Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Joe Long

Joseph Louis LaBracio (September 5, 1932 – April 21, 2021), professionally known as Joe Long, was an American musician best known for his role as the bass guitarist and of the rock and pop band the from 1965 to 1975. Born and raised in , Long was classically trained, studying with Alfonse Strazza, the principal bassist of the , before joining the , where he replaced founding member and contributed to several hit singles including "C'mon Marianne" (1967), "Opus 17 (Don't You Worry 'Bout Me)" (1966), and the band's recording of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (1967). During his decade with the group, Long also played on their 1969 concept album Genuine Imitation Life Gazette and participated in live performances that helped sustain the band's popularity amid the changing musical landscape of the late 1960s and early 1970s. After leaving the Four Seasons in 1975, Long formed his own rock band, LaBracio, and later a jazz ensemble called Jersey Bounce, while also advising and occasionally performing with tribute acts such as the Jersey Four. His contributions to New Jersey's musical heritage were recognized with the renaming of a street in his hometown to Joe Long Way in 2014 and his induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2018 alongside fellow Four Seasons members Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio. Long died on April 21, 2021, at the age of 88 in Long Branch, New Jersey, from complications related to COVID-19.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Joseph Louis LaBracio, better known as Joe Long, was born on September 5, 1932, in . He was the son of Joe LaBracio and Mary Picaro, whose parents had emigrated from to the . Raised in the Peterstown neighborhood of , a close-knit Italian-American community, Long attended Thomas Jefferson High School. Long's family faced significant challenges when his father fell ill, prompting the young LaBracio to leave school at age 16 and take on responsibility for supporting the household. At that time, he secured employment at the Singer factory in , where he performed manual labor to help sustain his family. However, a severe at the factory resulted in significant damage to his hand, rendering him unable to continue in manual work. This injury marked a pivotal shift, steering him away from factory life and toward a full-time pursuit of music as a means of livelihood.

Initial musical influences

Joe Long's musical journey began in his early childhood, shaped significantly by his -American family heritage. At the age of six, he received lessons as a from his father, who viewed the instrument as a practical pathway to musical proficiency and potential employment stability, a common sentiment in Italian immigrant communities where accordion playing was tied to cultural traditions and social gatherings. This early exposure ignited Long's initial passion for music, with his parents encouraging formal lessons to build on family values emphasizing discipline and skill acquisition. During his school years in , Long pursued training, attending multiple music schools where he studied and , receiving classical training. He further honed his skills under the guidance of Alfonse Strazza, the principal bassist of the , which provided him with a rigorous foundation in orchestral techniques and classical performance. However, by age 14, his interest temporarily waned amid teenage distractions like and social activities, only to be reignited later due to familial circumstances. Growing up in Elizabeth offered access to vibrant local music scenes, fostering informal exposure to diverse sounds through community events and neighborhood influences. A pivotal shift occurred around age 17 when a workplace injured Long's left hand, complicating his ability to continue with and classical pursuits after extensive rehabilitation. Adapting to the injury, he became a self-taught , playing left-handed on a , which became his primary instrument as he transitioned toward rock and styles more amenable to his physical limitations. This change was partly driven by necessity; following his father's illness, Long began performing in local settings to help support his family financially, marking his early forays into music as both a creative outlet and a means of economic contribution.

Musical career

Early professional work

After graduating high school in , Joe Long worked in a local factory but suffered a hand injury that impaired his left hand, prompting him to pursue music full-time in his late teens or early twenties. This incident shifted his focus from classical —on which he had trained with bassist Alfonse Strazza—to the electric , which he played left-handed despite being right-handed, better suited to styles. His classical background provided a foundation for versatile musicianship, enabling strong rhythmic and harmonic contributions as both a and vocalist. He performed at venues such as the Zulu Club in Asbury Park. In the early 1960s, Long immersed himself in New Jersey's vibrant regional music scene, joining several local rock bands and performing regularly in clubs and bars across the state. These gigs, often in venues like those in Asbury Park, helped him hone his skills and build a local reputation for reliable bass lines and backing vocals amid the and rock influences dominating the area. By mid-decade, he had toured nationally with his own groups, gaining experience that solidified his professional standing before his breakthrough opportunity. Long's involvement in the New Jersey circuit fostered key connections with musicians who would later form part of the , including familiarity with bassist from shared performances in Asbury Park establishments and an introduction to guitarist Tommy DeVito via a local agent in 1965. These regional ties, rooted in the collaborative club environment of and surrounding areas, positioned him ideally for his entry into the national spotlight.

