I would like to pay tribute to one of the finest gentlemen in pop music, the late Mr Joe Long, or Joseph LaBracio to give his full name. Joe was a victim of coronavirus, passing yesterday whilst still in hospital in New Jersey. Joe was the bass player/music director of The Four Seasons from 1965 to 1975, returning after that for a few guest appearances. After The Four Seasons he started his own groups with Joe Long LaBracio and later Jersey Bounce, in more recent years acting as music director to a number of young starting bands and Four Seasons tribute acts. Joe played the Fender Jazz Bass amongst others, moving to bass from the accordion after a finger injury. He sang the bass parts in The Four Seasons and acted as MC on stage and often spokesman in joint interviews with Frankie Valli. Of Frankie he said "The guy was right on the note every night, quite amazing".
I met Joe in 1972 at the Sheffield Fiesta and could soon see why he was the fans' favourite Four Season. He had time for everyone, and was every bit as friendly as he appeared on stage. So RIP Joe. My picture is from the Sheffield Fiesta in 1972, from a very badly water damaged negative.
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