THE FOUR SEASONS CONCERT 1965

The Four Seasons 40 Years Later

2007 Left to Right: Long, Valli, Gaudio and DeVito
1967 Left to Right: Long, Valli, Gaudio and DeVito

FourSeasonsFans.blogspot.com

The Four Seasons Fan Club Blog

The Four Seasons Left to Right: Long, Vallie, Gaudio and DeVito

Fan Club Blog for fans of The Four Seasons: http://fourseasonsfans.blogspot.com

The Four Seasons and Cast of Broadways Jersey Boys

The Cast Of Broadway's Tony Award Winning Jersey Boys and The Four Seasons

New York City 10/21/07

The Four Seasons Left to right: Long, Valli, Gaudio and DeVito

The Four Seasons

Joe Long, Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio and Tommy DeVito
The Four Seasons meet with cast of hit braodway show "The Jersey Boys".

On Sunday evening October 21 fans of the award winning musical smash Jersey Boys had the rare opportunity to meet Broadway's "Four Seasons" at an exclusive cocktail party benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA). The legendary members of The Four Seasons Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio and Tommy DeVito and Joe Long were also on-hand. The event was held at The View Bar on the 48th floor of The Marriott Marquis in Times Square, and also featured a silent and live auction of rare autographed one of a kind Jersey Boys memorabilia.
"Jersey Boys is the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons; a group of blue collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks who became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records world wide – all before they were thirty," explain press notes.
Visit BC/EFA.org for more information on Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

For tickets and information on Jersey Boys visit JerseyBoysInfo.com

Sunday October 21, 2007I’ll make this short, and then you can continue on and view the pictures.What can I say? Another “Oh What A Night” happening to experience. I just can’t get enough of these, and when I think there will be no more another opportunity presents itself. The main purpose of this evening was to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Funds Aids, surely a very worthwhile purpose. But in all honesty I was there to see the Jersey Boys, both faux and real. Meeting up with old friends and finally put faces to names I had only known by way of the Internet. Everyone involved was as gracious and friendly as could be.The highlight of the evening was having Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Joe Long together in one setting.

Below: The Four Seaons Frankie Vallie, Joe Long and Bob Gaudio sign autographs for their fans

Help us Get Joe Long Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Like most Four Seasons Fans we were shocked to learn Joe Long of the Four Seasons, was not inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum with the other members of Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons. He was not inducted because of some minor technicality. We are working to correct this and have Mr. Long join his fellow Four Seasons band members in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Thank you for your support! Most fan of Fankie Vallie and The Four Seasons Fans Agree Joe Long Belongs in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame:

Read what others have to say on the JoeLong2Cleveland Blog: http://joelong2cleveland.blogspot.com
You can also Four Seasons Fan Club Blog: http://fourseasonsfans.blogspot.com
Jersey Boys Broadway evening with Joe Long: http://genuine-imitation-life-gazette.com/JoeLong/Long.html
Sample of Joe's Work: The Four Seasons on The Ed Sullivan Show 1966 (Joe Long Bass Player)
A YouTube Tribute to Joe Long: Joe Long Bass and Back-Up Vocals 1965-1976 (Classic 4 Seasons)

You can also send your comments to:
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 can help please feel free to: contact us

Prof. Scott Stout, Committee Chair

Thank you for your support!
Peace & Soul,Rock & Roll!

The Committee to Send Joe Long to Cleveland
848 N. Rainbow Blvd.
Suite 1990
Las Vegas, NV 89107

Joe Long :: The Four Seasons belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Joe Long into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Dear Prof. Stout,

Thanks for leading the charge for Joe Long to make it to the Rock & Roll HOF. I was a big fan of the 4 seasons growing up. Joe was a superb addition to the group after Nick left. In my opinion, Joe was a much better bass player and singer, and had much more of a stage presence than Nick. When I think of the 4 Seasons, I see Joe more than Nick in my mind.

