Bob Conti (born December 27, 1947) is an American percussionist known for his work with Donna Summer, Diana Ross, and his long-term collaboration with Jose Feliciano.
He composed and played percussion for Bad Girls, an album that went double platinum. He also produced The Genius of Jose Feliciano Vol 1 & Vol 2 on his own record label, Joyfull Productions.
Early life Conti was born in Brooklyn and joined the American Legion's Drum and Bugle Corp at 12.https://bobconti.com/about-bob-conti/ He later moved to Los Angeles and attended Venice High School, where he played Baritone Sax in the high school dance band, "The Crescendos," and had his own band, "The Circle of One." After high school, Conti's music career took precedence over his college education at Santa Monica College.
Career Conti's career started when he won a radio contest with his band, leading to performances with well-known artists and eventually recording an album with Wilson Pickett. Later, he was signed by Jubilee Records as a songwriter and lead vocalist. Conti then joined The Platters as saxophonist and lead vocalist.
Throughout his career, Conti has performed with various artists in the studio and on tour, working on over 150 albums. He has also been a composer, publisher, musical director, television presenter, and bandleader.
Donna Summer years & Jose Feliciano Conti performed with Donna Summer from 1977 to 2010, contributing to her double platinum Bad Girls album. On that album, he composed "Can't get to sleep at night". He then collaborated with José Feliciano from 1982 to 2016, producing several albums and touring worldwide. In addition to writing songs for him, Bob produced several of his albums, including The Genius of José Feliciano, Volume 1 and Volume 2José Feliciano – The Genius Of JF - Vol. 2 Discogs and From the Heart.
Present day Since 2016, Conti has focused on charitable projects and established a non-profit organization called "We Celebrate US." In March 2017, he was appointed by the Mayor of Thousand Oaks, California, to the position of Cultural Arts Commissioner of the Thousand Oaks, California Cultural Affairs Commission/Alliance for the Arts, a term that ended in November 2019. In 2017 Bob was one of the producers of the City of Thousand Oaks' live stage show, the 2017 Excellence In The Arts Awards, and also provided some of his original music for the production.
Awards Award Album Artist Credits Year Gold The Sound of Vienna José Feliciano Percussion 1988 Gold Escenas de Amor José Feliciano Writer, percussion 1982 Double Platinum Bad Girls Donna Summer Composer, percussion 1979 Platinum Live and More Donna Summer Composer, percussion 1978 Platinum Once Upon a Time Donna Summer Percussion 1977
Discography Album Artist Credits YearDonna: The CD Collection Donna Summer Percussionist 2014Groovin''' || Martini Kings (Tony Marsico) || Bongos, percussionist || 2014 |- |Moments Magical || Marty Krystall || Percussionist || 2014 |- |Closer || José Feliciano || Writer, composer, percussionist || 2011 |- |The Genius of José Feliciano Vol. 1 || José Feliciano || Producer, percussionist, background vocalist || 2011 |- |The Genius of José Feliciano Vol. 2 || José Feliciano || Producer, percussionist, background vocals || 2011 |- |From the Heart || José Feliciano || Producer, percussionist, background vocals || 2011 |- |Life and the Romantic || Bruce Sudano || Percussionist || 2010 |- |New Morning: The Paris Concert'' José Feliciano Percussionist, group member 2009Resurrection Swamp Dogg Main personnel, Congas, bongos, percussionist 2007The Taste of You (Sabor A Mi) Wayne Boyer Congas, bongos, percussionist 2007A Mellow Jazz Christmas Bob Conti Percussionist, primary artist 2006Bob Conti's Big Band Christmas Bob Conti Primary artist, percussionist 2006Pure Liz Story Liz Story Percussionist 2006Tropical Journeys Bob Conti Primary artist, producer, percussionist 2006Little Drummer Boy Bob Conti Primary artist, percussionist 2006Gold Donna Summer Percussionist 2005Marcia Greatest Hits Marcia Hines Percussionist 2004The Collected Works of the Roches The Roches Percussionist 2003Jazzy Christmas (Vertical Jazz) Bob Conti Percussionist, primary artist 2001Romance & Passion Benise Congas, bongos, additional percussion 2001Revolution Little Sista Percussionist 2001Jazz Relaxante Bob Conti, Federico Ramos Primary artist, percussionist 2000Heart & Soul: Romantic Dedications Bob Conti, Federico Ramos, Ramón Stagnaro, Adam Del Monte Producer, percussionist, hand drums, composer 1999Sounds of Wood and Steel, Vol. 2 Richie Sambora and Various Artists Congas, djembe 1999 The Art of Storytelling Slick Rick Composer 1999Santa Fe Spice Bob Conti Producer, performer, composer, primary artist, percussionist 1998Visions and Rhythms Bob Conti Performer, composer, primary artist, percussionist 1997Americano José Feliciano Castanets 1996 Music, Harmony and Rhythm: The Casablanca Years Brooklyn Dreams (group) Percussionist 1996Behind The Memories Rita Coolidge Percussionist 1995An Evening with Sitting Bull Bob Conti Primary artist, producer, percussionist, concept, composer 1995Disco Mixes Claudja Barry Percussionist 1995The Donna Summer Anthology Donna Summer Percussionist 1993Mistaken Identity (Donna Summer album) Donna Summer Percussionist 1991Steppin' Out José Feliciano Shaker, triangle, whistle, percussionist 1990Joe Bruce & 2nd Avenue Joe Bruce & 2nd Avenue Percussion 1987Unaccountable Effect Liz Story Percussion 1985Como Tú Quieres José Feliciano Composer, percussion 1985Made in America The Carpenters Percussion 1981Nurds The Roches Percussion 1980Won't Let Go Brooklyn Dreams (group) Percussion, writer 1980Won't Let Go Brooklyn Dreams (group) Percussion, writer 1980Jeff Kutash and the Dancin' Machine Jeff Kutash and the Dancin' Machine Percussion 1980Room with a View Player Percussionist 1980Bad Girls (Donna Summer album) Donna Summer Composer, percussionist 1979Night Miracles Kenny Nolan Percussion 1979Feel the Fire Claudja Barry Percussion 1979Joy Ride Brooklyn Dreams Percussion 1979Live and More Donna Summer Composer, percussion 1978Midnight Rhythm Midnight Rhythm Percussion 1978Getting' The Spirit Roberta Kelly Percussion 1978M.A.3 M.A.3 Percussion 1978Once Upon a Time... Donna Summer Percussion 1977Nature's Secret Michael Cassidy Percussion 1977A Change of Heart Golden Avatar Percussion 1976Direct Disco Gino Dentie and the Family Percussion 1976Join Me and Let's Be Free Wilson Pickett Percussion 1975
Soundtracks and theme songs Movie/series Composer Song Year 3:15 - The Moment of Truth Bob Conti, Joe "Bean" Esposito "Out of Control" 1986Road Stories Bob Conti Theme song 1992
Endorsements Roland Electronics/Roland V-Drums Toca Percussion Latin Percussion Instruments Nike Footwear Peavey Electronics Machudo Cajons
References
External links Bob Conti official website Bob Conti Fan Area website