Tommy DeVito Net Worth

Tommy DeVito’s Net Worth: A Look at the Life and Career of the Four Seasons’ Guitarist

Tommy DeVito, a name synonymous with the golden age of rock and roll, left an indelible mark on the music industry as a founding member and guitarist of the legendary doo-wop group, The Four Seasons. This article delves into the life, career, and net worth of this influential musician, exploring his journey from humble beginnings to international fame.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born Gaetano DeVito on June 19, 1928, in Belleville, New Jersey, Tommy DeVito’s early life was shaped by his Italian immigrant parents and a large family of nine children. Music became an early passion, as he taught himself to play his brother’s guitar at the age of eight. By the time he was 12, DeVito was already performing in local taverns, showcasing his innate musical talent. However, his youth was also marked by brushes with the law, leading to several stints in jail for petty crimes. Despite these challenges, his dedication to music never wavered.

The Four Lovers and The Ed Sullivan Show

DeVito’s professional music career took off in the early 1950s when he formed the Variety Trio with his brother Nick and Hank Majewski. The group went through several name changes and lineup adjustments. The pivotal moment came with the addition of Francis Castelluccio, later known as Frankie Valli. Renamed the Four Lovers, they signed with RCA Victor in 1956 and released several singles and an album. The lineup included DeVito, Valli, Nick Massi, and Hank Majewski at different points, but the core of DeVito and Valli remained constant. Their debut single, “You’re the Apple of My Eye,” written by Otis Blackwell, brought the Four Lovers their first taste of success, leading to an appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1956, a major platform for emerging artists at the time.

The Four Seasons: Rise to Fame and Chart-Topping Hits

The Four Seasons solidified their lineup in 1960 with DeVito, Valli, Bob Gaudio, and Nick Massi. This quartet would become a music phenomenon, releasing a string of hits that defined the era. Their first number-one hit, “Sherry,” written by Gaudio, topped the charts in 1962, and was followed by consecutive chart-toppers like “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man.” The band’s unique sound and Valli’s distinctive falsetto captivated audiences worldwide. The Four Seasons had their last number-one hit in the US with “Rag Doll” in 1964. The group’s success continued despite the departure of Massi in 1965 and the changing musical landscape of the British Invasion.

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Leaving the Four Seasons and Later Life

In April 1970, DeVito decided to leave The Four Seasons, weary of the demanding lifestyle, including constant travel and performing. He was also dealing with significant debt from a gambling addiction. He sold his rights to the Four Seasons’ name, touring act, and material to Valli and Gaudio, marking the end of his active involvement with the group. After leaving the band, DeVito moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he pursued different ventures. He worked as a card dealer, but financial troubles led him to lose his fortune. In the later years, he took on jobs like cleaning houses.

Legacy and Net Worth

Tommy DeVito’s net worth at the time of his death on September 21, 2020, was estimated at $20 million. His impact on music is undeniable. The Four Seasons were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999, cementing their place in music history. DeVito, along with Valli and Gaudio, participated in the 2005 Broadway premiere of “Jersey Boys,” a musical based on the early days of The Four Seasons. The musical’s success revived interest in the group’s music, introducing their story to new generations. DeVito’s legacy is one of musical innovation, resilience, and the enduring power of a legendary group.