Rock Musician, Singer. A guitarist, he was the frontman and lead vocalist for the 1960s music ensemble "The Critters." They will be remembered for their mellow signature hit "Mr. Dieingly Sad" (1966), which achieved a Top 20 placing on the American Billboard Charts. Born into an Italian family from North New Jersey, he found his interest in music at an early age and by the time he was in his early teens, he had mastered the guitar. He gained performance experience in the local group "The Vibratones" and later they were influenced by Britain's "The Animals" to come up with a name change which sounded similar. So "The Critters" came to fruition. They cut their first single, a cover of the song "Georgianna" which also contained the B-side "I'm Gonna Give" (1965). It would be under the Kapp record label in which they enjoyed commercial success, initially with their score "Mr. Dieingly Sad" which reached number seventeen in the United States. In 1966, they recorded a cover of "A Younger Girl" originally by "The Lovin' Spoonful", which achieved a top 40 placing in the United Kingdom. This was followed with "Don't Let the Rain Fall Down on Me" (1967), which was penned by band member Jimmy Ryan. The single achieved Top 40 status on the American charts. During the height of their popularity, they performed on such programs as "Where the Action Is" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Not long after, Ciccone was drafted and went to serve with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Following his discharge, he was invited by native New Jersey singer Frankie Valli to join the newly-formed "Four Seasons." Ciccone served as the bass player and utilized his vocals on such hits as "Who Loves You" (1975) and "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)", the latter achieved both number one and gold record status. After his departure from "The Four Seasons" in 1981, Ciccone joined another legendary band "Tommy James and The Shondells" and served as both bass player and music director. In 1987, he launched his own solo career and enjoyed success internationally.
Rock Musician, Singer. A guitarist, he was the frontman and lead vocalist for the 1960s music ensemble "The Critters." They will be remembered for their mellow signature hit "Mr. Dieingly Sad" (1966), which achieved a Top 20 placing on the American Billboard Charts. Born into an Italian family from North New Jersey, he found his interest in music at an early age and by the time he was in his early teens, he had mastered the guitar. He gained performance experience in the local group "The Vibratones" and later they were influenced by Britain's "The Animals" to come up with a name change which sounded similar. So "The Critters" came to fruition. They cut their first single, a cover of the song "Georgianna" which also contained the B-side "I'm Gonna Give" (1965). It would be under the Kapp record label in which they enjoyed commercial success, initially with their score "Mr. Dieingly Sad" which reached number seventeen in the United States. In 1966, they recorded a cover of "A Younger Girl" originally by "The Lovin' Spoonful", which achieved a top 40 placing in the United Kingdom. This was followed with "Don't Let the Rain Fall Down on Me" (1967), which was penned by band member Jimmy Ryan. The single achieved Top 40 status on the American charts. During the height of their popularity, they performed on such programs as "Where the Action Is" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Not long after, Ciccone was drafted and went to serve with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Following his discharge, he was invited by native New Jersey singer Frankie Valli to join the newly-formed "Four Seasons." Ciccone served as the bass player and utilized his vocals on such hits as "Who Loves You" (1975) and "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)", the latter achieved both number one and gold record status. After his departure from "The Four Seasons" in 1981, Ciccone joined another legendary band "Tommy James and The Shondells" and served as both bass player and music director. In 1987, he launched his own solo career and enjoyed success internationally.
Bio by: C.S.
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