Independent promotion and marketing specialist Paul Yeskel died in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday, Dec. 23, at his home in Old Bridge, N.J. The cause of death was yet to be determined. He was 56.
Yeskel was founder and president of Aim Strategies, which launched in 1985. The company’s niche was the promotion and marketing of classic rock, including such artists as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, the Who, Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin. It was one of the first companies to promote triple-A rock stations in 1993. Aim’s ongoing support of classic rock acts was bolstered by the Web site www.classicsdujour.com.
Prior to founding Aim, Yeskel held national promotion titles at Ariola, Atco and Arista Records.
New York City classic rock station WAQX paid tribute to Yeskel on air the evening of Dec. 23.
He is survived by his wife Sharon, and daughters Allison and Katie. He is also survived by two siblings, Dave Yeskel, a marketing and sales consultant who has been VP of sales for V2, J Records, Windham Hill and Island, and casting director Ronnie Yeskel.
A memorial service will be be held at Bloomfield Cooper, 44 Wilson Ave., Manalapan, N.J. on Thursday, Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. The family has requested donations in Yeskel’s name be made to the New Jersey Sharing Network (800-ShareNJ or www.share.nj).
