In 1960, after a failed audition at a bowling establishment in Union Township, called the '4 Seasons', songwriter/pianist Gaudio shook hands with lead singer Valli and formed the Four Seasons Partnership, and Gaudio, Valli, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi became The Four Seasons. Gaudio (left) with The Four Seasons in 1966 While commercial success was elusive, the group was kept busy with session work (with Bob Crewe as the producer), and a string of performances at night clubs and lounges. One year after he ceased touring, Gaudio joined the Four Lovers. Wearying of touring, Gaudio left the Royal Teens soon afterward, and the group subsequently dissolved. In 1958, while he and the group were promoting the single, they met Frankie Valli and his group the Four Lovers as they prepared to perform on a local television program.

He rose to musical fame at the age of 15 as a member of The Royal Teens, for whom he co-wrote the hit ' Short Shorts'. He stayed out of trouble and had a mild manner, which proved useful during negotiations throughout his career.

He was a cerebral person, interested in reading and learning. He grew up in more comfortable middle-class surroundings than the other members of the Four Seasons, which caused some tension and differences early on. He showed an interest in music and studied piano with Sal Mosca. His mother worked for the publishing house Prentice Hall and his father in a paper factory. Though he no longer performs with the group, Gaudio and lead singer Frankie Valli remain co-owners of the Four Seasons brand.īorn in the Bronx, New York, Gaudio was raised in Bergenfield, New Jersey, where he attended Bergenfield High School. Gaudio wrote or co-wrote and produced the vast majority of the band's music, including hits like ' Sherry' and ' December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)'. Robert John Gaudio (born November 17, 1942) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer, and the keyboardist and backing vocalist of the pop/rock band the Four Seasons.

Four seasons piano