His association with The Four Seasons began in 1960 when he was looking for a backup band for his demos and singles. He hired a group called The Four Lovers, which included Frankie Valli and keyboardist Bob Gaudio. The vocal group was soon rechristened The Four Seasons.
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985.
Throughout the 1950s and into the 1960s, he was known as much for his musical
talent and drive as for his good looks, with which he achieved success as a top
fashion model. Among the young women with whom he did print layouts
were actresses-to-be Sandra Dee and Carol Lynley.
Was a member of The Four Seasons, as well as their producer, arranger and writer of many of their hits.
He grew up in Belleville, New Jersey, where his parents ran a small grocery. He loved classical and big-band music from a young age.
He attended the Parsons School of Design in New York City for a year, planning to become an architect, but he left to concentrate on a music career. He supplemented his income as a model and interior decorator.
Founder of DynoVoice Records (1965-1969), New York City.