He’s a Jersey Boy–Bobby Valli Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award

The Newark Boys Chorus School Honored New Jersey Native and Music Legend, Bobby Valli, With a Lifetime Achievement Award. The Montclair Dispatch Got His Thoughts on the Recognition

Newark Boys Chorus School Awards Gala // Photo Courtesy of Carol Castelluccio
Newark Boys Chorus School Awards Gala // Photo Courtesy of Carol Castelluccio

This past April, Bobby Valli, New Jersey native, and brother of Frankie Valli was honored by the Newark Boys Chorus School at their 43rd Annual Rainbow Gala. Bobby Valli was recognized for his Lifetime Contributions to Music and Entertainment. Bobby’s distinguished career has included four decades of touring, the recording of his most notable song, “America, a Home for You and Me,” which he wrote in honor of the men and women that serve to protect this country, a PBS special entitled “Rock, Rhythm, and Doo Wop,” and an invitation to sing at Carnegie Hall with fellow Jersey boy, Bruce Springsteen. Mr. Valli is currently touring, performing A

Bobby Valli Onstage During the Newark Boys Chorus School Gala // Photo Courtesy of Carol Castelluccio
Bobby Valli Onstage During the Newark Boys Chorus School Gala // Photo Courtesy of Carol Castelluccio

Music Legends Show, featuring his hits and great memories spanning an impressive career. He performed on the main stage during the Staten Island Fleet Week and headlined a sold-out show in East Brunswick on June 2nd. The Montclair Dispatch had the honor of speaking to Mr. Valli about his incredible career and what this honor means to him.

Bobby Valli Rehearsing with the Newark Boys Chorus // Photo Courtesy of Carol Castelluccio
Bobby Valli Rehearsing with the Newark Boys Chorus // Photo Courtesy of Carol Castelluccio

“The Newark Boys School awarded me with this lifetime achievement award, it’s quite the honor. The chorus school takes these boys from Newark, all with music talent, and sends them to school for free. At the ceremony, the kids sang ‘America, a Home for You and Me,’ which is a song that I wrote to honor the U.S. soldiers that were injured and killed and to help their families. I loved every minute of it.”

Bobby Valli was thrilled to be recognized for his profound career, “I’ve been singing for 51 years since I was 15 years old. I still perform, at least once a week. Music is my love, I gave my whole life to this. My brother was my inspiration, I’ve wanted to sing since I was a little boy. This has been wonderful, to make the Star-Ledger, to be honored

Fleet Week Performance Schedule Includes Bobby Valli on the Main Stage // Graphics Courtesy of Carol Castelluccio
Fleet Week Performance Schedule Includes Bobby Valli on the Main Stage // Graphics Courtesy of Carol Castelluccio

with a lifetime achievement award, I’m taken by it.”

While Bobby has performed all over the country, he still never forgets his roots within his home state of New Jersey, and especially his hometown of Newark, “I’m proud because I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, and these kids represent the city of Newark. It

The Author and Bobby Valli // Photo Courtesy of Carol Castelluccio
The Author and Bobby Valli // Photo Courtesy of Carol Castelluccio

has a very special place in my heart.”

The Montclair Dispatch was privileged to be able to speak with Mr. Valli. His genuine love for making music and performing is undeniable. If you are interested in attending a performance, we recommend that you see Bobby Valli’s Facebook page or check his tour dates on his website, here.

 

 

The author of the article is a Montclair native class of 2017, currently a student at McGill University, studying history and communications within the Faculty of Arts.

The Montclair Dispatch is thankfully supported by subscribers and advertisers. Please join us.

If You Would Like a Presentation Print of An Article Featuring You or Your Company, Please Contact Studio042 via Email at quality@studio042.com

 

You must be logged in to post a comment Login