Hit-Making Jersey Boy Bob Crewe Dead at 83

Music legend Bob Crewe, whose work can be heard in the Broadway musical Jersey Boys, died on September 11, 2014, according to Frontiers LA. He was 83 years old.

Crewe was born on November 12, 1930 in Newark, New Jersey and despite a natural talent for music, he initially attended Parsons School of Design in New York. Throughout his music career, he still remained active as a visual artist, having designed various album covers. In 1953, he partnered with Frank Slay Jr., and in 1957, their song “Silhouettes,” performed by The Rays, became a recognized doo-wop hit. The album’s B side, “Daddy Cool,” was covered by The Diamonds and climbed to Billboard’s top 10. Beginning in the early 1960s, Crewe worked with Bob Gaudio on many singles for The Four Seasons as both a producer and co-lyricist. Among the memorable numbers that Crewe collaborated with Gaudio and are featured in the Tony-winning musical are “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “Rag Doll” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” In addition to his contributions to The Four Seasons, Crewe co-wrote Patti LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade” with Kenny Nolan, which became a #1 chart-topper in 1975. He also produced hit singles for artists including Diane Renay, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Michael Jackson and more.

In 2009, Crewe launched The Bob Crewe Foundation, which funds fellowships, scholarships, training and mentorships for aspiring young artists and musicians. The Trust also supports AIDS research and promotes LGBT rights and initiatives. Though Crewe rarely spoke openly of his sexuality, he is considered to be a gay icon in the music industry and beyond.

Crewe is portrayed in Jersey Boys by Peter Gregus, who originated the role at La Jolla Playhouse in 2004. Gregus, who continues to play Crewe at the August Wilson Theatre, told Broadway.com, “What you see in Jersey Boys is the tip of the iceberg of not only what he contributed to The Four Seasons and the music industry. If we told his part of the story, we’d be there until four in the morning." He added, “I feel like [playing Crewe] is less of an illumination and more of a tribute now.” Mike Doyle portrayed Crewe in Clint Eastwood's film adaptation of the musical, which was released earlier this year.

In a statement, Frankie Valli and Gaudio said, "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...We will never forget Bob Crewe: our partner—our brother, in music and our good friend in life."