THE GERRY POLCI STORY
I was born and raised in Passaic, New Jersey. I began my professional career at 14 years old, playing drums and singing at private parties and nightclubs throughout the Tri-State area. After high school, I entered Montclair State University as a Music Education major, and also began studying with renowned drummer and technician Joe Morello, becoming my mentor and friend.
In February of 1973, I became one of Frankie Valli’s celebrated Four Seasons, touring the world and playing for hundreds of thousands of people. My recordings with the group became worldwide hits, including “Who Loves You", “Silver Star", on which I sang lead vocal and becoming a #1 record in England, and most notably, “Dec. '63, Oh, What A Night", on which I played drums and sang lead vocal, becoming a world-wide #1 record. The song is the largest selling record for the Four Seasons and the longest running hit single on "Billboard's Hot 100".
During my tenure with The Four Seasons, I recorded with various artists in New York and Los Angeles, recording drums for television shows (i.e. The White Shadow and The Rockford Files), commercials, pursuing original artist projects, and worked as musical director on a series of Barry Manilow television specials.
In 1990, I retired from The Four Seasons and returned to New Jersey, where I completed my Music Education degree at Montclair State University. Upon graduation, I began teaching music in New Providence, NJ, where I taught music education for twenty years, while continuing to perform in the Tri-State area. I taught privately during that time, using what I learned from Morello, and adapting some of his theories and my experiences to make my own imprint. I also became a founding member of the group "The Hit Men", touring the country while still teaching music.
I retired from teaching in June of 2015, and reside now in New York City, where I continue my passion for music, teaching, advocacy for the arts, and children's needs. Always remember where you're from and where you're going, and enjoy the ride.
Gerry
In February of 1973, I became one of Frankie Valli’s celebrated Four Seasons, touring the world and playing for hundreds of thousands of people. My recordings with the group became worldwide hits, including “Who Loves You", “Silver Star", on which I sang lead vocal and becoming a #1 record in England, and most notably, “Dec. '63, Oh, What A Night", on which I played drums and sang lead vocal, becoming a world-wide #1 record. The song is the largest selling record for the Four Seasons and the longest running hit single on "Billboard's Hot 100".
During my tenure with The Four Seasons, I recorded with various artists in New York and Los Angeles, recording drums for television shows (i.e. The White Shadow and The Rockford Files), commercials, pursuing original artist projects, and worked as musical director on a series of Barry Manilow television specials.
In 1990, I retired from The Four Seasons and returned to New Jersey, where I completed my Music Education degree at Montclair State University. Upon graduation, I began teaching music in New Providence, NJ, where I taught music education for twenty years, while continuing to perform in the Tri-State area. I taught privately during that time, using what I learned from Morello, and adapting some of his theories and my experiences to make my own imprint. I also became a founding member of the group "The Hit Men", touring the country while still teaching music.
I retired from teaching in June of 2015, and reside now in New York City, where I continue my passion for music, teaching, advocacy for the arts, and children's needs. Always remember where you're from and where you're going, and enjoy the ride.
Gerry