Frankie Valli at 89: Still Captivating Audiences with Timeless Style and Age-Defying Charm

From his early days as a young boy in Newark, New Jersey, Frankie Valli always knew that singing was his true calling.

Now, at 89, the iconic singer has certainly come a long way from his humble, working-class roots. Seeing him perform today can still bring a smile to anyone’s face…

Frankie Valli’s distinctive three-octave range and iconic falsetto voice became emblematic of the American bubble-gum era of the mid-1950s, characterized by drive-ins and soda shops. Even with the passing years, his music remains relevant and beloved by today’s audiences, a testament to the enduring quality and passion of his work.

At just seven years old, Frankie’s passion for singing was sparked when his mother took him to see a young Frank Sinatra perform at the Paramount Theater in Manhattan. This pivotal experience left a profound imprint on him, steering him towards his dream of a successful singing career.

At the time, Frankie could not have known that he would eventually forge a deep connection with his early idol, “Ol’ Blue Eyes” Sinatra.

“He kind of took me under his wing as a friend because I did this thing for his mother. For about 10 years we were really close. Every time I saw him it was a big hug and a kiss on the cheek,” Valli recalled.

Frankie started his singing career on street corners with friends, and his journey to fame was far from easy. Raised in downtown Newark, he held various jobs such as truck driving, caddying on a golf course, and following in his father’s footsteps as a barber, before finding success in the music industry.

“My parents didn’t have money, I came from nothing. I had to have something to fall back on,” Frankie reflects.

In the early 1960s, Frankie Valli and his band, The Four Seasons, rose to stardom, quickly becoming one of the world’s biggest musical acts. Chart-topping hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Walk Like a Man” catapulted the members of The Four Seasons into the limelight.

Frankie’s distinct falsetto voice made him an instant favorite among fans, propelling “Sherry” to No.1 faster than any record since Elvis Presley’s debut.

While part of The Four Seasons, Frankie also pursued a solo career, releasing several albums under his own name. He found remarkable success with The Four Seasons, notching 29 top 40 hits, and continued to thrive as a solo artist, adding nine more top 40 hits to his name.

Frankie, along with fellow Four Seasons members Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi, and Bob Gaudio, was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, cementing their legacy in the music world.

Branching out from his musical career, Frankie Valli began acting in the mid-1960s. One of his most prominent roles was in the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Jersey Boys,” which chronicled the rise of The Four Seasons.

Throughout his time with The Four Seasons and as a solo artist, Valli has appeared on various television shows and in films, expanding his repertoire beyond singing. His appearances on shows like “Miami Vice,” “The Sopranos,” and “Hawaii Five-0” have showcased his versatility as an entertainer.

Today, Frankie Valli is regarded as a pillar of rock and roll history. The music icon, who has been performing and touring for many years, remains active in the industry. Now living in California, the 89-year-old artist shows no signs of retiring anytime soon.

Frankie Valli, reflecting on his career in 1993, shared, “It used to be really hard performing the same songs over and over, but every time I sing a song that the public wants to hear—not my new material or even my solo recordings—I try to perform it as though it were the first time.”

Valli has maintained his voice in superb condition well into his 80s, thanks to his dedication to a healthy lifestyle. He adheres to a strict diet and steers clear of alcohol, drugs, and smoking. When he feels fatigued, he ensures he gets to bed early, only staying up late for compelling reasons.

“And I sing a little bit every day. I love singing in the shower; I think it’s one of the best places. You can accomplish two things: cleaning your body and exercising your voice,” he mentioned in 2021.

In his early twenties, Valli married his first wife, Mary, who had a two-year-old daughter at the time of their marriage. This was the first of his three marriages, and before Frankie’s breakthrough.

“We were living in the projects, and by the time I was twenty, I was married and we had kids right away. I lived in the projects right up until I found success,” he recounted.

Frankie and his first wife, Mary, raised two daughters together—Francine and Antonia—but they divorced in 1971. He then married MaryAnn Hannagan in 1974; their marriage lasted eight years. Frankie’s third marriage was to Randy Clohessy in 1984; together they had three sons. However, this relationship also ended in separation in 2004 following a tumultuous divorce.

Like all families, Frankie Valli’s has faced its share of hardships, and he has endured profound tragedies. In 1980, he experienced an unimaginable loss when his stepdaughter Celia died in a tragic accident, falling from a fire escape. Just six months later, another heartbreaking event occurred: his youngest daughter, Francine, reportedly passed away from a drug overdose. These losses are among the most painful experiences a parent can endure. It is a testament to Frankie’s strength and resilience that he has continued to pursue his music career in the years following these tragedies.

Despite the tragedies he has faced, Frankie Valli finds joy and pride in his surviving children and their accomplishments. As any grandparent can attest, there is an indescribable joy in watching your grandchildren grow and succeed. For Frankie, experiencing this joy with his own grandchildren has been no exception, offering him comfort and pride amidst life’s challenges.

The love and support of his family have been a vital source of strength and comfort for him throughout his life. It’s truly heartwarming to see how they have remained close-knit despite the challenges they’ve encountered.

“My kids are all creative and creators. Even my grandkids! My son Brando is into EDM, and I just saw my granddaughter Olivia perform in the touring company of ‘Pretty Woman’ in Los Angeles. She’s playing the lead. It was thrilling!” Frankie shared with The Montrealer last year.

On May 3, Frankie Valli celebrates his 89th birthday, and it’s truly amazing that he is still with us. He continues to captivate audiences around the world!

As we celebrate his birthday, it’s a perfect opportunity to share an article about him on Facebook and spread the word about his incredible contributions to music.

By doing so, we can help ensure that his legacy lives on for many years to come and continues to inspire new generations of music lovers.

Happy Birthday, Frankie Valli!