Gay Pop Music Legend and LGBT Philanthropist Bob Crewe Dies

Bob Crewe, the songwriter and record producer behind hits by Patti LaBelle and the Four Seasons, died Sept. 11 at his home in Maine. The gay music pioneer was 83.

"He created The Four Seasons," brother Dan Crewe told the Portland Press Herald Thursday night. "But he will be remembered for the actual songs he wrote, the quality of those songs, which are now considered the standards of the rock 'n' roll era."

A native of New Jersey, Crewe moved to New York City to attend the Parsons School of Design.

He quickly gave up a career in architecture in favor of the music business and had moderate success penning songs for The Rays and Frankie Cannon. In the early 60s he achieved major success across the river in his native New Jersey by discovering The Four Seasons.

With Four Seasons band member Bob Gaudio, Crewe would co-write and produce numerous chart-topping hits of the 60s, including "Sherry", "Rag Doll," "Walk Like A Man," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."

In the 70s he found himself back on top of the music charts with "Lady Marmalade," performed by Patti LaBelle.

"Bob Crewe was a rock and roll legend," said Peter Gregus, the actor who created the stage role of Crewe in the long-running Broadway hit "Jersey Boys." "A gifted and talented man who was so generous to me while creating his stage persona in the original cast of 'Jersey Boys.' Whether it be the music he wrote or that which he influenced, his work will forever play as the musical soundtrack of our lives. I'm so heartbroken at his loss."

Openly gay, but rarely speaking about it, Crewe's actions spoke louder than any words. In 2009 he launched The Bob Crewe Foundation, which, according to Broadway.com, in addition to providing funds for aspiring music industry professionals, also supports AIDS research and promotes LGBT rights and initiatives.