I hadn't followed the happenings of the group for many years and paid little attention to the details of their induction into the HOF. However, when the Jersey Boys Musical hit the stage, I once again started listening their music and trying to catch up on the lives of the group members. When I found out that Joe was overlooked for the HOF, I was shocked!! How could this be?? It must be a mistake. Then I started guessing as to why...perhaps Joe pissed off some of the other guys in the group, so they didn't want him included...who knows?

I was disappointed that the other members of the group didn't insist on his inclusion at the time they were selected. When the Temptations were inducted in the HOF, they included the original 4 members and several additional members like the singers who replaced Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin after they left the Temps. I don't understand why the Hall cannot make the same exception for Joe, better late than never. I'm angry that the Hall didn't see fit to recognize Joe's significant contributions to the group, especially since it was during the height of their popularity. I'm also very sad for Joe, it's such a terrible oversight and needs to be corrected. Has anyone asked the other original members of the Seasons for their post induction support of Joe? Joe is very deserving of the honor and recognition associated with being such an important and valuable member of The Four Seasons...he belongs in the HOF.

Dave Whipple
Laurel, MD

FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS: The Motown Years

FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS: The Motown Years
RELEASE DATE: May 27, 2008 Limited Edition CD
It was a dream come true: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, who had shared and sometimes battled on the charts with Motown in their respective ‘60s heydays, signed with the company in 1972. There were two albums, several singles, no hits—at least not right away—and then a mutual parting. But the prized, sophisticated recordings, long sought after by fans, and even more desired since the global success of the musical Jersey Boys, were stuck back in the vault. These rare recordings include the legendary members of The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio and Tommy DeVito and Joe Long

Now for the first time ever, Hip-oSelect.com collects the great Motown albums and singles of the Four Seasons and solo Frankie Valli released from 1972 through 1975. The Motown Years, a 2-CD set compiled with the cooperation of the group, features the album Chameleon and the LP issued as a Valli solo set, Inside You, along with every U.S. and U.K. single not included on either LP.

Includes the Motown U.K. released “The Night,” a popular underground club track, as a single—and it leapt into the British national Top 10. Rejoice, Seasons fans. The Motown Years is finally here!

It was a dream come true: The Four Seasons, who had shared and sometimes battled on the charts with Motown in their respective ‘60s heydays, signed with the company in 1972. There were two albums, several singles, no hits—at least not right away—and then a mutual parting. But the prized, sophisticated recordings, long sought after by fans, and even more desired since the global success of the musical Jersey Boys, were stuck back in the vault. Now, for the first time ever, Hip-oSelect.com collects the great Motown albums and singles of The Four Seasons released from 1972 through 1975. Now available at:

http://www.hip-oselect.com/scr.public.productdetails.asp?product_id=693CB7F0-EFCD-40A8-9562-0F974A1C193E

THE FOUR SEASONS :: Classic 4 Seasons!!!

THE FOUR SEASONS

1967

Above: The Four Seasons
Joe Long, Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio and Tommy DeVito


The Four Seaons below left to right: Valli, DeVito, Gaudio and Long


Below in the Studio Left to Right: Long, Valli, Gaudio and DeVito c. 1965

* Note: Joe Long is the only member of the group not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Contact the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Today and let them know Joe belongs!

It is time for a change in either the criteria or to those who are appointed to implement it!

You Can Also Send Your Letters of Support to:

Mr. Jann S. Wenner

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

Telephone: 212-484-1616

PS: If Mr. Wenner receives your letter he will most likely read it and look into the matter. He will also likely send a personal reply. Jann is a great guy! I meet him at a few parties in the past while in NYC.

MAP

Original News about The Four Seasons:

News articles from the 1960s about The Four Seasons:
This is the stuff the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame does not want you to read!
Anyone who reads these original newspaper articles would no doubt agree that Joe Long belongs in the Hall of Fame with the other Four Seasons. The Hall of Fame will try to rewrite rock and roll history, but here is the true story from the orginal new articles of the 1960s:
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_JoeMarried.html
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_KRLABEAT_March261966.html
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_HitParaderMay1967.html
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_HitParaderYearbook1967.html
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_LetItRock373_4.html
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_SongHitsJune1966.html
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_SongHitsFeb1967.html
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_TeensTopTenDec1967.html
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_HitParaderOct1966.html
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_Dec1972.html
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_ColorotoDec211970.html
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_July1972.html
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_CashJan251969_10.jpg
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_CashJan251969_11.jpg
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_CashJan251969_7.jpg
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_CashJan251969_13.jpg
http://gilgweb.com/IMAGES/M_CashJan251969_6.jpg
* A special thanks to GILGWEB for allowing us access to this great Archive of Four Seasons recourses

