The cover of Frankie Valli’s 1967 solo album, “The 4 Seasons Present Frankie Valli.”
Newark native Frankie Valli first recorded the sentimental “My Mother Eyes,” from the 1929 film “Lucky Boy,” in 1953, when he was still known as Frankie Valley. It was his first single, in fact. And when, after becoming a star with the 4 Seasons, he released his first solo album in 1967, The 4 Seasons Present Frankie Valli Solo, he re-recorded it, in a real powerhouse version, with some dramatically held notes at the end. Check it out below, and happy Mother’s Day!
“My Mother’s Eyes” was not released as a single in 1967, though The 4 Seasons Present Frankie Valli Solo included Valli’s signature solo hit, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
“My Mother’s Eyes” also appears in the stage and screen version of the 4 Seasons’ jukebox musical, “Jersey Boys.” Gangster Gyp DeCarlo’s (played by Christopher Walken in the movie) requests that Valli sings it, and bursts into tears when he does.
New Jersey celebrated its 350th birthday in 2014. And in the 350 Jersey Songs series, we marked the occasion by posting 350 songs — one a day, from September 2014 to September 2015 — that have something to do with the state, its musical history, or both. To see the entire list, click here.
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