Within seven months, they had three #1 hits—a feat only previously achieved by Elvis Presley. Their sound was revolutionary: It fused the energy of rock and roll with the vocal precision of a barbershop quartet and the dramatic tension of Broadway.
They pivoted to a more psychedelic and baroque pop sound, producing cult classics like "C'mon Marianne" and the stunning (1967)—a song that would be rediscovered and become a massive hit again in the 2000s via a remix by Pilooski and a cover by Madcon.
In 1964, they released (their fourth #1), a bittersweet story of a rich boy falling for a poor girl, featuring a distinctive "slap" sound (made by slapping a leather wallet against a microphone). They followed with "Save It for Me" and "Let's Hang On!" (1965), which showcased a tougher, more rhythm-and-blues-infused sound. Their 1966 hit "Working My Way Back to You" and the dramatic "Opus 17 (Don't You Worry 'bout Me)" proved they could evolve with the times. The Late 60s & The Frankie Vali Solo Era By 1967, the group dynamic was fracturing. Tommy DeVito was deep in gambling debts, and Nick Massi had left, disillusioned. The Four Seasons became, in essence, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons , with Gaudio continuing to write and produce but focusing more on the studio.
