In Memoriam: Joe Long
Joe Long, who played bass for the Four Seasons, has passed away from COVID-19. He was 88 years old. Four Seasons vocalist Frankie Valli shared the news on Facebook.
“It is with great sadness that we learned that our dear bandmate, Joe Long, has passed away,” they wrote. “We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans. We will miss Joe.”
Long was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1941. His family started him in music at just six years old, though he took to it more seriously when he turned 18. He bought a double bass and took lessons with the New York Philharmonic’s Alfonse Strazza, but a hand injury prevented him from sticking with it. It was then he switched to playing electric bass and became a rock n’ roll player.
After having several of his own bands, he was introduced to Valli in 1965 and took over the bass spot in the Four Seasons. Long’s first recording with the band was the hit “Opus 17”, and his playing would grace many hits through the years. He stayed in the band for a decade, being replaced in 1975.
After his time in the Four Seasons, Long formed the groups LaBracio and Jersey Bounce.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Joe Long.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
Another fallen bassist, “sigh”. Damm covid! I think they made a slight error in Joe Longs age? If his year of birth of 1941 is correct, he would be around 80 yrs old, not 88. Not that it matters, a loss has occurred but just saying.