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KETCHUM, Idaho (AP) — Don Ciccone, the lead singer and songwriter of The Critters, died last week in Ketchum, Idaho. He was 70.
Ciccone wrote the group's hit, "Mr. Dieingly Sad," which reached the Billboard Top 25 in 1966. He later joined Frankie Valli's Four Seasons from 1973 through 1981 before becoming the musical director and bassist for Tommy James and the Shondells.
Ciccone, who was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, began performing as a musician at age 14, according to his website biography. He was one of the founding members of The Vibratones, but the group later changed its name to The Critters in emulation of other bands, like the Animals, that were popular at the time.
Ciconne, who was a part-time resident of Sun Valley, died Oct. 8, his social media manager Lynn Pattnosh said. He will be buried in New Jersey.
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