Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*
Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol
Already have an account?
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Four Seasons' No. 1 hit about old romance was originally about Prohibition

"Jersey Boys" opens
Singer Frankie Valli, producer Bob Crewe, singer Tommy Devito and singer Bob Gaudio arrive at the opening night celebration of the musical "Jersey Boys" at The Palazzo May 3, 2008, in Las Vegas.
Isaac Brekken | Getty Images 2008

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Today's Morning Edition music is from "December, 1963 (Oh What a Night)" by the Four Seasons, which was No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart 40 years ago today.

The song was originally written about Dec. 5, 1933, the day that Prohibition ended. But the lyrics were changed to make it a nostalgic song about an old romance.

It is one of the rare songs by the Four Seasons in which Frankie Valli is not the lead singer. He sings the bridge part and drummer Gerry Polci sings lead.