Bob Crewe

Bob Crewe and music partner Frank Slay became independent writer-producers when the category hadn’t yet been invented. In 1957 they wrote and produced "Silhouettes" for The Rays, skyrocketing to #1. Suddenly, producers in demand, they launched Freddie Cannon’s "Tallahassee Lassie" and Billy & Lillie’s "Lah Dee Da." Crewe’s 1960’s solo unprecedented producing success with The Four Seasons birthed a new sound, striking a major chord in American Pop. "Sherry," "Big Girls Don’t Cry," "Walk Like a Man," "Candy Girl," "Ronnie" – all smashes! When lead Frankie Valli demanded a solo turn, Crewe & Bob Gaudio wrote and Crewe produced "Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You," eventually becoming the century’s fifth most played song. Crewe ran hot with artists from Vicki Carr, Oliver, Lesley Gore to Mitch Ryder, co-writing with Charles Fox the soundtrack for Jane Fonda’s film, "Barbarella". Then his own Bob Crewe Generation exploded with Music To Watch Girls By. In 1972 Bob was in L.A., where he revived Frankie Valli with "My Eyes Adored You" by Crewe & Kenny Nolan. They also co-wrote Patti LaBelle’s "Lady Marmalade" (#1, July ’75) – to re-hit again from the soundtrack of Moulin Rouge (#1, June ’01). Credit: David Ritz.