. Jann S. Wenner (Vice-Chair Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
(Also: Founder of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Hall of Fame Life Time Achievement Award and Publisher of Rolling Stone Magazine)
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination Committee, Rolling Stone Magazine Headquarters and Wenner Publishing:
1290 Avenue of the Americas
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10104-0298
If you are not fimilar with Mr. Wenner you can read a very interesting article about this very interesting man at: Jann's W o r l d "The evolution of Jann Wenner: How the ultimate '60s rock groupie built his fantasy into a media empire."
posted by The Four Seasons Fan Club Online | 11:46 AM
Monday, September 11, 2006
Letter from Dr. Stout, NYC
Dr. Mark R. Stout
Central Park West
12 West 68th Street, #3B
New York, NY 10023
Tel.: 212-362-7999
Central Park West
12 West 68th Street, #3B
New York, NY 10023
Tel.: 212-362-7999
Personal Email: drmstout@yahoo.com
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Office of the Director
Hall of Fame Induction Committee
1290 Avenue of the Americas
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Office of the Director
Hall of Fame Induction Committee
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104-0298
9/11/06
Dear Mr. Director,
On this the fifth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Centers, I recall how music was able to help many of us mentally escape the sadness of the moment, for myself it was classical music and the happier sounds of “rock and roll”, especially that of The Four Seasons.
I commend your committee’s past decision on the induction of The Four Seasons into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They are without doubt well deserving of this honor. However, it is also without doubt that The Four Seasons bassist and vocal arranger, Joe Long who was an integral part of the groups success and appeal belongs in the Hall of Fame with the other members of the groups “definitive line up”. Mr. Long was a “Four Season” during their most influential years, from the early 1960s thought the 1970s.
As noted on your website, “in addition to Gaudio and Valli, The Four Seasons definitive lineup included singer/guitarist Tommy DeVito and bass vocalist/vocal arranger Nick Massi (later replaced by Joe Long). “ Yet, Joe Long is currently the only member of the “definitive lineup” not inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
I am writing to you to urge that Mr. Joe Long be considered for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along side his fellow band members in The Four Seasons. His accomplishments and contributions to The Four Seasons original sound is well known to musicians and fans alike.
Please take a moment to review his contributions to The Four Seasons, and if you feel as I and many of the bands fans, that Joe Long should be inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the other Four Seasons, then please forward his name for nomination. Thank you for your time in reviewing this matter.
Best Regards,
Mark Stout
Mark Stout
References:
http://fourseasonsfans.blogspot.com
http://joelong2cleveland.blogspot.com
http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/thefourseasons (Rolling Stone Magazine- Joe Long pictured on left)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Long
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_four_seasons (group)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bass_guitarists
http://genuine-imitation-life-gazette.com/home.html
http://fourseasonsfans.blogspot.com
http://joelong2cleveland.blogspot.com
http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/thefourseasons (Rolling Stone Magazine- Joe Long pictured on left)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Long
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_four_seasons (group)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bass_guitarists
http://genuine-imitation-life-gazette.com/home.html
c: Members of rock and roll musical community
posted by The Four Seasons Fan Club Online | 10:49 AM
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Tommy DeVito of the Four Seasons Agrees!
Joe Long is the Four Seasons Bass Player (second from the right)"Joe Long greatly assisted in the development of our unique sound, style and arrangements. Joe was an essential member of the 4 Seasons. As such, he should be inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall. "
Tommy DeVito
The Four Seasons
Hall of Fame Member
posted by The Four Seasons Fan Club Online | 3:03 PM
Friday, September 08, 2006
The Committee to Send Joe Long to Cleveland
Committee Members to Recognize "Joe Long" in Cleveland:
Prof. Scott R. Stout, M.A. (NJ), Committee Chair
Dr. Mark Stout (NJ/NYC)
Tommy DeVito (NV, NJ), Hall Inductee (The Four Seasons)
Captain P.F. Bartelli, Continental Airlines (NJ/FL)
Robert J. Aznar, RP (NJ)
Carol Desmond Clark, Director, RVCC (NJ)
Frank Rovello, http://genuine-imitation-life-gazette.com/
...and the Fans of the Four Seasons!
