Tommy DeVito was a founding member and lead guitarist of the 60s hit vocal group, The Four Seasons and later inspired a key character in the 2005 musical, Jersey Boys based on their career. Sadly, it had been announced that DeVito passed away on Monday night in Las Vegas due to complications from COVID-19. He was 92 years old.
The news was first shared by his friend, actor Alfred Nittoli, via Facebook and confirmed by Four Seasons frontman Frankie Valli who posted a statement on Twitter reading: “It is with great sadness that we report that Tommy DeVito, a founding member of the Four Seasons, has passed. We send our love to his family during this most difficult time. He will be missed by all who loved him.”
It is with great sadness that we report that Tommy DeVito, a founding member of The Four Seasons, has passed.
… Frankie (@frankievalli) September 22, 2020
We send our love to his family during this most difficult time.
He will be missed by all who loved him.- Frankie Valli & Bob Gaudio
DeVito was the baritone to Vali’s signature falsetto in the legendary doo-wop group who topped the charts in 1962 with the hit song “Sherry” that really highlighted the captivating range between them.
The Four Seasons | “Sherry”
The Seasons spent the next five years topping the charts with a string of follow-up hits, including “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” … which all hit No.1 on the Billboard chart … “Candy Girl,” “Dawn (Go Away), “Let’s Hang On” and “Working My Way Back to You.”
The Four Seasons | “Working My Way Back To You”
After leaving the Four Seasons in 1971, Tommy DeVito was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 alongside Frankie Valli and the other original members.
Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time.
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