Allentown, PA 1966

Clair's origin story begins on April 16, 1966, when Gene and Roy Clair provided sound reinforcement for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at Franklin & Marshall College. It is a tale we often tell about two brothers, passionate about sound and eager to be in business together, crossing paths with one of music's top acts in search of outstanding audio.

However, this fortuitous meeting at F&M is only half the story. After the show, the Clairs and the Four Seasons parted ways. Roy and Gene returned to Lititz in a rented U-Haul, while the band headed to Allentown, PA, for a gig the next day at the Allentown Fairgrounds. The event was a variety show organized by a Moravian University graduate, with the band sharing the bill with local act The King's Ransom and student performers.

During soundcheck, an audio issue became clear: the system suffered from a loud hum that Frankie Valli later described as "so bad… awful." Valli instructed his road manager to contact the guys from F&M—a task that was far from simple in the pre-cell phone era. According to Roy Clair, the manager called Lancaster-based DJ Chuck Raymond in a last-ditch attempt to reach them. At the time, Gene and Roy were at a golf course; someone in the clubhouse relayed a message from their wives: Chuck Raymond had called, and the Four Seasons were looking for them. The boys from Lititz didn't hesitate.

Having already returned the U-Haul, they borrowed a vehicle from the uncle of Roy's wife, an electrician. They quickly loaded two speakers, three microphones, and a mixer, then headed to Allentown. The Clairs' ability to respond swiftly and deliver quality sound earned them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The following day, a deal was struck, and the Clairs joined the Four Seasons for their next three shows in Ohio. From there, a professional partnership developed that set the stage for Clair Bros. Audio Enterprises, Inc. to begin making its mark on the industry.

When asked in a recent interview about the benefits of hiring the Clair brothers, Frankie Valli said, "...less stress and aggravation. If you have people who know what you do and how to cover what you're doing, it makes your life a lot easier."

Today, Clair Global remains devoted to providing the same level of service Gene and Roy demonstrated the day they sprang into action in 1966. We work tirelessly every day, at any hour, to exceed our clients' expectations.