posted by The Four Seasons Fan Club Online | 11:42 AM
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Send Your Letters to Terry Stewart, President R&R Hall of Fame
If you feel like most fans of the Four Seasons that Joe belongs with the rest of the group then please let the good people in Cleveland how you feel. You can do this by contacting: Terry Stewart (Terry is aware of the oversite and we are all working with Terry and other board members to correct the problem ASAP):
Terry Stewart,
PresidentRock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
One Key Plaza Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Email: suhl@rockhall.org
Terry Stewart,
PresidentRock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
One Key Plaza Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Email: suhl@rockhall.org
posted by The Four Seasons Fan Club Online | 11:52 AM
Monday, September 04, 2006
The Standard "Form" Letter Sent by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Standard "Form" Letter Response by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:
If you write to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame you will likely get a standard "form letter" type of response, that has no reguard for the voice of the true fans, the fans that buy concert tickets and the records and paying for admission to the Hall f Fame Museum. No, we don't count! Only music journalists, historians, music industry management have a voice in the process. Another example of corporations telling the fans what music they should like and who is important. So you the true Rock and Roll Fan, can expect a polite "blow off" that goes something like this:
Dear...
Nomination and induction into the Hall of Fame is not about popularity, records sales, which label the group is on, or anything other than the process below. The love for, the evaluation of, and the impact of any artist are subjective questions to be answered by the nominators and the voters. Unlike baseball, football, basketball or hockey, statistics are not relevant. Please read below:
The entire nomination and induction process is coordinated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in New York City. Individuals can be inducted in four categories: Performer, Early Influence, Non-Performer and Side-Men. The only formal criteria for the performance category is that an artist has to have had their first record 25 years ago. That said, candidates are reviewed and discussed relative to their impact on this music that we broadly call rock and roll. The innovation and influence of these artists is also critical. Gold records, number one hits, and million sellers are really not appropriate standards for evaluation.
The formal selection of Performers begins with an extensive panel of journalists, historians, previous inductees, noted musicians, industry heads, etc. In turn, those nominated are sent to a committee of more than 800 people around the world (journalists, historians, music industry management, all previous inductees, musicians, etc.) who vote. Those receiving the highest number of votes and more than 50% of the votes cast are inducted into the Hall. Usually, this means five to seven new performing members each year. So you can see the road to being inducted is an arduous one and for the most part, removed from the realm of influences or politics.
Once the Four Seasons were selected, the Advisory Committee looked at the history of the group, i.e., origins, songwriting for the group, arranging the group, etc., and decided to induct only the original four members. I understand your displeasure but this is a ruling that has to be made with every band or group inducted. Each time, this committee examines the history and impact of all those playing a role and then makes a determination as to who is inducted.
Peace & Soul,
Rock & Roll!
Terry Stewart
President
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
If you write to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame you will likely get a standard "form letter" type of response, that has no reguard for the voice of the true fans, the fans that buy concert tickets and the records and paying for admission to the Hall f Fame Museum. No, we don't count! Only music journalists, historians, music industry management have a voice in the process. Another example of corporations telling the fans what music they should like and who is important. So you the true Rock and Roll Fan, can expect a polite "blow off" that goes something like this:
Dear...
Nomination and induction into the Hall of Fame is not about popularity, records sales, which label the group is on, or anything other than the process below. The love for, the evaluation of, and the impact of any artist are subjective questions to be answered by the nominators and the voters. Unlike baseball, football, basketball or hockey, statistics are not relevant. Please read below:
The entire nomination and induction process is coordinated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in New York City. Individuals can be inducted in four categories: Performer, Early Influence, Non-Performer and Side-Men. The only formal criteria for the performance category is that an artist has to have had their first record 25 years ago. That said, candidates are reviewed and discussed relative to their impact on this music that we broadly call rock and roll. The innovation and influence of these artists is also critical. Gold records, number one hits, and million sellers are really not appropriate standards for evaluation.
