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There was a terrific record promotion man who worked for
Liberty Records in the ’60s. Bob Skaff is his name. Bob was
National Promotion Man of the Year…from Gavin, or
Billboard…can’t recall which. He lived in NYC. Women thought
he looked fine. And guys liked him because…even though
showbiz….he was a guy’s guy.
Bob Skaff has a cousin by the name of Paul Anka. Yep, that
Paul. And, even though Paul did not record for Bob’s Liberty
Records, Bob tried to help promote Paul’s newest product
whenever possible. Running a major radio group at the time I
was kept up to date on Paul’s popularity by Bob. I always
enjoy talking to both Bob and Paul… smart guys.
Living in NYC, Bob became friends with Jets quarterback Joe
Namath. I liked the wide open play of the Jets…I was a fan
of Namath. One day when I was in NYC on business I met with
Bob at Joe’s night club called Bachelor Three. There were a
dozen Jet players among the diners and drinkers. Bob
introduced me to the group and I listened as they talked
football and life. Joe Namath came in, and invited us to his
apartment; his friend was cooking pork chops (I think her
name was Susie Storm and she was from the Tampa area). About
20 of us went to Joe’s condo including sports author Dick
Schapp. The pork chops were great, and the football
conversation was unbelievable. I learned more football that
night than you can imagine. For example, a certain opposing
linebacker was going to blitz if his right foot was ahead of
his left, etc. What an education. I think it was as this
party that I met Jimmy Walsh who has been Joe’s attorney,
agent and partner since the two met attending the University
of Alabama. Jimmy and I have become good friends, although I
do not seem him enough.
So, the two guys that Bob Skaff introduced me to…..Anka and
Namath… have been frequently present in my life. Great news
for me!!!! I like them both.
Pat (my wife) and I once flew to Las Vegas just to see a
couple of Anka’s memorable productions. He is quite a writer
and performer.
And when the Jets visited Atlanta to play the Falcons (we
lived there at the time) Bob Skaff invited us and our kids
to the Jets practice at the Georgia Tech field. Mr. Namath
was there…and we have kids picture with Namath in his Jets
uniform at the field. Mr. Namath threw the ball VERY hard
when standing on the sidelines watching practice….as opposed
to a slower illusion when sitting in the 30th row during a
game. The velocity of the ball would break mortal persons
fingers. I know because I WAS THERE!!! Matter of fact a ball
slipped from Joe’s hand and missed the Jet’s female
owner/partner by inches. (I think her first name was Helen…a
very nice person with whom we had dinner along with Bob
Skaff and others).
We have visited with Jimmy Walsh in New York and New Orleans
many times; we were involved with Mr. Namath when he was a
stockholder in Sportsline (now CBS SportsLine), and spent a
lot of quality time with Bob Skaff….who unexpectedly left
his promotion post at Liberty and moved to his hometown of
Cleveland. I think I still have a phone number for him. And
I will definitely call him when visiting Cleveland for the R
and R Convention which is happening as you read this.
Sorry, you didn’t have a chance to meet a classy guy…Bob
Skaff.
e-mail Kent
kent@kentburkhart.com
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