Former Four Seasons bass Nick Massi dies at age 73

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Nick Massi, an original member of the Four Seasons who handled bass vocals and vocal arrangements throughout the band's glory days, has died of cancer. He was 73.

Massi, born in Newark as Nicholas Macioci, died Sunday. The longtime West Orange resident performed with several bands before joining Frankie Valli in a group called the Four Lovers.

By 1961, the group had evolved into the Four Seasons.

Massi remained with the group until 1965, when he grew tired of touring, Valli said. Massi performed on hits such as "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man" and "Rag Doll," which friends said was his favorite.