Valli scored over twenty-five Top-40 hits with The Four Seasons, a handful of Top-40 hits dubbed as a solo act in the late 1960s, one dubbed as The Wonder Who? in 1965, and again as a solo act in the mid to late 1970s. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with The Four Seasons in 1990.
Valli started his singing career in 1952. He cut his first single in 1953 as "Frankie Valley" –-a name he adopted from Jean Valley, his favorite female singer. In the mid-1950s he split up with The Travellers and joined The Variety Trio, which consisted of Tommy DeVito, twin brother Nick, and Hank Majewski. They redubbed themselves The Variatones, and later as The Four Lovers. Under this moniker, they scored a Top 40 hit with "You're the Apple of My Eye" in 1956. After a few more name changes, the group finally settled on The Four Seasons in 1960. About the same time, Valli Italianized his name to its current form. Nick DeVito and Majewski left the group in 1960 or 1961. Bob Gaudio and Nick Massi replaced them.
With Valli as its lead singer, The Four Seasons had a series of hits, including five number one singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Their first chart-topper was "Sherry" in 1962. They scored their final number one single in the U.S. in 1975 with "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)." The song enjoyed a second run on the U.S. charts in 1994 (credited as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) when a remixed version hit #14 on the Hot 100.
On Broadway
Frankie Valli Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say there's always magic in the air
But when you're walkin' down that street
And you ain't had enough to eat
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
They say the girls are something else on Broadway
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
When all you got is one thin dime?
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
They say that I won't last too long on Broadway
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home, they all say
Oh, they're dead wrong, I know they are
'Cause I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway
They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway
They say there's always magic in the air
But they're all wrong, I know they are
'Cause I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway
Look at the neon lights
Look at the neon lights
Look at the neon lights
(Look at the neon lights)
Up and down Broadway
(Look at the neon lights)
Look at the neon lights
So bright, so bright
Look at the neon lights
Up and down Broadway
Look at the neon lights
Gonna be a star
Look at the neon
In Frankie Valli's song "On Broadway," the singer reflects on the bright lights and magic of Broadway, but also acknowledges the harsh reality that exists on the streets. He observes that the glitter and glamour of Broadway can rub off quickly if one is hungry and struggling. He notes that even the girls on Broadway, who are perceived as something special, give him "the blues." He laments that with only "one thin dime," he cannot even shine his shoes. Despite these difficulties, however, he believes that he has the talent and drive to make it as a star on Broadway, and he will not give up until he achieves his dream.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway
Broadway is known for its bright and colorful lights that attract the attention of all passersby.
They say there's always magic in the air
Broadway is thought to possess an enchanting and captivating energy that makes it a special place.
But when you're walkin' down that street
And you ain't had enough to eat
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
However, when you're walking on Broadway without food in your belly, the magic disappears, and you're left with the hard reality of poverty.
They say the girls are something else on Broadway
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
'Cause how ya gonna make some time
When all you got is one thin dime?
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
Broadway's girls have a reputation for being different, but when you don't have enough money to spend on them, you can only look and lament, knowing one dime is enough to afford nothing.
They say that I won't last too long on Broadway
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home, they all say
Oh, they're dead wrong, I know they are
'Cause I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway
People believe that the singer won't last long on Broadway, but he's sure that he will prove them wrong. He believes in his talent and will work to become a Broadway star.
But they're all wrong, I know they are
'Cause I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway
The singer dismisses the criticism of others and is confident that his guitar skills will bring him the success he desires on Broadway.
Look at the neon lights
Look at the neon lights
Look at the neon lights
(Look at the neon lights)
Up and down Broadway
(Look at the neon lights)
The artist urges us to pay attention to the bright lights on Broadway, implying they hold the keys to success and stardom.
Look at the neon lights
So bright, so bright
Look at the neon lights
Up and down Broadway
The neon lights are the epitome of Broadway's magic and allure, and the singer urges us to experience their brilliance.
Look at the neon lights
Gonna be a star
Look at the neon
The singer's confidence is absolute, and he is convinced that with hard work and determination, he'll attain his dream of becoming a Broadway star.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL, JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Connor
Frankie, you're amazing buddy. I'm 19 and am proud to call you my favorite singer. You're like an honorary family member Frankie. My days not complete without listening to your music. God bless you sir.
Jack Woodhouse
Same and I’m 16!
daniel lack
Michael Connor...it is very refreshing to see that a young man like yourself can truly appreciate the music of a legend whose string of hit songs were charting 50+ years ago....I can tell you that I am old enough to have been around when Frankie and The Seasons first exploded on the music scene...and his staying power has been wonderful...quality is quality no matter the era...
Michael Connor
Cudahy 1960 I love both albums. Thanks so much for the recommendations. My best.
Cudahy 1960
Michael Connor Could not agree with you more. I have to hear something by Mr. Valli or the 4 Seasons everyday, just love his music. If you have not already, listen to the 4 seasons Christmas album from 1962 which is a real treat and you will not want to stop playing it. Oh and Valli's new Christmas album titled, 'tis the seasons is also very good. Take care
Richard Betz
It's great to see youngsters such as you and I that like oldies music! It's much more appropriate than the stuff you hear today. My favorite singer is Roy Orbison who is a true classic! Frankie is my fourth favorite. Have yet to see him.
Cudahy 1960
Oh my gosh what a great clip of a great singer. thanks for posting, love his music and singing. Thanks
Marla E.L. Harrison
What a gorgeous hunk of a man singing his heart out with this wonderful songs. He's always going to be my favorite performer and my favorite singer of all time. And that's the solitary truth 2.
Deborah W
That high note sends shivers down my spine .... Frankie still has it !!!!😁💖🤗
Jim
Lipped sync but still a great show. Saw him last week. If you look at all his real live shows way back you can see the difference. Live is obvious.