December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)

"December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)" is a hit single by The Four Seasons, written by original Four Seasons keyboard player Bob Gaudio and his future wife Judy Parker, produced by Gaudio, and included on the group's 1975 album Who Loves You.

This song hit number one on the UK singles chart on February 21, 1976. It repeated the feat on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on March 13, remaining in the top spot for three weeks and one week on Cash Box and in Canada. New drummer Gerry Polci and bassist Don Ciccone shared lead vocals with long-time frontman Frankie Valli.

The song was originally about the repeal of Prohibition, but the lyrics were changed at the urgings of Valli and lyricist Parker. The song became a nostalgic remembrance of a young man's "first time" with a woman. In the Broadway play Jersey Boys, the song accompanied the Bob Gaudio character being set up with a prostitute by the other Four Seasons, in order to lose his virginity.

In 1994, the record was re-released with added percussion effects and remixed vocals (mixed by Dutch disk jockey Ben Liebrand in 1988). This version of "December, 1963" spent 27 weeks on the Hot 100 (matching the chart life of the original single). The peak position of the remix version was #14.

[edit] Cover versions

French singer Claude François covered the song on his 1976 album Le Vagabond [1]; his version was entitled “Cette année-là” (“That Year”). Incorporating new lyrics reminiscing François' own beginnings in show business in the year 1962, the song became a hit in Europe.

Singer Tomaž Zdravkovic covered the song on his album Na planini je živel; his version was entitled “Jamajka” (“Jamaica”). Whether it is a cover of the original song or Claude François’ is unclear.

In 1996, British dance duo Clock took it to #13 in the UK chart.

The singer Vitamin C's version of the song was used as a brand image theme by the American television network The WB in image spots, promos, and interstitials during the 1999-2000 television season.

It was covered as a disco hit by the French artist Yannick (not to be confused with Yannick Noah) in the year 2000 under the title "Ces soirées-là" ("Those Nights"). The lyrics recount the fun had at a certain night club. This rap is featured at the beginning of the Broadway Musical Jersey Boys.

Wyclef Jean has done a hip-hop version of this song, titled "What A Night" about his journey as a hip-hop artist, released on the album Masquerade.

In 2001, Mr. Vegas (together with singer Jackie) did a cover of this song which was featured on his album Damn Right.

Billy Joel has performed the song live in concerts, and is often incorrectly credited with recording a cover of this song, but no such recording exists.

Preceded by "Love Machine (Part 1)" by The Miracles	Billboard Hot 100 number one single March 13 - March 27, 1976	Succeeded by "Disco Lady" by Johnnie Taylor
Preceded by "Forever And Ever" by Slik	UK number one single February 21, 1976	Succeeded by "I Love To Love (But My Baby Loves To Dance)" by Tina Charles
Preceded by "Dream Weaver" by Gary Wright	RPM number one single (Canada) April 10, 1976	Succeeded by "Lonely Night (Angel Face)" by Captain and Tennille
Preceded by "All by Myself" by Eric Carmen	Cash Box Top 100 singles March 20, 1976	Succeeded by "Dream Weaver" by Gary Wright