Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio Release Statement on Passing of Songwriter Bob Crewe

As BWW reported yesterday, according to an announcement on his official website, Bob Crewe, songwriter behind many of Frankie Valli and the Four Season's hit tunes, has passed away. He died peacefully, with his brother Dan Crewe by his side, on Wednesday,September 11, 2014 in Scarborough, Maine. He was 83.

Crewe was known for writing hit songs from the 1950's through the 1970's, including "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You," "Rag Doll," "Walk Like A Man," "Lady Marmalade," "My Eyes Adored You," "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore," and as the lyricist of the hit Broadway show Jersey Boys.

Today, Four Seasons' members Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio released the following statement on the passing of the talented artist:

"It is a sad day for not only for us but also for everyone who was touched by a man who created his legacy by doing just that ... touching people's hearts. Bob Crewe's lyrics have meant so much, to so many, for so long, it is hard to imagine they will ever be forgotten.

Bob had a way about him in life as he did in the studio, a charismatic personality, an ability to draw the best out of everyone and a limitless joy of music, art and life.

The years that we spent creating music were amazing. We learned together and grew together as artists. We will never forget Bob Crewe our partner...our brother, in music and our good friend in life."

Crewe was a dynamic, innovative record producer, producing such recording artists as The Four Seasons,Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, Oliver, Lesley Gore,Frankie Valli and Bobby Darin. He was also mentor to songwriters Kenny Nolan, L. Russell Brown, Desmond Childand Cindy Bullens.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Bob Crewe spent his formative years in Belleville, NJ. He moved to New York City to attend Parsons School of Design with the desire to become an architect. After a year, Bob left Parsons to embark on a musical career singing on recording demos and writing songs with his first writing partner Frank C. Slay. Together they wrote "La Dee Dah," "Bells Bells Bells," and "Lucky Ladybug" for Billy & Lillie. Bob's lyrics in the hit song, "Silhouettes," by The Rays, showcased early on his lyrical storytelling. Crewe and Slay also wrote hits for Freddie Cannon including "Way Down Yonder In New Orleans" and "Tallahassee Lassie."

In 1961, Bob Crewe turned to his singing talents on Warwick Records, with "The Whiffenpoof Song," "Water Boy, and "Voglio Cantare." Bob's dynamic character and striking good looks triggered teen idol status, landing him on the cover of 16 Magazine and on early 60's national talent shows. Earlier, he had been a successful fashion model, appearing as the face of Coca-Cola in 1957.

During the flurry of music activity in the early Sixties, Bob discovered a young vocal group from New Jersey, hiring them to sing backup on recording demos and singles. With the addition of a young songwriter to the group, Bob Gaudio, Crewe renamed the group The Four Seasons. The songwriting collaboration of Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio garnered many hits for The Four Seasons including "Rag Doll," "Walk Like A Man," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "Big Man In Town" and "Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye)."

In 1967, Bob heard a jingle on the radio for a Diet Pepsi commercial and rushed into the studio to record it as a single. "Music To Watch Girls By" spawned the Bob Crewe Generation and was a major hit.

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