The formal selection of Performers begins with an extensive panel of journalists, historians, previous inductees, noted musicians, industry heads, etc. In turn, those nominated are sent to a committee of more than 800 people around the world (journalists, historians, music industry management, all previous inductees, musicians, etc.) who vote. Those receiving the highest number of votes and more than 50% of the votes cast are inducted into the Hall. Usually, this means five to seven new performing members each year. So you can see the road to being inducted is an arduous one and for the most part, removed from the realm of influences or politics.
Once the Four Seasons were selected, the Advisory Committee looked at the history of the group, i.e., origins, songwriting for the group, arranging the group, etc., and decided to induct only the original four members. I understand your displeasure but this is a ruling that has to be made with every band or group inducted. Each time, this committee examines the history and impact of all those playing a role and then makes a determination as to who is inducted.
Peace & Soul,
Rock & Roll!
Terry Stewart
President
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
posted by The Four Seasons Fan Club Online | 3:30 PM
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Letters from Mr. Frank Rovello to the R&R Hall of Fame
Initial letter to Rock and Roll Halll of Fame by Mr. Rovello:
Dear Ms. Stewart,
I have already sent the email text below to the Directors of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so it is with all probability that you have already read my email. However, taking no chances, I am sending it directly to you, with hopes that the Hall will do the right thing.
Dear Director,
Joe Long should have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the rest of the Four Seasons back in 1990. He was an integral part of the Seasons from 1965 through 1975. Taking nothing away from the original Four Seasons but Joe was considered an "original" to the fans of the Four Seasons, and as such should have been able to stand alongside his long time group mates at the induction ceremony.
It is interesting to note that Joe Long was a member of the Four Seasons longer than original member Nick Massi. When Mr. Massi left in 1965 Joe stepped in and the Seasons missed not one beat. Then Joe went on to become the stage presence of the Seasons for the next 10 years. Joe was so comfortable on stage, making it easy for the rest of the group to relax as he became the focal point. Let one not forget that Joe was also a fan favorite. He did not take his fame for granted, he always had a smile and a warm hello for anyone who approached him. In that respect he was the best of the Four Seasons.
It is time for those in charge of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to correct an egregious oversight and give Joe Long his rightful place in the Hall as one of the Four Seasons.
Frank Rovello
http://genuine-imitation-life-gazette.com
Ms. Stewarts reply to Mr. Rovello's Request:
Frank:
We did receive your email regarding Joe Long.
Nomination and induction into the Hall of Fame is not about popularity, records sales, which label the group is on, or anything other than the process below. The love for, the evaluation of, and the impact of any artist are subjective questions to be answered by the nominators and the voters. Unlike baseball, football, basketball or hockey, statistics are not relevant. Please read below:
The entire nomination and induction process is coordinated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in New York City. Individuals can be inducted in four categories: Performer, Early Influence, Non-Performer and Side-Men. The only formal criteria for the performance category is that an artist has to have had their first record 25 years ago. That said, candidates are reviewed and discussed relative to their impact on this music that we broadly call rock and roll. The innovation and influence of these artists is also critical. Gold records, number one hits, and million sellers are really not appropriate standards for evaluation.
The formal selection of Performers begins with an extensive panel of journalists, historians, previous inductees, noted musicians, industry heads, etc. In turn, those nominated are sent to a committee of more than 800 people around the world (journalists, historians, music industry management, all previous inductees, musicians, etc.) who vote. Those receiving the highest number of votes and more than 50% of the votes cast are inducted into the Hall. Usually, this means five to seven new performing members each year. So you can see the road to being inducted is an arduous one and for the most part, removed from the realm of influences or politics.
Once the Four Seasons were selected, the Advisory Committee looked at the history of the group, i.e., origins, songwriting for the group, arranging the group, etc., and decided to induct only the original four members. I understand your displeasure but this is a ruling that has to be made with every band or group inducted. Each time, this committee examines the history and impact of all those playing a role and then makes a determination as to who is inducted.