Additional notes supporting Joe Long for HOF induction:

I have already seen the bs response to others who have questioned the oversight of Mr Long to the Rock Hall of Famed. The canned response is flawed as is the process. It is time for a change in either the criteria or to those who are appointed to implement it. This process is saw flawed that the oversights is widespread. Other examples would be the exclusion of groups such as CHICAGO, THE MOODY BLUES and the inclusion of individuals and groups specifically because they or members have passed away. It is time for a change in those involved in the selection process! An unsigned note from a Four Seasons fan
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I could not agree more with this fan! The fans of rock and roll music are completely ignored by the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame". The fans who take the time to write well articulated letters in support of a musician are dismissed with a standard form letter. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a spin off of Rolling Stone Magazine and is quickly becoming big business for all “baby bombers” involved. They have figured out a way to cash in on rock and roll music and thus now send corporate form (canned) letters to us rock and roll music fans. Personally, I would rather visit the local Hard Rock Café where I can enjoy a nice meal and cocktails while viewing classic rock and roll memorabilia. I believe the Hard Rock Café captures the spirit of Rock and Roll in a way that the so called "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" never will. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should be fun, not big business! By the way, the Hard Rock Café in NYC and Vegas have some great Four Seasons items in their collection- much of which includes our favorite -bassist Joe Long. Cheers! Dr. Mark Stout, NYC
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Letter to Jann Wenner (Owner of Rolling Stone Magazine/Founder Rock and Roll Hall of Fame):
Mr. Wenner,
I hope you can see the injustice that isbeing done here and will do the right thing bythrowing your full support to give the 4 Seasons' JoeLong the formal Rock and Roll Hall of Fameenshrinement that has been denied to him for the past17 years. With the current huge success being enjoyedby "Jersey Boys," the Broadway musical story of the 4Seasons, the timing for Joe Long's long-deservingenshrinement couldn't be any better.
Regards,
Michael Kent
Texas

Reply to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Form Letter

Replies to the standard Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Form Letter:
If you write or email The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame you will receive the standard form letter they send to everyone where they just insert "Joe Long" in the "musician's name" field and "The Four Seasons" in the "group's name field.
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After attending a performance of Jersey Boys in New York I was introduced to Joe Long who I remembered from my youth as the bassist and back-up singer of the Four Seasons. I new he was not one of the original members just as Clarence Clemons was not one of the original members of the E-street band or Ron Wood was not one of the original members of the Rolling Stones and so on and so on. I was then shown a response that you kindly wrote to a member of the committee formed to request the the Hall of Fame to reevaluate its oversight in not including Joe Long with the original members inducted in your Hall. NIck Massi was an original member but left the group in 1964. You might know Joe Long performed with the group from 1965 to 1975 and contributed to the group's success to the same degree if not more then Nick Massi. I then reread your letter and found your thinking flawed to an alarming degree. I then obtained a list of those members of groups that have been inducted and became embarrassed to see individuals inducted, who based on your criteria, should not even been considered for induction. I then thought however, better to include those individuals rather then exclude them for the honor that maybe I am not seeing. Joe Long, however, does meet all the criteria and the committee or whatever you call yourself, should make this correction.
Also, as discussion for another day, how in the world could the group "Chicago" not be in the Rock Hall of Fame.