Tenure with the Four Seasons

Joe Long joined the in the fall of 1965 as the replacement for original bassist , taking on the roles of bassist and backing vocalist for the next decade. His arrival came at a pivotal time, as the band navigated their post-Phil Spector-influenced sound toward more diverse arrangements, including the addition of horns and full instrumentation in live and studio settings starting in 1966. Long quickly integrated into the group, contributing to their high-energy performances and harmonic vocal blends that defined their heyday. During his tenure, Long played a significant role in the band's creative evolution, particularly in studio work and live shows. He served as assistant music editor on the ambitious 1969 concept album The Genuine Imitation Life Gazette, which marked a bold shift toward folk-rock and psychedelic elements penned by and ; Long later described it as "the most challenging work we had ever done" and his favorite collection. His bass lines underpinned key recordings, including Frankie Valli's 1967 hit "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," where he provided the foundational groove alongside the group's harmonies. Onstage, Long often emceed performances, introducing comedy skits and conducting arrangements to engage audiences during tours that sustained the band's popularity through the late 1960s and early 1970s. Long's contributions extended into the band's successful comeback period in the mid-1970s, coinciding with their signing to Motown's MoWest subsidiary and a disco-infused sound. He provided bass and backing vocals on the 1975 album , including the —a top-10 hit that revitalized their chart presence—and the follow-up single "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," which became their last number-one hit. These tracks exemplified the transition from their classic roots to a more contemporary style, with Long's steady supporting the expanded lineup that briefly included additional vocalists. Long departed the in 1975 following the release of , amid internal group conflicts and personal reasons, including reported tensions over band image and profit shares. His exit marked the end of an era for the original core lineup's stability, though he remained a fan favorite for his reliable musicianship and stage presence throughout the decade.

Post-Four Seasons endeavors

After departing from The Four Seasons in 1975, Joe Long formed the rock band LaBracio, named after his birth surname LaBracio, which allowed him to explore original material drawing on his established and vocal talents. Later in the late , he established Jersey Bounce, a ensemble that shifted focus toward improvisational styles and local gigs in the area. These groups marked Long's transition to leading projects that leveraged the rhythmic foundation he developed during his decade with the Four Seasons. In the ensuing decades, Long maintained an active presence in the music scene by serving as music director for The Jersey Four, a tribute band dedicated to repertoire, where he provided guidance on arrangements and occasionally joined performances onstage. This role extended into the , with the band appearing at venues across the , including regular shows at iPlay America in Freehold, . Long's regional touring with Jersey Bounce and The Jersey Four continued through the 2010s, encompassing live dates in and surrounding states that kept him connected to audiences familiar with his legacy. These endeavors sustained his career in performance and production until health challenges in 2021.

Personal life

Marriages and family

Joe Long was married twice. He married his first wife, , in 1967, but the marriage ended in . He then married in 1978, a relationship that endured until his death in 2021. He was the father of two children: a son, Joseph J. LaBracio (known as Joey), and a daughter, Kimberly A. LaBracio (known as Kimberley).

Later residence and activities

Following his departure from the in 1975, Joe Long established his primary residence in , where he spent his later decades in a quieter, more settled environment after years of extensive touring. This coastal area provided a stable base, allowing him to transition into semi-retirement while occasionally advising emerging musical groups like the Jersey Four, thus preserving loose connections to his performance roots without the rigors of full-time commitments. Long embraced non-musical hobbies that reflected a more relaxed lifestyle, including his passion as an amateur pilot and enjoyment of flight simulation games, which offered personal outlets for adventure and technical interest. He also hosted casual social gatherings, such as "crab parties" at his home, and remained an avid fan of New York Yankees games, attending and following them enthusiastically as part of his daily routines. These pursuits highlighted his shift toward community-oriented leisure, supported by longstanding friendships that included regular group lunches and shared outings. Long engaged in local cultural events, participating in festivals that celebrated Italian traditions, such as the St. Bartholomew's Italian Festival in Scotch Plains, where he contributed to community spirit through his presence and enthusiasm. His involvement extended to acts of generosity within his circle, such as providing autographed memorabilia to friends and acquaintances, fostering a sense of warmth and connection in his adopted Long Branch-area community. This phase of life emphasized personal reflection on his career alongside everyday contributions to those around him.