Peace & Soul,
Rock & Roll!
Terry Stewart
President
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Follow-up letter to Terry Stewart by Mr. Rovello:
Hi Terry,
Thank you for the quick and informative response.
If among all of the groups that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame there is just one non-original member then you have opened the door to accepting other non-original members.
I feel that the Advisory Committee did not do a very good job of reviewing the history of the Four Seasons. Had they done a thorough job then there would have been no way for them to have missed Joe's ten years of service, ten years of what he brought to the recording studio, ten years of what he brought to their live performances. Not to mention that he is probably one of the finest rock bass guitar players to have appeared on record and stage.
One last thing, it is with dismay that I notice in your list of those of the selection panel not one mention of fans. It is the fans that made these rock and roll performers successful. Sadly it seems that it is still only the fans that know who and what made these performers as successful as they were.
Frank Rovello
Frank Rovello,
http://genuine-imitation-life-gazette.com
Dear Ms. Stewart,
I have already sent the email text below to the Directors of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so it is with all probability that you have already read my email. However, taking no chances, I am sending it directly to you, with hopes that the Hall will do the right thing.
Dear Director,
Joe Long should have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the rest of the Four Seasons back in 1990. He was an integral part of the Seasons from 1965 through 1975. Taking nothing away from the original Four Seasons but Joe was considered an "original" to the fans of the Four Seasons, and as such should have been able to stand alongside his long time group mates at the induction ceremony.
It is interesting to note that Joe Long was a member of the Four Seasons longer than original member Nick Massi. When Mr. Massi left in 1965 Joe stepped in and the Seasons missed not one beat. Then Joe went on to become the stage presence of the Seasons for the next 10 years. Joe was so comfortable on stage, making it easy for the rest of the group to relax as he became the focal point. Let one not forget that Joe was also a fan favorite. He did not take his fame for granted, he always had a smile and a warm hello for anyone who approached him. In that respect he was the best of the Four Seasons.
It is time for those in charge of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to correct an egregious oversight and give Joe Long his rightful place in the Hall as one of the Four Seasons.
Frank Rovello
http://genuine-imitation-life-gazette.com
Ms. Stewarts reply to Mr. Rovello's Request:
Frank:
We did receive your email regarding Joe Long.
Nomination and induction into the Hall of Fame is not about popularity, records sales, which label the group is on, or anything other than the process below. The love for, the evaluation of, and the impact of any artist are subjective questions to be answered by the nominators and the voters. Unlike baseball, football, basketball or hockey, statistics are not relevant. Please read below:
The entire nomination and induction process is coordinated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in New York City. Individuals can be inducted in four categories: Performer, Early Influence, Non-Performer and Side-Men. The only formal criteria for the performance category is that an artist has to have had their first record 25 years ago. That said, candidates are reviewed and discussed relative to their impact on this music that we broadly call rock and roll. The innovation and influence of these artists is also critical. Gold records, number one hits, and million sellers are really not appropriate standards for evaluation.
The formal selection of Performers begins with an extensive panel of journalists, historians, previous inductees, noted musicians, industry heads, etc. In turn, those nominated are sent to a committee of more than 800 people around the world (journalists, historians, music industry management, all previous inductees, musicians, etc.) who vote. Those receiving the highest number of votes and more than 50% of the votes cast are inducted into the Hall. Usually, this means five to seven new performing members each year. So you can see the road to being inducted is an arduous one and for the most part, removed from the realm of influences or politics.
Once the Four Seasons were selected, the Advisory Committee looked at the history of the group, i.e., origins, songwriting for the group, arranging the group, etc., and decided to induct only the original four members. I understand your displeasure but this is a ruling that has to be made with every band or group inducted. Each time, this committee examines the history and impact of all those playing a role and then makes a determination as to who is inducted.
Peace & Soul,
Rock & Roll!