Let's Hang On!!!!
Howard Littman

1967 The Four Seasons Live Shows

1967 was a very busy year for The Four Seasons:

Below: Gaudio - Valli - Long - DeVito

The Four Seasons Concert Pics From 1971

Below: Gaudio - Valli - Long

Below: Joe Long bass guitar and vocals

Joe Long : Bass, Backup Vocals, Musical Arrangements

More Articles calling for Joe Long to be inducted in the Hall of Fame with The Four Seasons

The Four Seasons Pictured Above (left to right):

Gaudio, Valli, Long and DeVito

Despite his extensive contributions to the Four Seasons, Joe Long remains the only member of the group's “definitive line up” not inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
The internet is filled with many article, blogs, websites and other all calling for Joe Long to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Here’s just a articles few:
http://www.answers.com/topic/joe-long
http://www.classicbands.com/seasons.html
http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Joe_Long
Wikipedia: The Four Seasons
Wikipedia: Joe Long
YouTube Video Comments
YouTube Video More Comments
YouTube: Ed Sullivan Show with Joe Long on Bass

YouTube: Joe Long Tribute

Send your comments to:

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

You can also email: Ms. Terry Stewart, President Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at: suhl@rockhall.org

The Committee to Induct Joe Long to Hall of Fame:
Prof. Scott Stout, MA (Co-Chairman) SRSPSYCH@aol.com
Capt. Peter Bartelli (Co-Chairman)

JOE LONG REMAINS THE ONLY MEMBER OF THE FOUR SEASONS NOT IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME IN CLEVELAND

Answers.com also agrees...

Answers.com (encyclodictionalmanacapedia) agrees that Joe Long belong in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Answers Corporation's comprehensive reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects including entries on celebrities.

Joe Long
Joe Long (born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on September 5, 1941 as Joseph LaBracio) is best known as the bass guitarist and vocal arranger for The Four Seasons, one of the biggest music acts of the 1960s.... Despite his extensive contributions to the Four Seasons, Joe Long remains the only member of the group's “definitive line up” not inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, most likely because he was not one of groups "founders" in 1962. Much controversy still exists over this questionable decision, especially in light of the many top-10 hits the group had during his tenure.

Read the full article at: http://www.answers.com/topic/joe-long

Joe Long: Wikipdedia agrees Joe Long belongs in Rock and Roll HOF

Joe Long
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Joe Long (born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on September 5, 1941[1] as Joseph LaBracio) is best known as the bass guitarist and vocal arranger for The Four Seasons, one of the biggest music acts of the 1960s. At their peak, The Four Seasons made recordings that expressed the tough-but-tender sensibility of their home turf in the Northeast much in the way the Beach Boys encapsulated the world of Southern California in harmony and song. In the words of Billy Joel, a longtime fan who grew up listening to them on Long Island, "The Four Seasons had wonderful chord progressions, beautiful writing, terrific production, fantastic harmony, records that really spoke to us."

Joe LaBracio is a classically trained musician and studied with Alfonse Strazza, a primo bassist and the principal bassist for the New York Philharmonic. However, a severe hand injury forced Joe to give up the rigors of playing classical bass and switch to the Fender bass-guitar. He then began listening more to rock and roll and became a rock 'n roll player for several local New Jersey bands before joining with his fellow "Jersey Boys", The Four Seasons in 1965 as a replacement for Nick Massi. Joe Long contributed much to the group’s innovative musical style and famous on stage antics. Joe Long continued to record, perform and tour with The Four Seasons through the late-1970s. After leaving the group Joe Long formed the rock 'n roll group LaBracio and later the jazz band Jersey Bounce.

Despite his extensive contributions to the Four Seasons, Joe Long remains the only member of the group's “definitive line up” not inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, most likely because he was not one of groups "founders" in 1962. Much controversy still exists over this questionable decision, especially in light of the many top-10 hits the group had during his tenure.

