Primary Wave Music Publishing has entered into what it describes as “a multi-million dollar”, 10-year strategic partnership with the award-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees the Four Seasons.
The Four Seasons are considered to be one of the best-selling musical groups of all time.
The agreement includes many of the band’s biggest hits including Big Girls Don’t Cry, December 1963 (O What A Night), Sherry, Workin‘ My Way Back To You and Can’t Take Me Eyes Off Of You, which has been covered by over 200 artists including Lauryn Hill’s Grammy-nominated take on the song that appeared on her Award-winning solo album.
The Grammy Hall of Fame band’s partnership with Primary Wave will include access to the publishing firm’s marketing team and publishing infrastructure, which includes digital strategy, licensing, synch opportunities and film & TV production.
Primary Wave will work with the Four Seasons to market their name and likeness, in addition to managing all daily digital marketing activities.
The firm will also administer and market their legendary songs, which includes multiple Top 10 hits and numerous platinum and multi-platinum selling songs.
The deal also gives Primary Wave an option to acquire a partnership interest in the band’s works.
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons came to fame in 1962 after singing Sherry on American Bandstand. They instantly became one of the hottest bands in the country and scored their first No.1 record.
They followed the success of Sherry with two more No.1 hits Big Girls Don’t Cry and Walk Like a Man. In 1964 the group released one smashes like Dawn (Go Away), Ronnie, Rag Doll, Save It For Me, Big Man in Town and, in early 1965, Bye Bye Baby (Baby, Goodbye).
“We are thrilled to be associated with Primary Wave Music Publishing.”
Frankie Valli
From late 1965 to 1967, they would release three straight giant hits: Let’s Hang On, Working My Way Back to You and Opus 17 (Don’t You Worry ‘Bout Me).
The Seasons also cracked the Top 10 with a reinvention of the old Cole Porter standard I’ve Got You Under My Skin.
In 1967, they released a song that would make Frankie Valli a solo superstar, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. The song shot to No.2 on the Billboard charts.
With the popularity of the original record and all the cover versions, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You has become one of the Top 10 most-played songs in history.
“It is great to know we’re with people who will always put our music first.”
Bob Gaudio
After Can’t Take My Eyes Off You came two more Top 40 solo hits: I Make a Fool of Myself and To Give (the Reason I Live). But unlike many lead singers who achieve solo success, Frankie Valli stayed with the Four Seasons, producing hits in two parallel careers. While Frankie Valli flourished solo, the Four Seasons stayed in the Top 40 with C’mon Marianne, Watch the Flowers Grow and a remake of Will You Love Me Tomorrow.
From 1962 to 1978, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons sold more than 100 million records. In 1990 Frankie and the other original Seasons were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, only five years after the Hall opened for business.
“Their music has had a huge impact on people’s lives and we welcome them to the Primary Wave family of icons.”
Lawrence Mestel, Primary Wave
“We are thrilled to be associated with Primary Wave Music Publishing,” said Frankie Valli.
Bob Gaudio added: “We know they are our partners and will help insure our music lives on.
“It is great to know we’re with people who will always put our music first.”
Lawrence Mestel, CEO & Founder of Primary Wave Music Publishing, said:”I have been a huge fan of both Frankie and Bob since I was a kid.
“Their music has had a huge impact on people’s lives and we welcome them to the Primary Wave family of icons.”
Barry Siegel, Senior Managing Director at Provident Financial Management and Zach Best, Director at Provident Financial Management, represented Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio in this deal.Music Business Worldwide