FRANKIE Valli, with his thick black quiff of hair and an enchanting voice, was an American pop sensation in his youth.

Indeed, at 83, he continues to perform to packed concert halls with the Four Seasons, but Valli is the only member of the original line-up still on the road.

The Four Seasons were a sensation, penning a barrel full of hits, with their repertoire of doo-wop flavoured rock and roll to pop classics as diverse as soul ballad My Eyes Adored You, Seventies rock showstopper December 1963 (Oh What a Night) and disco classic Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

“Frankie Valli says it from the heart and his upbringing. He came from a tough neighbourhood in New York and that gave him that hunger and steel to succeed and that’s something he often talks about,” said Matt Filmore who plays the singer in Bye Bye Baby, a celebration of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons which comes to the Grand, Clitheroe, next month.

“Like a lot of boys whose early years were a struggle, Frankie used that drive because he wanted a better life and he found that through music.

“People love him, you know. Not just for all that wonderful music, but for what he represents,” said Matt.

“We have a super fan who comes to our shows, she hardly misses a date.

“Somebody asked why she kept coming back to see us, and that’s wonderful of course, and she explained that it was the love, life and humility in Frankie’s songs and lyrics.

“She said that Frankie’s music brings her so much happiness and contentment - and surely that’s what music is all about isn’t it?

Matt added: “When we do the show people go wild, and there’s a magic formula in Frankie’s music that hooks into them.”

The hit machine story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons has become known to a new generation through the musical Jersey Boys, which has enjoyed success around the world and is still running on Broadway and the West End, and was made into a film by Clint Eastwood.

“Many kids are aware of those amazing songs having heard them on the radio, but not necessarily knowing that it was Franki Valli, but Jersey Boys brought Frankie’s music to a new audience,” said Matt.

“Although I’ve never met Frankie or seen him live, I feel exceedingly lucky to forge a career as Frankie, having the privilege to sing those iconic songs that brings such happiness to so many people.

“I’d definitely like to think that he would enjoy the show because it is a very special tribute to an icon who enjoyed 29 top 40 hits in the charts.”

Bye Bye Baby, A Celebration of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Grand Theatre, Clitheroe. Saturday, January 27, Details from 01200 421599 or www.thegrandvenue.co.uk