BOYCOTT THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

The Boycott of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
If you are a true rock and roll fan you should boycott the rock and roll hall of fame, do not watch its well hyped TV induction show and do not buy tickets to visit their museum in cleveland! The fans of rock and roll music that pay to buy albums/CDs, concert tickets, admission tickets to the rock and roll hall of fame museum, watch sponsors TV ads during the induction shows, etc. have no voice in the induction process. Only a few elite insiders (mostly from Rolling Stone Magazine and in NYC) deside what the rock and roll fans should like and only they deside who goes into the rock and roll hall of fame in Cleveland. A wrote a letter requesting that Joe Long be inducted with the other members of The Four Season (he belongs! I saw them in concert at the Garden and AC, these rock and roll elitists from Rolling Stone Mag did not!! But yet they will tell us, the fans who are the best rock and roll musicians. Thanks, however I think the fans know better).
Thanks! Bill Barnes, NYC

The Response to my letter to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame requesting they induct Joe Long:
Thanks for your comments about 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.The entire nomination and induction process is coordinated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in New York City. Artists can be inducted in four categories: Performer, Early Influence, Non-Performer and Side-Men. The latter three categories are evaluated and decided by separate committees.

The selection of Performers is a two-step process as described below.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 500 people around the world (journalists, historians, music industry management, all living 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.

All this said, 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!
Sharon Uhl
suhl@rockhall.org

Well Sharon, thanks for telling me what is good rock and roll music. I guess we the fans would not know if it was not for the so called Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bill Barnes
New York City

More Fans Are Speak Out...

If the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can induct SammyHagar as a member of Van Halen, then the Hall should induct Joe Long as a member of the 4 Seasons. Hagar,like Long, was not an original band member, yet theHall apparently believes Hagar's role as Van Halen's front man (after David Lee Roth left the band) wasmore important than Long's role as the 4 Seasons'bassist and vocal arranger. All you need to do is consider each band's success andimpact - however way the HOF Selection Committee chooses to define success and impact - while these men were members of their respective bands. There should be no argument that the 4 Seasons' success and impact with Joe Long was at least equal to that with NickMassi, the band member Long succeeded in 1965 - muchin the same way that the Hall of Fame must believe that Van Halen's success and impact with Hagar wasequal to that with David Lee Roth.While worthy of acknowledgment, Sammy Hagar's work andinfluence outside of Van Halen should not be factoredinto his HOF induction as a member of Van Halen. Ifthe Hall believes that Hagar had such an individualimpact, then the Hall should induct him as a soloartist in the same way it did with John Lennon, PaulMcCartney, and George Harrison as solo artistssubsequent to their induction as members of TheBeatles.Therefore, by setting this precedent of inductingSammy Hagar as a member of Van Halen, the Hall of FameSelection Committee should do the right thing and induct Joe Long as a member of the 4 Seasons.

Regards,
Michael Kent
Houston, TX

Joe Long Is The Only Member of The Four Seasons Not in The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Joe Long (Pic on left next to Fankie Valli) is the only member of the orginal classic Four Seasons Group not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Please Contact the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Let them know Joe Long Belongs in Cleveland with the other band members!

Attn.: Terry Stewart,

President Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

suhl@rockhall.org

" And now here for all the youngsters of the country... The Four Seasons!"

View The Four Seasons on Ed Sullivan Show 1966 (Joe Long on Bass)

Sir Paul McCartney about Joe Long in 1966,
“Joe is the second best left-handed bass player I know!”

www.Long2Cleveland.com

VIEW THE NEW JOE LONG TRIBUTE ON YOU TUBE

Long time fans the Four Seasons who believe their bassist/vocal arranger Joe Long belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the other members of the band now have a new website: http://www.long2cleveland.com. We look forward to the day when Rolling Stone Magazine and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame acknowledges Joe’s contributions to the band and Rock n’ Roll. Thanks to everyone for their support.

Click here for a sample video of a classic Four Seasons performance on The Ed Sullivan Show (please note Joe Long is the tall left handed bass player for the group)

Click here to view another classsic 4 Seaesons performance (Joe Long on Bass and back up vocals)

Click here for live Working My Way Back to You (Joe Long Bass)

More Albums Covers Featuring Joe Long

Joe Long is on most of the Four Season's records and album covers. Here's a few more cover that feture Joe with the other members of the Four Seasons- yet only the other 3 are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Joe Long was the only memebr of the group over looked and not inducted into the Hall of Fame with the other Four Seasons in 1999. We are trying to correct this and have Joe join his band members in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

The Four Seasons Fan Club Blog

Learn more about Joe Long and The 4 Seasons: The Four Seasons Fan Club Blog!