We’re speaking, of course, of our fearless public relations king, Bob Merlis, who runs his Merlis for Hire outfit, which is abbreviated “M.f.h.”--with periods after each letter. But that always bothered me: It ends with a period, but should really start with a period, because Bob’s been the best at this PR game--for me, more than five decades!--the period should be at the front, because there’s no end to Bob. Bob is one of the genuine souls who can wax poetically about all of his artists, and he truly enjoys bringing them into the global picture.

Billy F Gibbons (ZZ Top)

I am so grateful that I met Bob Merlis back in the 1960s. Who knew that a man could be so knowledgeable in the business of publicity--and yet totally honest? What he says he means, and what he means he says. Since then, I’ve worked with Bob whenever I’ve been free to choose him. He works me hard, but I never feel I’m wasting time. I thrive on his support, direction and good advice. People are still listening to my new music 64 years after I got into this business. That doesn’t just happen. It happens because Bob Merlis gets me to my listeners and gets my listeners to me.

Dion

I've worked with Bob Merlis and the M.f.h. team for the last 21 years! As they celebrate their momentous anniversary, they continue to be an insightful resource in helping journalists report on the various facets of the music industry.

Gail Mitchell
Billboard Magazine

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Bob and his team on a number of bookings at both Conan and Kimmel. The most memorable is undoubtedly when Bob enlisted Billy Gibbons to join the all-star band accompanying Will Ferrell, as he performed “Free Bird” on Conan’s final Tonight Show. Beck, Ben Harper and Conan himself were all on stage for the number, with Neil Young and Elliot Roberts watching from the side. It was a surreal and emotionally-charged day, and I’m glad that Bob could be a part of it.

Jim Pitt, Jimmy Kimmel Live

Bob is everything and more, not only because of his skill as a publicist, but his knowledge of the music business and the people in it--and the music of the music business: This makes him integral to our promotion and press efforts. He’s been with us when ABKCO’s late founder Allen Klein ran the company, and he carries on today, serving another generation.

Jody Klein, CEO
ABKCO Music & Records

Bob Merlis specializes in presenting his clients in their absolute best light, promoting their work from the perspective of someone who believes in it. That is what Bob has done for us for over two decades. He has supported our mission impeccably as a publicist, and fondly as a friend. Experience Hendrix and Authentic Hendrix have benefited enormously from Bob’s talent, professionalism, and network within the industry. He is truly what I would call a media whisperer! I would like to personally thank Bob for treating the work of promoting Jimi’s legacy with such respect and care over the years. We celebrate you, Bob!

Janie Hendrix, CEO
Experience Hendrix L.L.C.

The first person I was taken to meet at Warner Bro was Bob Merlis. I had met him at a party thrown by Andy Wickham that my manager Eddie Tickner took me to--for people to meet me--and Bob and I became instant musical friends--and instant friends, period. I thought he was the coolest guy--and loved his hair! It was back in late 1977 or ’78, and he had something to do with the idea of me going to London to record--or was at least in the know about it and thought it was really cool. He started sending me Wanda Jackson music and cassettes he made, and I always felt I could ask his opinion on my career as well as having him as my publicist. He always had time for me, and in some ways had it not been for Bob--and me taking a cassette of new songs to him in 1989--I might never have had my hits! I always come back to Bob--no matter what. He’s just my guy! He makes everything I say more intelligible. I always get the personal touch

Carlene Carter

For us it’s simple: Who better to lead publicity for Roy Orbison than someone who was in the audience for his legendary Black & White Night Concert? Whether you need a prime placement for a new video or just to commiserate on Studebakers, Bob Merlis is the guy!

Alex Orbison

Working with M.f.h. is a dream, and there’s no one better than Bob. He believed in me. In 2010, when I begged him to represent me for my Nico show, he said, “Don’t you want someone in New York?” I said, “No! I want you!” and it flowered from there. He's so open to every idea, and so much fun to hang out with. I can be a bother and annoying as hell, but he understands and goes with it, and allows me to hock him. I couldn’t have asked for more. Every crazy idea, every “Hail Mary” pass I ask him to do, he does, and he’s always so gracious and kind and enthusiastic about what I do--which is not an easy sell for anybody whose client is so weird! And his office is great: Ben, Amy and Melenie are all just so nice. I don’t know if there are nicer people in the world.

Tammy Faye Starlight

A few years ago Bob was in Houston as ZZ Top blew out the candles at its 50th birthday party. He had some time to kill before the party, which was full of people, polyester, BBQ and oppressive heat--even in March. We hit some sites from Houston’s musical history, which sadly is a history that remains murmured despite its richness. We stopped by Screwed Up Records and Tapes, the site of the old Duke/Peacock offices, and a Fifth Ward Mural that honored folks like Lightnin’ Hopkins and Illinois Jacquet. It was my very small gesture to offset a decades-spanning debt to Bob Merlis for enriching my soul as a music fan, and also putting his artists on the phone when I needed a quote on five minutes notice.

Andrew Dansby
Houston Chronicle