Sept. 19: Four Seasons bass singer and bass guitarist Nick Massi was born on this date...

... he died in 2000 at the age of 73 from cancer. 

Born Nicholas E. Macioci in Newark, New Jersey, Nick performed with several bands before joining The Four Lovers in 1958. After the group evolved into the Four Seasons, they performed such hits as "Sherry," "Dawn (Go Away)," and "Rag Doll." He was responsible for most of the group's vocal arrangements.

-- "Sherry"

Press links below to view You Tube video performances:

-- "Dawn (Go Away)" 

-- "Rag Doll"

Massi left the Four Seasons in 1965 and was replaced temporarily by Charles Calello who in turn was replaced by Joe Long.

Some sources give his birth year as 1935. He and fellow band member Tommy DeVito subtracted eight years from their true ages in order to make the Four Seasons more marketable to a younger fan base. He was also a Korean War veteran, which would cast further doubts on a 1935 birth year.

Music wasn't Nick's only talent. Here are some of his paintings. 

HIGHLY Recommended: