We knew it was coming after his accident and dementia a few years ago but the passing of Bob Crewe (my real music hero) in a way brings an end to an era. Our deepest condolences go out to brother Dan and all of Bob’s family and friends. Personally as a man and a producer I respected him, his talent and work more than any other 60s producer.
For 15 years we have researched his career and discovered little known tracks that show his immense talent. As a reminder of Bob’s skill read the blog of Don Charles…by clicking …..THE POP CULTURE CANTINA. His career was awesome. It captures what we have been saying about Bob’s achievements in his production/writing career. He taught the Four Seasons how to make not just records…..but hits…he made Bob Gaudio a consistent musical genius…..he enabled Charlie Calello to become a top producer. He created success for others and gave hits to so many artists who will remember him with great affection
Despite the success of Jersey Boys his breadth of work remains relatively unknown and his achievements very much under appreciated.
With 8 bootleg volumes of 'Seasons' Connections compiled from our collection of his work it is such a pity a record company working with Bob couldn't have helped us celebrate this great producer with official collections of his work. Don Charles blog post is currenly the most comprehensive bio and sets the record straight for those who don't know of his work.
Our past posts on the blogs have paid tribute to him in many ways and below are just a few:-
http://movementbureau.blogs.com/chameleon/2007/02/bob_crewe_off_t.html
and the work he did with Bobby Darin is legendary…(he spoke about it here)
http://www.bobbydarin.com/darincrewe.html
But the research we did into his female answer to the Four Seasons for me showed the great man and producer he was. He picked the lady who was to become a dear friend ‘Jean Thomas’ to be lead singer of The Rag Dolls and the result was a string of great girls sound 45s. Jean's bio contains a quote by Ellie Greenwich which captures their special relationship……”Jean’s good friend Ellie Greenwich had met Bob Crewe before Jean got to meet him. Ellie had a good relationship with Bob Crewe and commented on his ability in an interview before her untimely passing in 2009….."I'm not exactly sure when I met Bob Crewe, but we always saw each other around the business from the very beginning. (We) had an affinity for each other (and) still do! He was a joy to work with on all levels . . . he's a perfectionist, he's open to any outside ideas, he really knows what he wants and gets it, and most of all, he is passionate about what he does. He puts all of himself into everything he touches . . . I always loved and still do love Bob! I can go on and on about this talented gentleman, and he is just that: A 'gentle man'."
I like to think that now Bob and his great friend Ellie Greenwich are together in Heaven’s Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame and they are watching over successive generations discovering their music and stories.
Maybe his bio which we know he worked on will now surface. We know he completed many interviews and notes for this a few years ago. We can only hope that brother Dan can pull this together his wonderful life deserves this and we could all cherish his achievements and stories.
Finally to hear what Bob achieved with the Four Seasons and we didn’t get to have released catch Bob’s unreleased DEMO ‘Lovers’ which actually features images of Bob posing with a beautiful unknown girl. Bob Crewe at his best.
http://movementbureau.blogs.com/chameleon/motown-unreleased/
More re Bob and his legacy soon. Casey Chameleon
As always, Casey, thank you for your insights into the work and legacy of one of the true giants of music. You have long been the world's best writer and researcher on the endlessly fascinating subject of Bob Crewe. I know your valuable contributions will not stop with his death. We are all in your debt. Regards, Charles
Posted by: Charles Alexander | 09/13/2014 at 02:59 PM