BBC Radio 2 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Light Programme.

BBC Radio 2

Radio 2

Jerseybeat: the Four Seasons Story

Jerseybeat: the Four Seasons Story: Episode 4

Documentaries

Music: Classic Pop & Rock

Episode 4

BBC Radio 2 - Jerseybeat: the Four Seasons Story, Episode 4

How 'Silver Star' became a hit in the 1970s and brought success to the new line-up.

The story of how an underachieving bunch of singers from New Jersey rose to the top, featuring the new line-up of the group as they score a '70s UK hit with 'Silver Star'.

Paul Sexton concludes his profile of one of the greatest pop vocal groups. 

The final instalment begins with the new line-up of the group charting around the world again in the mid-1970s, as they score another UK top three hit with Silver Star and release further high-class singles such as Down The Hall and Rhapsody. 

Frankie Valli's star as a solo artist was also very much on the rise at this time, and he explains how a long-time mutual admiration led the Bee Gees to write the Grease theme specifically for him. Valli reveals how that massively successful film theme is still earning for him 30 years later, and there's a tribute from his longtime friend Dion Dimucci. 

As the 80s progress, the Seasons' profile diminishes again, but admiration for their legacy was spearheaded by Billy Joel's best-selling tribute to their sound, Uptown Girl. In the 1990s, a remix of December 1963 (Oh What A Night) became an immense US hit, matching the original's 27-week run to establish the longest aggregate stay ever on the Billboard charts. Then in 2000, the song was a smash again in France in a dance version, Ces Soirées-La, just before the group's original bassist Nick Massi succumbed to cancer.

Valli and creative and business partner Bob Gaudio reflect on an enduring relationship which was built on a "Jersey handshake", and Frankie explains why he's still on the road performing. Actors, writers and Jersey Boys director Des McAnuff talk about bringing the group's story to life, and the original Seasons describe watching their lives on the Broadway stage. As Gaudio says: "It's like living your life over again every night with a 20-minute intermission.".

Amazing music. Played by an amazing line up.

Radio 2: Amazing music. Played by an amazing line-up. The home of great music, entertainment and documentaries

How an underachieving bunch of singers from New Jersey rose to international stardom

The story of how an underachieving bunch of singers from the mean streets of New Jersey rose from several years in obscurity to international stardom

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Jerseybeat: the Four Seasons Story

Episode 4

Genres

Formats

Series

BBC Radio 2

About BBC Radio 2