Lee Shapiro - The Four Seasons Keyboardist And Arranger: "December 1963: Oh What A Night", "Who Loves You". Created Rock ‘n Roll Elmo Toy. Barry Manilow's "Copacabana: The Musical". The Hit Men!
Episode Notes
Lee Shapiro was the longtime keyboardist and musical director for Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, one of the greatest vocal groups of the rock era. He arranged two of their biggest hits, “December 1963: Oh What A Night” and “Who Loves You”. He went on to have a career doing jingles for Budweiser, Coke and others. He created the Rock ‘n Roll Elmo doll for Fisher-Price, which sold 4 million units. He collaborated with Barry Manilow on “Copacabana, The Musical”. And he formed The Hit Men, a Classic Rock tribute band.
My featured song is my reimagined version of “You Really Got Me” by the Kinks from the album The Queens Carnival by my band Project Grand Slam. Spotify link.
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“THE RICH ONES”. Robert’s new single. With guest artist Randy Brecker (Blood Sweat & Tears) on flugelhorn. Crossover instrumental.
Click HERE for all links.
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“MILES BEHIND”, Robert’s first album, was recorded in 1994 but was “lost” for the last 30 years. It’s now been released for streaming. Featuring Randy Brecker (Blood Sweat & Tears), Anton Fig (The David Letterman Show), Al Foster (Miles Davis), Tim Ries (The Rolling Stones), Jon Lucien and many more.
Called “Hip, Tight and Edgy!”
Click here for all links.
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“IT’S ALIVE!” is Robert’s latest Project Grand Slam album. Featuring 13 of the band’s Greatest Hits performed “live” at festivals in Pennsylvania and Serbia.
Reviews:
"An instant classic!" (Melody Maker)
"Amazing record...Another win for the one and only Robert Miller!" (Hollywood Digest)
"Close to perfect!" (Pop Icon)
"A Masterpiece!" (Big Celebrity Buzz)
"Sterling effort!" (Indie Pulse)
"Another fusion wonder for Project Grand Slam!" (MobYorkCity)
Click here for all links.
Click here for song videos
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Audio production:
Jimmy Ravenscroft
Kymera Films
Connect with Lee:
www.thehitmenlive.com
Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:
Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.com
Email Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com
Follow Robert’s band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:
Website - www.projectgrandslam.com
YouTube
Spotify Music
Apple Music
Email - pgs@projectgrandslam.com