“Big Girls Don’t Cry,” released in 1962, stands as one of the defining tracks of The Four Seasons’ early career, solidifying their place in the burgeoning soundscape of early 1960s pop. The Four Seasons, originally known as The Four Lovers, consisted of Frankie Valli (lead vocals), Bob Gaudio (keyboards and tenor vocals), Tommy DeVito (lead guitar and baritone vocals), and Nick Massi (bass guitar and bass vocals). Their distinctive sound, characterized by Valli’s soaring falsetto and Gaudio’s intricate vocal arrangements, quickly captured the public’s attention. “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, became their second number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, following the success of “Sherry” just weeks prior. It remained at the top spot for five weeks, cementing The Four Seasons’ status as a major force in popular music.
The song itself is a deceptively simple yet emotionally resonant ballad. Lyrically, it explores the classic theme of heartbreak and lost love. The protagonist, attempting to maintain a stoic facade after a romantic split, insists that “big girls don’t cry.” However, the underlying vulnerability in Valli’s delivery and the melancholic melody betray the true depth of the character’s pain. The repetition of the title phrase becomes a mantra, a self-soothing mechanism masking the inner turmoil. This relatable theme of suppressed emotion resonated deeply with audiences, particularly young listeners grappling with their own romantic experiences.
Contemporary reviews praised the song’s catchy melody and Valli’s powerful vocal performance. Its popularity was further fueled by its inclusion on The Four Seasons’ debut album, “Sherry & 11 Others,” which also became a chart-topping success. “Big Girls Don’t Cry” quickly became a staple on radio stations across the country and established a signature sound for The Four Seasons that would define their career for years to come. Its enduring appeal has seen it covered by numerous artists and featured in various films and television shows, solidifying its place as a timeless classic. The song’s impact transcended its immediate success, contributing significantly to the evolving landscape of popular music and leaving an undeniable mark on the cultural zeitgeist of the early 1960s.