Musicians Hall of Fame to honor group with New Jersey roots

Seven years after hitting ro to perform and share ir stories of recording with some of biggest names in pop music, a New Jersey-based group of former A-list session musicians is being recognized for its efforts. Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville is giving its first “Ro Warrior” award to Hit Men, a group originally assembled in 2012 by former members of Frankie Valli and Four Seasons. group has toured steily since n, and its Oct. 28 concert at Nashville’s City Winery will close a month of shows in California, Arizona, Maine, Louisiana and Tennessee.

“It’s an incredible hor to be recognized for work we’ve each put into our careers supporting greatest names in music industry,” founding member Lee Shapiro said.

Museum opened in 2006

museum opened in 2006 and showcases often-unsung musicians who have backed legendary pop performers. Among its famous inductees are Wrecking Crew, group of L.A. studio musicians that played on numerous ’60s pop hits; and Funk Brors, Motown Records’ house rhythm section. Seeking to ride musical stalgia wave and success of Four Seasons-inspired musical “Jersey Boys,” Hit Men formed in 2012 in a basement studio in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, about 10 miles from New York. ir roots extend deces furr.

Shapiro, keyboardist for Valli during singer’s mid-1970s comeback, h played with guitarist Don Ciccone and drummer Gerry Polci with Four Seasons and knew bassist Larry Gates from childhood. Ciccone and guitarist Jimmy Ryan h scored hits with pop group Critters in ’60s. All h extensive credits playing behind artists from Carole King and Carly Simon to Elton John, Rolling Stones and dozens more.  group ded veteran session vocalist Russell Velasquez and has played 40 to 60 dates per year ever since, justing its set list as “Jersey Boys” phemen fed.

Lost Gates to complications

Along way, y lost Gates to complications from multiple myeloma and Ciccone to a heart attack. Gates’ spot was filled by Jeff Ganz, whose lengthy resume includes stints with Chuck Berry, Dr. John, Johnny Winter and Blood, Sweat and Tears. Polci left group and was replaced by Steve Murphy, who has backed Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren, Jack Bruce and ors.

“Night after night, month after month, year after year, y are out re keeping music alive and keeping it real, seldom getting recognition that y all richly deserve,” museum founder and CEO Joe Chambers said in a statement.

touring is a grind for Shapiro, who was diagsed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, but it is outweighed by rewards.

“When I’m sitting in front of pia, I don’t feel any symptoms,” he said. “I feel like I’m 23, 24 years old again.”