About The Song
If you are a fan of the Four Seasons, you probably know their hit song “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)”, which topped the charts in the US and the UK in 1976. But do you know the story behind this catchy disco tune? Here are some interesting facts about this song that you may not have heard before.
– The song was co-written by Bob Gaudio, the original keyboard player of the Four Seasons, and his future wife Judy Parker. They got married in 1980 and are still together today.
– The song was originally about the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, and had the title “December 5th, 1933”. However, Frankie Valli and Judy Parker persuaded Bob Gaudio to change the lyrics to make it a nostalgic reminiscence of a young man’s first affair with a woman. The song was also inspired by Bob Gaudio’s courtship with Judy Parker.
– The song features drummer Gerry Polci on lead vocals, with Frankie Valli singing the bridge sections and backing vocals. Bass player Don Ciccone sings the falsetto part. This was a departure from the usual Four Seasons style, where Valli was the main lead vocalist.
– The song was produced by Bob Gaudio and included on the group’s album “Who Loves You” (1975). It was released as a single in December 1975 and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart in March 1976. It was the final number one hit for the Four Seasons as a group, although Valli had another solo number one with “Grease” in 1978.
– The song has been covered by many artists, including Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye, The Dells, Clock, and Alcazar. It has also been featured in several movies and TV shows, such as The Deer Hunter, The Simpsons, That ’70s Show, and Jersey Boys.
“December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” is a classic song that combines the flavor of ’60s rock with a disco feel. It has a sweet melody, an unforgettable bass line, and a catchy chorus that makes you want to sing along. It is also a song that celebrates love, romance, and nostalgia. If you want to listen to it again or watch the official music video, you can find it on YouTube or other streaming platforms.