What is not on this MD TV clip is the after the song banter between Mike Douglas and his co-host, singer, Gordon Macray, and the entire group. In the ensuing discussion Mike Douglas says that it was only just before the show that he learned that CTMEOY was written by one of the members of the group. Frankie tells Mike that would be Bob Gaudio and Gordon Macray asks Bob if he ever gets a chance to sing any of the songs he wrote to which Bob repsonds “Not very often.” Mike asks Bob to sing a few bars of it now to which Bob responds “Oh no.” Mike picks up on Bob’s reluctance and asks the audience if that would like to hear the composer sing his song. Based on Bob’s response it certainly appears that this was not rehearsed in any way and took Bob by complete surpise. Bob’s response to the audience clapping and cheering indicating that they wanted him to sing a few bars is: “What key are we in.” Joe Long, ever the jokester, tells Bob that we’re in the key of “R.” Bob’s response is that if he is in Frankie’s key, he will never make it. Mike Douglas tells his piano player to take it down a few bars and then Bob gives it a shot. Not bad, not bad at all. Bob did us 4 Seasons fans proud.

Mike then asked Bob if he was ever with someone who started singing one of his songs not knowing that he was the composer, and Bob talked about a driver they had one time was whistling “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine (Anymore)” and that Bob didn’t even notice it and that it was Joe Long who had to point it out to Bob.

Great memories.

I’ve known Howard since Fall of 2000 when we met on my first day at work. Howard is one of those rare individuals who, having been through the grinder more than once, can extract wonderfulness out of tradgedy. What kept him going through the rough spots – shows like “Jersey Boys” – best medicine ever invented by man.

Keep up the good work!
Bron Burda