Frankie Valli Embodies the Spirit of ‘Jersey Boys’ as ‘The Last Encores’ Tour Kicks Off

Frankie Valli, the legendary lead singer of The Four Seasons, continues to captivate audiences with his exceptional voice, which remains as powerful as ever at the age of ninety. The singer, known for his signature falsetto, was in attendance during the opening night of the Chicago production of “Jersey Boys” over sixteen years ago. Seated in the audience, he watched the portrayal of his life and career unfold on stage with immense joy and interest.

At a break during the show, Valli revealed the secret to his enduring vocal prowess. When asked how he continues to perform the challenging material portrayed in the musical, Valli simply replied, “Well!” He explained he has sung every day since childhood, starting at the age of seven, without the need for formal vocal practice or warm-ups. “In the shower,” he said, is where he regularly sings, crediting his mother for encouraging his singing after seeing Frank Sinatra perform when he was a child.

Valli’s journey as a vocalist began in his youth, singing solos at church, school, and family gatherings. His voice possessed both power and range, which he maintained, even as his voice changed. Valli developed a unique technique, employing a head voice or falsetto that allowed him to sing high notes with the strength of chest resonance, a hallmark of his distinctive sound.

His career took off in the world of doo-wop, performing on street corners and later in bands and clubs. The pivotal moment came when Bob Gaudio joined The Four Lovers, which evolved into The Four Seasons. Gaudio’s songwriting talent was instrumental in creating hits tailored to Valli’s exceptional vocal abilities.

Now, decades on, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons remain a powerful presence in the music world. They are currently touring with their show, “Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: The Last Encores,” which is slated to continue through April 2025. Despite the limitations of age, Valli’s voice still resonates with the iconic sounds of “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” and many others.

The tour serves as a “last-call” opportunity for fans to experience the original “Jersey Boys” live. Their performance is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, at the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Illinois. Tickets for the event range from $45 to $159.