Death and legacy

Circumstances of death

Joe Long, born Joseph Louis LaBracio, died on April 21, 2021, at the age of 88, at Medical Center in , where he had resided for many years. His death was attributed to complications from amid the ongoing . The news was first shared publicly by close friend Alfredo Nittoli, who noted Long's recent battle with COVID-19 in a social media post, and by Anthony Newell, a member of the Jersey Four tribute band and another longtime friend, who confirmed the passing to local media. Family members, including his children Joey and Kimmy LaBracio and brother Anthony "Buzzy" LaBracio, were immediately informed, as reflected in condolences extended through the obituary. Funeral arrangements were handled by Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home in Long Branch, with services conducted privately due to restrictions; burial details remain undisclosed in .

Honors and tributes

Joe Long received formal recognition for his contributions to music as a longtime member of . He was part of the New Jersey Hall of Fame's class of 2017 and inducted on May 6, 2018, alongside bandmates , , Tommy DeVito, and , honoring the group's enduring impact on from their roots. The induction ceremony took place at the Paramount Theatre in , where Long was celebrated for his role in the band's hits during the late 1960s and 1970s. Earlier, in July 2014, Long's hometown of , honored him by renaming High Street as Joe Long Way, acknowledging his achievements as a local who rose to national fame. This tribute underscored his embodiment of "Jersey boy" pride, symbolizing the region's and rock 'n' roll heritage through The Four Seasons' success. Following Long's death on April 21, 2021, tributes poured in from bandmates, fans, and media, highlighting his warm personality and musical legacy. and issued a joint statement expressing profound sadness and extending condolences to his family, friends, and fans, noting his integral role in the band from 1965 to 1975. Media outlets, including and NJ 101.5, commemorated him as a New Jersey Hall of Famer and key figure in the group's , with fans remembering his lines and vocal harmonies in classics like "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)." Long's tenure with The , which contributed to their 1990 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has been cited in discussions of his deserving separate recognition for stabilizing the band's sound during a pivotal era. His honors reflect a lasting cultural impact as a symbol of New Jersey's musical contributions to history.

