What Happened in Jersey Didn’t Stay in Jersey

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Here’s a story about Jimmy McHugh’s I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby that not only tickles our fancy, but was a major turning point for Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons. 

The legendary producer/writer, Bob Crewe, had been recording the group in vain, searching for a hit record. Hoping for inspiration, he would often catch The Seasons perform at a small, out of the way club in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. 

Finally late one night, Crewe glimpsed a side of Frankie Valli he'd never seen before. 

"Frankie did a thing that night that blew me away.” says Bob. ‘He put a bandana over his head, took two maracas and stuck them under his coat (for breasts), and began singing 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love' like (1940s cabaret singer) Nellie Lutcher, with that high voice." 

Frankie Valli & Bob Crewe

From this silly one-off improvised routine Bob suddenly recognized a sound that just might score the group a hit record. 

Crewe continues "I said to (group member and composer) Bob (Gaudio), 'Go write a song for Frankie with that chichi voice, and jump it an octave.'" 

After several false starts, Gaudio came up with an infectious number called Sherry, the first of the band’s 28 Top 20 hits.  

Not only did this unmatched string of hits eventually morph into the international smash musical, Jersey Boys, it also enabled Frankie to not pursue his fallback career choice, becoming a barber!

PS: Jersey Boys features three Jimmy McHugh songs, I’m In The Mood For Love, Moody’s Mood For Love and, of course, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby.

Here’s a link to Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons performing that tune.