Songwriter, producer, and artist Bob Crewe was a legendary hitmaker whose brilliance lives on in beloved tunes made famous by the Four Seasons and other musical superstars. Working with his brother and business manager, Dan Crewe, Bob transformed the pop music industry while simultaneously making his mark as a renowned visual artist.
Now, their legacy is transforming the University of Southern Maine. Before Bob passed away in 2014, he and Dan launched the Crewe Foundation, dedicated to advancing opportunities in music and the arts. Led by Dan, a lifelong arts champion and philanthropist, the Crewe Foundation donated more than $6 million to help pave the way for the Crewe Center for the Arts. “The Crewe” honors Bob and Dan’s shared passion for the arts and their legacy of fostering creativity and inclusivity in Maine.
The Crewe Foundation
In November 2005, the Broadway show Jersey Boys opened to immediate acclaim. Over the next few years, the show has become one of the most beloved musicals in the U.S., Great Britain, and Australia.
This was the culmination of Bob Crewe’s long career in the world of music and art. With the success of this wonderful show and prolific song catalogue, the legendary songwriter/producer decided to “pay it forward.” In 2009 he and his brother Dan Crewe founded The Bob Crewe Foundation.
Before Bob passed away in 2014, the Crewe family decided to focus the mission of the foundation on Maine and its incredible arts and LGBTQ communities. Today, the Crewe Foundation Board is made up of Maine-based philanthropists who are deeply engaged in the local community.
The Crewe Foundation has donated more than $6 million to support construction of the new Center for the Arts, the largest gift in the Foundation’s history.
Bob Crewe
Bob Crewe’s career is well known as a songwriter, singer, record producer, and visual artist. His career ranks among the most varied and innovative in pop music history. Along with Bob Gaudio, Bob produced and co-wrote a string of Top 10 singles for The Four Seasons and in 1985, he was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
As a songwriter, Bob Crewe is most noted for “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “Bye, Bye, Baby” (all co-written with Gaudio); as well as “My Eyes Adored You” and “Lady Marmalade” (both co-written with Kenny Nolan). He also had hit recordings with many other performers including Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Michael Jackson, Bobby Darin, Roberta Flack, Patti LaBelle, Barry Manilow, and his own Bob Crewe Generation.
Dan Crewe
With his daughter, Reid Crewe, Daniel (Dan) Crewe co-leads the Crewe Foundation, an organization committed to supporting Maine’s youth, the arts, and LGBTQ initiatives. A passionate humanitarian and philanthropist, Dan is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former Captain in the U.S. Air Force.
He spent many years in the music business in partnership with his late brother, Bob Crewe. Dan has been involved in numerous community and arts organizations, including the Equity Institute of Maine, the Susan Curtis Foundation, Breakwater School, Maine College of Art + Design, and the Portland Symphony.
Dan is the Chair Emeritus of the USM Foundation, and Chair of the Crewe Center for the Arts Campaign. His leadership in the arts, education, and human rights have had an enormous impact on the lives of countless Mainers.