Terry Stewart
President
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Follow-up letter to Terry Stewart by Mr. Rovello:
Hi Terry,
Thank you for the quick and informative response.
If among all of the groups that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame there is just one non-original member then you have opened the door to accepting other non-original members.
I feel that the Advisory Committee did not do a very good job of reviewing the history of the Four Seasons. Had they done a thorough job then there would have been no way for them to have missed Joe's ten years of service, ten years of what he brought to the recording studio, ten years of what he brought to their live performances. Not to mention that he is probably one of the finest rock bass guitar players to have appeared on record and stage.
One last thing, it is with dismay that I notice in your list of those of the selection panel not one mention of fans. It is the fans that made these rock and roll performers successful. Sadly it seems that it is still only the fans that know who and what made these performers as successful as they were.
Frank Rovello
Frank Rovello,
http://genuine-imitation-life-gazette.com
posted by The Four Seasons Fan Club Online | 4:42 PM
Friday, September 01, 2006
Request to The R&R Hall of Fame President
Original Letter to the Rock and Foll Hall of Fame:
Dear Director,
I/we were shocked and saddened to learn Joe Long (LaBracio), 4 Seasons, was not inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. His credentials are impressive and influential as you can see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Long
We believe Joe Long should be inducted and/or considered for a VERY special honor. Please don't hesitate to contact me in New Jersey at 732.920.4884 (electronically: srspsych@aol.com).
Sincerely,
Scott Robert Stout, M.A., Chair.
NJ
Committee Members to Recognize "Joe Long" in Cleveland:
Prof. Scott R. Stout, M.A. (NJ), Committee Chair.
Dr. Mark Stout (NJ/NY)
Tommy DeVito (NV, NJ), Inductee (hardcopy)
B-777 Captain P.F. Bartelli, Continental Airlines, (NJ, FL)
Robert J. Aznar, RP (NJ)
Carol Desmond Clark, Director, RVCC (NJ)
Frank Rovello, http://genuine-imitation-life-gazette.com
Follow-up letter to Terry Stewart, President R&R Hall of Fame:
ATTN: President Terry Stewart,
Our committee waxed-volumes regarding Joe Long's admission the Hall. Please note a member of our committee, Tommy DeVito, inductee and founding member of the 4 Seasons feels Joe Long (LaBracio) should be in the Hall.
I appreciate your prompt attention to correcting this situation (732.920.4884).
Scott Robert Stout, M.A., Chair.
NJ
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Long
http://fourseasonsfans.blogspot.com
Dear Director,
I/we were shocked and saddened to learn Joe Long (LaBracio), 4 Seasons, was not inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. His credentials are impressive and influential as you can see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Long
We believe Joe Long should be inducted and/or considered for a VERY special honor. Please don't hesitate to contact me in New Jersey at 732.920.4884 (electronically: srspsych@aol.com).
Sincerely,
Scott Robert Stout, M.A., Chair.
NJ
Committee Members to Recognize "Joe Long" in Cleveland:
Prof. Scott R. Stout, M.A. (NJ), Committee Chair.
Dr. Mark Stout (NJ/NY)
Tommy DeVito (NV, NJ), Inductee (hardcopy)
B-777 Captain P.F. Bartelli, Continental Airlines, (NJ, FL)
Robert J. Aznar, RP (NJ)
Carol Desmond Clark, Director, RVCC (NJ)
Frank Rovello, http://genuine-imitation-life-gazette.com
Follow-up letter to Terry Stewart, President R&R Hall of Fame:
ATTN: President Terry Stewart,
Our committee waxed-volumes regarding Joe Long's admission the Hall. Please note a member of our committee, Tommy DeVito, inductee and founding member of the 4 Seasons feels Joe Long (LaBracio) should be in the Hall.
I appreciate your prompt attention to correcting this situation (732.920.4884).
Scott Robert Stout, M.A., Chair.
NJ
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Long
http://fourseasonsfans.blogspot.com
posted by The Four Seasons Fan Club Online | 3:25 PM