Skip & Flip

Skip & Flip

Skip & Flip was an American pop duo comprising Clyde Battin (Skip) and Gary S. Paxton (Flip). The two met in the late 1950s while attending the University of Arizona.

Early Career and Chart Success

Initially known as the Rockabillies, the duo recorded for Rev Records under the names the Pledges and later Gary & Clyde. Time Records acquired their Rev Records masters, including "Why Not Confess" and "Johnny Risk," and subsequently moved the duo to its Brent Records label, rebranding them as Skip and Flip. In 1959, their recording of Paxton's song "It Was I" became a hit, reaching number 11 on the U.S. charts. Their follow-up single, "Fancy Nancy," charted at number 71. Their final charting release together was a rendition of Marvin And Johnny's R&B hit "Cherry Pie," which also reached number 11.

Gary S. Paxton's Post-Duo Career

Following the dissolution of Skip & Flip, Gary S. Paxton embarked on a prolific career. He recorded under various monikers for several labels, most notably as part of the Hollywood Argyles, who topped the charts in 1960 with the novelty song "Alley-Oop." Paxton also achieved success as a producer and label owner, contributing to hits like "Monster Mash," written by Bobby "Boris" Pickett.

Bakersfield International and Later Ventures

In the mid-1960s, Paxton established the Bakersfield International label, aiming to capitalize on the burgeoning Bakersfield sound. He operated a mobile eight-track recording studio out of a converted Flxible Flyer bus, collaborating with numerous musicians. Among these were artists who would later join bands like The Byrds and other prominent country rock acts, including the Gosdin Brothers, Dennis Payne, and The Reasons (also known as Nashville West, featuring Gene Parsons, Clarence White, Gib Guilbeau, and Wayne Moore). Many of these recordings were released on low-budget compilations and cover albums. It appears Paxton sold these sessions to other labels to fund projects closer to his personal interests.

Paxton relocated to Nashville in the early 1970s, where he recorded several country albums under his own name. He has since become a notable figure in the gospel music community.

Clyde Battin's Solo and Band Work

Clyde Battin pursued his musical career with recordings on Indigo Records, May Records, Groove Records, Audicon Records, and Signpost Records. He was a member of notable groups such as Evergreen Blueshoes, The Byrds, New Riders of the Purple Sage, and the Flying Burrito Brothers. Battin also contributed as a session musician with a diverse range of artists.