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.Rocky 52 - JOHNNY RIVERS 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.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

During the 1970s, Bob Skaff was vice-president of United Artists RecordsCash Box, May 20, 1972 - Page 9 Fame Ties With UA Label, Skaff Is Exec VP, GM as well as president of Paul Anka Productions.Cleveland.com, May. 31, 2012 - Bob Skaff promoted music stars: news obituary

He was Paul Anka's cousin.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

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.Record World, May 1, 1965 - Page 17 Lib Execs Tour

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.Record World, November 20, 1965 - Page 12 Liberty Divisions Go All Out on 10 Singles

Skaff produced the song, "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" for Little Anthony and the Imperials which was released in 1969.Record World, June 21, 1969 - Page 20 Money Music (Continued from page 18), Bob Skaff cut Anthony & Imperials: "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" The record made it to No. 52 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 38 on the Soul Singles chart.MusicVF.com - Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Little Anthony & the Imperials 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".Cleveland.com, May. 31, 2012 - Bob Skaff promoted music stars: news obituary

Bob Skaff produced "Times of Your Life" by Paul Anka.Record World, November 15, 1975 - Page 9 Click! Anka’s got another one!, Produced by Bob Skaff. The song peaked at No. 7 nationally.Song Facts - Times Of Your Life by Paul Anka, Charted: 7 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.RPM Weekly, Vol. 26 No. 11 - December 11, 1976 - Page 7 Platinum and gold awards presented to Paul Anka

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.Discogs - Johnny Harris Orchestra – Jubilation / Tip Top Theme

"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.45Cat - Hidden Strength, I Don't Want To Be A Lone Ranger It was a hit, peaking at No. 78 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart,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 StrengthBillboard, 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 StrengthBillboard, October 30, 1976 - Page 56 Billboard Hot Soul Singles and No. 74 on the Cash Box Top 100 R&B chart.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 2Cash 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 3Cash Box, October 23, 1976 - Page 50 CASH BOX TOP 100 R&B October 23, 1976 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.Session Days - 1981 The Dillman Band – Lovin’ The Night Away, Liner Notes, Producer (Executive) – Bob Skaff Death Bob Skaff died at his home on at age 81 on 23 May 2012.Cleveland.com, May. 31, 2012 - Bob Skaff promoted music stars: news obituary Further reading Cash Box, August 31, 1963 - Page 6 Bob Skaff Named Imperial Topper

References

External links Discogs - Bob Skaff