Happy Birthday: Bob Gaudio

Today we celebrate the birthday of Bob Gaudio, who was born in the Bronx back in 1942 and went on earn tremendous fame as a songwriter and member of the Four Seasons. Gaudio had already found success before teaming up with the Frankie Valli and the guys, and he’s found success with other artists as well, so we thought we’d offer up a six-pack of other musical moments in Gaudio’s back catalog, and we’re offering up the official Four Seasons playlist as well.

1. The Royal Teens, “Short Shorts” (1958): Gaudio was all of 15 years old when he co-wrote and performed on this classic single, which climbed all the way to #3 on the Billboard chart.

2. Michael Jackson, “Morning Glow” (1973): Although he was still steadfastly a member of the Jackson 5 at this point in his career, Michael was also forging a solo career on the side. This track was never released as a single in the US, but it did get issued as one in the UK. Mind you, it didn’t chart, but it’s still an interesting little pop ditty.

3. Martin & Finley, “Long Life and Success to the Farmer” (1974): They didn’t make much headway on the charts, but this duo released their album DAZZLE ‘EM WITH FOOTWORK in 1974 on Motown Records. As one of the label’s ads explained, “No, they’re not stand-up comedians, or talk show personalities, or daytime TV stars. They’re a writing/singing team extraordinaire.” Too bad that didn’t result in chart success.

4. Neil Diamond, “Dancing in the Street” (1979): Diamond was privy to Gaudio’s production work on numerous occasions, most notably his duet with Barbra Streisand, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” but this cover of the Martha and the Vandellas hit was also released as a single.

5. Chris Christian, “Don’t Give Up On Us” (1981): Not the David Soul ditty, but an original composition by Christian, who found far more success as a songwriter than as a singer. Over the years, his songs have been recorded by Elvis Presley, Hall and Oates, the Pointer Sisters, the Carpenters, B.J. Thomas, Dionne Warwick, Olivia Newton-John, and America, just to name a few.

6. Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack, “Heaven Above Us” (1983): This duo – each of whom obviously had considerable success in their own right – scored the most success together with their single “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” this song was a minor hit in the UK.