Community Chat

[golding76]

Joe Long was one of the Four Seasons from 1965 - 1975.  Although not one of the original four, he was their brilliant bassist and one of Frankie Valli's backup singers during a very rich period of their hit-making.

Joe's original last name was LaBracio.  He was a very dear family friend, and I can personally attest to what a kind and thoughtful man he was.

For the last couple weeks, he fought COVID-19.  He experienced great progress in fighting the disease and then would be knocked flat again.  Dear Joe was a fighter but the disease got the best of him.  Tommy DeVito, one of the original Four Seasons, died of COVID-19 last September. 

May Joe's memory be eternal!

[Witchy Woman]

@golding76 

How wonderful for both of you that you shared a special friendship.  Such a tragedy to be lost to Covid!

I mourn the loss of so many wonderful artists of that time when music was everything in our young lives.

Never saw the group, but their music makes my heart sing!

[haddon9]

@golding76 I'm sorry for your loss and for his family.  I love The Four Seasons and would have liked to have seen them in person...but I was fortunate to have seen the musical Jersey Boys a few times.  

[golding76]

Joe had his own group post-retirement from the Seasons.  It is called The Jersey Four.  My sons and I were just discussing catching the show on June 5 in Asbury Park, N.J.

https://thejerseyfour.com/

[Witchy Woman]

@golding76 

Do you think the group will go on?  I'm going to keep an eye out for them in my area.  Would dearly love to hear them!

My sis is in Northern, NJ, but frequently, groups like this will appear in Annapolis at Ramshead Tavern or in VA at the Birchmere.  Gosh, I miss concerts!

Listening to that sound...it's just heavenly!

[golding76]

Witchy Woman,

At this time, I think even the musicians/vocalists in the group do not know what their future will be.  Just to be clear, you are referring to the tribute band, The Jersey Four, and not the Four Seasons group itself, right?

The Four Seasons group has paused only for COVID-19, but will resume their concerts whenever they deem it safe to do so.   I know from a contact in the U.K. that the final details on those concerts to be given in the U.K. during Summer 2022 are now being hammered out.  I toyed with the idea of attending one in London but do not think I'll do that because of COVID.

Regarding the tribute band, which I think is the one you are interested in, if I learn anything in the coming weeks/months, I will let you know.  Personally, I hope they go on to carry on Joe's legacy.  Joe was a highly accomplished and very talented musician.  (And a pretty fine singer, too, right?  He was one of the Four Seasons, after all.)

Joe playing his left-handed bass and singing the hit "Let's Hang On."   Four Seasons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsLdxO0lNzQ

[Witchy Woman]

@golding76 

Yes, the tribute band.  I've given up going to large venues, so we stick to places where we can book our seats and really see and hear the artists.  It's nice to see the originals, but, most times, I'm just craving the music!

The Jersey Four has their tour dates posted, and I might try to catch the one at Dover Downs, which is not that far from where I am in Maryland.

We've got two concerts that were cancelled in 2020 awaiting rescheduling, and just booked a concert in Annapolis for June 25.  They are at 50% capacity, and you had to buy the whole table.

I'm so looking forward to live music again.  I'd LOVE to see the Four Seasons, but not sure it will happen.

Hope you get to!

So many wonderful singers from that time carry on long after the big concerts...and I'm thankful they do!  I finally got to see Eddie Money twice in Annapolis in 2019 and it was glorious.

Takes me back to my youth...and a sweet time in my life.

[golding76]

Witchy Woman,

I fully agree with you about the magic of music and the mysterious way it can transport you back to the sweet moments of your youth.  Today I'm going down memory lane, big-time.  It helps with grief.

You should try to catch one of the The Jersey Four shows if you can and if you consider it safe.  At this moment, I am timid about attending anything and prefer outdoors.  But, of course, an outdoor setting isn't always available.  The London trip is a fantasy trip at this time.

Let's see what happens with this virus that has now taken the lives of two of the Four Seasons. There have been many Four Seasons through the decades, but COVID-19 has robbed the world of two out of the first five of the Seasons.  Really, this is incredible.     

I want to return to live shows, too.

[beach-mom]

@golding76 - I am so sorry for your loss. How blessed you are to have known him in his everyday life! I've always loved their music.

We had the chance to "meet" Frankie Valli about 30 years ago before his concert at Sea World in Texas. He was spending some time walking around. He was so nice. I remember being awestruck!  

[spiderw]

My condolences to you, Goldie76 for the loss of such a dear friend.

I am saddened to hear of Joe Long's  passing as he contributed much to the success of the Four Seasons. You used the words, kind and Thoughtful to describe Joe and that in itself is a lovely tribute to his memory.

The world of music lost a  talent but his music will live on as the Four Seasons have made their mark as one of the great groups.  May Mr. Long be at peace with God.