Tommy DeVito (musician) facts for kids

Gaetano "Tommy" DeVito (June 19, 1928 – September 21, 2020) was an American musician and singer. He was a founding member of the famous rock band, The Four Seasons. In the band, he was a vocalist and played the lead guitar.

Tommy DeVito's Early Life

Tommy DeVito was born in Belleville, New Jersey, USA. He was the youngest of nine children in his Italian-American family. When he was eight years old, he taught himself to play the guitar. He learned by listening to country music on the radio.

By the age of 12, Tommy was already playing music for tips in local taverns. He left school after the eighth grade. Later, in 2007, Belleville High School made him an honorary graduate. By the time he was 16, he had his own R&B band. He was earning good money, about $20 or $25 each night.

Starting His Music Career

Tommy DeVito's music journey began in the early 1950s. He formed a group called "the Variety Trio." He played with his brother Nick DeVito and Hank Majewski. This group played under different names and with changing members.

In 1954, the band grew to four members. They added a singer named Francis Castelluccio, who later became famous as Frankie Valli. The group changed its name to "the Variatones."

The Four Lovers

In 1956, the group signed a recording contract with RCA Victor. They renamed themselves "the Four Lovers." The members were Tommy and Nick DeVito, Hank Majewski, and Frankie Valli. Tommy and Frankie were the only members who stayed with the group consistently.

The Four Lovers released seven singles and one album. Their first single in 1956 was "You're the Apple of My Eye." It became a small hit across the country. This song led to Tommy's first appearance on national television. The Four Lovers performed on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1956.

The Rise of The Four Seasons

Tommy's brother Nick left the group. But Tommy DeVito kept making music. He reformed and changed the group again. Tommy was good friends with Joe Pesci, who later became a famous actor. Joe Pesci introduced Tommy and Frankie Valli to Bob Gaudio.

By 1960, the group included Tommy DeVito, Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, and Nick Massi. Bob Gaudio was a lyricist and played keyboards. Nick Massi arranged the vocals. They often worked as a backup band for producer Bob Crewe.

Becoming The Four Seasons

This lineup decided to call themselves "The Four Seasons." They chose the name after a bowling alley in Union, New Jersey. They had auditioned there. Songwriter and producer Bob Crewe signed them.

Their first single as The Four Seasons was "Bermuda," released in November 1961. It did not become a hit. But their next song in 1962 was a huge success. It was "Sherry," written by Bob Gaudio.

"Sherry" was released in July 1962 and quickly became a number one hit in September. This was the first of three number one songs in a row for The Four Seasons. The other two hits were "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "Walk Like a Man."

Changes and New Paths

Nick Massi left the group in 1965. Charles Calello played bass for a short time. Then Joe Long joined the band. He played on many hit songs for the rest of the 1960s and into the 1970s.

Tommy DeVito left The Four Seasons in April 1970. He said he was tired of traveling so much. He also disliked changing clothes many times a day and taking many flights. He just wanted a change from the constant touring. On the last song of the album Half and Half, "Oh Happy Day, Any Day Now," you can hear Tommy playing a guitar solo. When he left, he sold his rights to the band's music and name to Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio.

After leaving the band, Tommy moved to Las Vegas in 1970. Many of his brothers and sisters lived there. He started a new life and even worked as a card dealer for a while.

Tommy DeVito's Legacy

Tommy DeVito, along with Frankie Valli, Nick Massi, and Bob Gaudio, was honored for his music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. He also joined the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999.

In 2005, Tommy DeVito joined Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio on stage. This was for the Broadway opening of Jersey Boys. This musical tells the story of the group's early days. It won a Tony Award. Later, in 2014, Jersey Boys was made into a movie directed by Clint Eastwood.

His Final Years

Tommy DeVito passed away in Las Vegas on September 21, 2020. He was 92 years old. His friend, actor Alfred Nittoli, announced his death. Tommy had been in the hospital after getting COVID-19.

See also

In Spanish: Tommy DeVito para niños