References

  1. [1]
    Joe LaBracio, Joe Long | Woolley Boglioli Funeral Home
    Joseph L. LaBracio, 88 of Long Branch, died at Monmouth Medical Center on Monday, April. 21st. Better known as Joe Long, was the bass player in Frankie Valli ...
  2. [2]
    Joe Long, ex-Four Seasons member and N.J. hall of famer, dies ...
    Apr 21, 2021 · Joe Long, a former member of the legendary Four Seasons doo-wop group and a New Jersey Hall of Famer, died Wednesday morning. He was 88.
  3. [3]
    Joe Long Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More - AllMusic
    Bass singer and bass player Joe Long was a member of the Four Seasons from 1965 to 1975. In the fall of 1965, Nick Massi, a founding member of the group, quit ...
  4. [4]
    Joe Long, member of The Four Seasons in '60s and '70s, dies
    Apr 21, 2021 · Joe Long, a member of the Jersey-based pop group The Four Seasons, who were hugely popular in the '60s, has died at the age of 79.
  5. [5]
    Joe Long, bassist for the Four Seasons, dies at 88
    ### Summary of Joe Long's Biographical Details
  6. [6]
    [PDF] Renna Media
    He credited his parents, Joe and Mary (Picaro), for his success. Their love, guidance and support shaped his character. He also acknowledged the influence of ...
  7. [7]
    Four Seasons bassist Joe Long, an Elizabeth NJ native, dies
    Apr 22, 2021 · Joe Long, the Elizabeth native who joined Four Seasons in 1965, died April 21 due to complications of COVID-19, said a spokesperson for the ...
  8. [8]
    Four Seasons' Joe Long passes away at 88 - NJ 101.5
    Apr 21, 2021 · All of a sudden, a thousand doors opened for us." The Four Seasons were the first rock band ... accident in which his dominant hand was impaled by ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  9. [9]
    JBB EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Joe Long–Part One!
    Nov 20, 2007 · In Part One, Joe talks about his early years and how he became a member of the chart-topping Four Seasons. JBB: You're a Jersey Boy. Tell us ...
  10. [10]
    Joseph LaBracio Obituary (2021) - 88, Long Branch, NJ ... - Legacy
    ... Joe Long, was the bass player in Frankie Valli and the F. ... accordion and of course the bass guitar. Joe joined the Four Seasons ... SMILIN JOE ...
  11. [11]
    Joe Long, Former Four Seasons Member, Dead at 79 - People.com
    Apr 22, 2021 · Joe Long, the former bassist of the iconic Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, has died. He was 79. Long, born né Joseph Louis LaBracio, died on Wednesday of ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  12. [12]
    In Memoriam: Joe Long - No Treble
    Apr 26, 2021 · He bought a double bass and took lessons with the New York Philharmonic's Alfonse Strazza, but a hand injury prevented him from sticking with it ...
  13. [13]
    Four Seasons singer a real Jersey boy | Jersey Retro - nj.com
    Jul 2, 2016 · Meet Joe Long, the fifth Four Season. Elizabeth native Long, 83, was the first member of the Four Seasons to join after the original quartet.Missing: family upbringing
  14. [14]
    JBB EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Joe Long–Part Two!
    Nov 21, 2007 · Joe Long reflects on his eleven-year journey as a member of The Four Seasons, including the early days when the group was one of the hottest groups on the pop ...
  15. [15]
    ‎Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Song by Frankie Valli - Apple Music
    Listen to Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli on Apple Music. 1967 ... Joe Long. Guitar. Tommy DeVito. Guitar. Composition & Lyrics. Bob Crewe.
  16. [16]
    Ep. 45: Joe Long of The Four Seasons - Rock Under Fire
    Long played bass, sang, contributed to onstage musical arrangements, served as co-producer, onstage emcee, and was a longtime fan favorite. In 2014, he was ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  17. [17]
    Joe Long - Apple Music
    Bass singer and bass player Joe Long was a member of the Four Seasons from 1965 to 1975. In the fall of 1965, Nick Massi, a founding member of the group, quit ...
  18. [18]
    General List - Seasons
    Joe's 10 year tenure with the group is legendary. As well as contributing to a substantial number of their hits with a major contribution to the Genuine ...
  19. [19]
    Who was Joe Long? A look at Four Seasons ex-bass guitarist and ...
    Apr 22, 2021 · Who was Joe Long? A look at Four Seasons ex-bass guitarist and NJ hall of famer's life after Covid death at 88. The bass guitarist is the second ...
  20. [20]
    About Us | The Jersey Four
    The Jersey Four is proud and honored to have one of the original 4 Seasons Joe Long (LaBracio), who was the bassist and vocalist from late1964 to 1975, as our ...
  21. [21]
    Joe Long dishes on 'Jersey Boys,' time with the Four Seasons
    Feb 21, 2019 · Back then in 1964 New Jersey, The Four Seasons were so big that VeeJay records would put out an album called "The Beatles vs The Four Seasons ...Missing: early career 1960s
  22. [22]
    'Jersey Boy' Visits St. Bart's Italian Festival as Joe Long of The Four ...
    Sep 2, 2018 · SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- Saturday at St. Bart's Italian Festival featured the traditional Mass in Italian, procession honoring San Nicola di ...Missing: heritage activities
  23. [23]
    Joe Long (1932-2021) - Find a Grave Memorial
    Apr 22, 2021 · Born Joseph Louis LaBracio (some sources state birth year as ... The Four Seasons, in 1967, Joe Long on the far right. Added by: John ...
  24. [24]
    New Jersey Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2017
    Jan 30, 2018 · The Four Seasons including members Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi and Joe Long, singer Gloria Gaynor, and singer ...
  25. [25]
    Joe Long will join Four Seasons bandmates in New Jersey Hall of ...
    May 4, 2018 · When the group enters the New Jersey Hall of Fame on May 6, at a ceremony at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, Joe Long will be included, as well.Missing: Zulu | Show results with:Zulu
  26. [26]
    Four Seasons music star comes home to honors from Elizabeth
    Jul 25, 2014 · On Sunday, Long, now 72, will return to Peterstown to receive accolades from Elizabeth's leaders with the honorary renaming of High Street ...
  27. [27]
    https://jerseyboysblog.com/former-four-seasons-member-joe-long-honored-at-street-naming-ceremony-on-sunday-in-elizabeth-nj/9079
  28. [28]
    Joe Long of The Four Seasons belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of ...
    We are working to correct this oversite and have Joe Long join the other members of The Four Seasons already inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Thank ...<|control11|><|separator|>