Joe Long

Joseph Louis LaBracio (September 5, 1932 – April 21, 2021), known professionally as Joe Long, was an American musician best known as the bass guitarist for the Four Seasons.

For other people named Joe Long, see Joe Long (disambiguation).

Joe Long
Birth nameJoseph Louis LaBracio
Born(1932-09-05)September 5, 1932[1]
Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedApril 21, 2021(2021-04-21) (aged 88)
Long Beach Township, New Jersey, U.S.
Instrument(s)Bass guitar

Life and career

Long was a classically trained musician who studied with Alfonse Strazza, the principal bassist for the New York Philharmonic. However, a severe hand injury forced Joe to give up the rigors of playing classical bass and switch to the Fender bass guitar. He then began listening more to rock and roll music and became a bass player for several local New Jersey rock bands before joining the Four Seasons in 1965 as a replacement for Charles Calello, who temporarily replaced Nick Massi. Long continued to record, perform and tour with The Four Seasons through the mid-1970s.

After leaving the group, Long formed the rock 'n roll group LaBracio and later the jazz band Jersey Bounce. In a 2007 interview, Long stated "I still play an occasional gig. And, I have done a few recording sessions with Tommy (DeVito). For the most part, though, I am retired."[2]

Long died from complications of COVID-19 on April 21, 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey.[3][4]

References
  1. "'Jersey Boy' Visits St. Bart's Italian Festival as Joe Long of The Four Seasons Takes the Stage". TAPinto. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  2. "JBB EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Joe Long–Part Three!". Jerseyboysblog.com. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  3. Jordan, Chris. "Joe Long, Four Seasons bassist and Elizabeth native, has died". North Jersey Media Group. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  4. Bobby Olivier (21 April 2021). "Joe Long, ex-Four Seasons member and N.J. native, dies from COVID". Nj.com. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
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