Bob Skaff
Bob Skaff | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Robert Skaff |
| Born | 27 November 1930 |
| Origin | United States |
| Died | 23 May 2012 (aged 81) Lakewood, Ohio, United States |
| Occupations | Music executive, record producer |
| Years active | 1960s - 1980s |
| Labels | Liberty Records, United Artists Records |
Bob Skaff was a music executive and record producer. Artists he worked with include Paul Anka, The Daisy Dillman Band, Hidden Strength, Little Anthony and the Imperials and many others.
Background
Bob Skaff played a big part in the release of Johnny Rivers' At the Whisky à Go Go album. Al Bennett of Liberty Records was reluctant to have the recording released but Skaff who heard and liked the tape convinced him to release it.[1] He also was the one who suggested to Paul Anka that "(You're) Having My Baby" be made a duet. So Anka recorded it with singer Odia.[2]
During the 1970s, Bob Skaff was vice-president of United Artists Records[3] as well as president of Paul Anka Productions.[4]
He was Paul Anka's cousin.[5]
Career
1960s
It was reported in the 1 May 1965 issue of Record World that Bob Skaff, vice-president of Liberty Records at the time and A&R chief Don Blocker were on a three-week tour. While Blocker was scouting talent in Chicago, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Detroit, New York City, Washington and Boston, Skaff was concentrating on the promotion scene.[6]
In 1965, Liberty Records was experiencing an upward surge in record sales. It was described by Record World in the magazine's 20 November issue as one of the briskest periods in its history. Skaff, the vice president of A&R promotion had ordered promotion men throughout the country to "bring in that record". He was pushing the coordinated effort to spread the "action" singles that were breaking into different markets. With Liberty national promotion director Pat Pipolo having left on a tour to get the promotion going, Skaff had ordered a major concentration of promotion material to be sent to the label's promotion men everywhere.[7]
Skaff produced the song, "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" for Little Anthony and the Imperials which was released in 1969.[8] The record made it to No. 52 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 38 on the Soul Singles chart.[9]
1970s
In 1973, Skaff became a partner in Fame Records. He would sign Paul Anka to the label. This led to Anka having the mega hit, "(You're) Having My Baby".[10]
Bob Skaff produced "Times of Your Life" by Paul Anka.[11] The song peaked at No. 7 nationally.[12] Skaff, along with Stan Kulin, Keith Patten, Allan Matthews presented gold and platinum records to Paul Anka. The event was photographed and published in the 11 December 1976 issue of RPM Weekly.[13]
Working with Johnny Harris, he co-produced the single "Jubilation" bw "Tip Top Theme" that was credited to The Johnny Harris Orchestra and released on the United Artists Records label in 1976.[14]
"I Don't Want to Be a Lone Ranger" was recorded by Hidden Strength and released on the United Artists Record label in 1976. It was produced by Denny Diante while Skaff was the executive producer.[15] It was a hit, peaking at No. 78 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart,[16][17][18] and No. 74 on the Cash Box Top 100 R&B chart.[19][20][21]
1980s
Skaff was the executive producer for the Lovin’ the Night Away album by the Dillman Band which was produced by Rick Hall and released on the RCA Victor label in 1981.[22]
Death
Bob Skaff died at his home on at age 81 on 23 May 2012.[23]
Further reading
- Cash Box, August 31, 1963 - Page 6 Bob Skaff Named Imperial Topper
References
- ^ Rocky 52 - JOHNNY RIVERS
- ^ Vanity Fair, April 9, 2013 - EXCERPT Seven, Michael Jackson, Liz Taylor, a jewel heist, kinky Brits, tennis at midnight . . . and then I get pregnant. By Paul Anka
- ^ Cash Box, May 20, 1972 - Page 9 Fame Ties With UA Label, Skaff Is Exec VP, GM
- ^ Cleveland.com, May. 31, 2012 - Bob Skaff promoted music stars: news obituary
- ^ Vanity Fair, April 9, 2013 - EXCERPT Seven, Michael Jackson, Liz Taylor, a jewel heist, kinky Brits, tennis at midnight . . . and then I get pregnant. By Paul Anka
- ^ Record World, May 1, 1965 - Page 17 Lib Execs Tour
- ^ Record World, November 20, 1965 - Page 12 Liberty Divisions Go All Out on 10 Singles
- ^ Record World, June 21, 1969 - Page 20 Money Music (Continued from page 18), Bob Skaff cut Anthony & Imperials: "Out of Sight, Out of Mind"
- ^ MusicVF.com - Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Little Anthony & the Imperials
- ^ Cleveland.com, May. 31, 2012 - Bob Skaff promoted music stars: news obituary
- ^ Record World, November 15, 1975 - Page 9 Click! Anka’s got another one!, Produced by Bob Skaff.
- ^ Song Facts - Times Of Your Life by Paul Anka, Charted: 7
- ^ RPM Weekly, Vol. 26 No. 11 - December 11, 1976 - Page 7 Platinum and gold awards presented to Paul Anka
- ^ Discogs - Johnny Harris Orchestra – Jubilation / Tip Top Theme
- ^ 45Cat - Hidden Strength, I Don't Want To Be A Lone Ranger
- ^ Billboard, October 16, 1976 - Page 46 Billboard Hot Soul Singles, This Week 78, Last Week 84, Weeks on Chart 4, I DON'T WANT TO BE A LONE RANGER- Hidden Strength
- ^ Billboard, October 23, 1976 - Page 57 Billboard Hot Soul Singles, This Week 78, Last Week 78, Weeks on Chart 5, I DON'T WANT TO BE A LONE RANGER- Hidden Strength
- ^ Billboard, October 30, 1976 - Page 56 Billboard Hot Soul Singles
- ^ Cash Box, October 9, 1976 - Page 41 CASH BOX TOP 100 R&B October 9, 1976 74 I DON’T WANT TO BE A LONG RANGER HIDDEN STRENGTH (United Artists XW8 47), 10/2 -, Weeks on Chart 2
- ^ Cash Box, October 16, 1976 - Page 49 CASH BOX TOP 100 R&B October 16, 1976 74, I DON’T WANT TO BE A LONG RANGER, 10/9 74, Weeks On Chart 3
- ^ Cash Box, October 23, 1976 - Page 50 CASH BOX TOP 100 R&B October 23, 1976
- ^ Session Days - 1981 The Dillman Band – Lovin’ The Night Away, Liner Notes, Producer (Executive) – Bob Skaff
- ^ Cleveland.com, May. 31, 2012 - Bob Skaff promoted music stars: news obituary
External links
- Discogs - Bob Skaff