The blues, roots and rock communities are mourning the death of respected publicist, record executive and writer Mark Pucci, who has died aged 79 following a brief illness and complications from a stroke.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Pucci became one of the music industry’s most trusted behind-the-scenes figures, working with artists across blues, rock, roots, country and Americana. Known for his professionalism, loyalty and deep commitment to the musicians he represented, he spent much of his life helping artists find audiences and building lasting relationships throughout the industry.
Beyond the business, those closest to him remember a kind and generous man with a deep love for family, friends, animals and music. For many within the blues community, Pucci was not simply a publicist but a friend, advocate and familiar presence who spent decades championing the music he loved.
Five decades in music
Pucci’s career included two separate tenures at Capricorn Records, where he served first as publicity director and later as Vice President of Publicity and General Manager. During that time, he worked on campaigns for artists including The Allman Brothers Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Elvin Bishop, Delbert McClinton, Wet Willie, Sea Level, Dixie Dregs, Widespread Panic, Kenny Chesney, 311 and Cake.
His time at Capricorn also placed him close to one of the most significant political campaigns of the 1970s. Pucci worked on publicity and promotion for benefit concerts connected to Jimmy Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign, helping raise early funds and increase Carter’s national profile.
He later founded Atlanta-based Mark Pucci Media, continuing to represent artists whose work reflected his own passion for blues, roots and American music. His client list over the years included Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, John Mayall, Taj Mahal, Gordon Lightfoot, Derek Trucks, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Charlie Musselwhite, Delbert McClinton, Dave Alvin, Buddy Miller, Julie Miller, The Flatlanders, Tinsley Ellis, Ronnie Earl, Duke Robillard, Sue Foley, Kim Wilson, Jimmie Vaughan, Eric Johnson, Maria Muldaur, Al Kooper, The Nighthawks and Savoy Brown.
Keeping the blues alive
Pucci’s contribution to the blues world was formally recognised in 2008 when he received the Blues Foundation’s Keeping the Blues Alive Award in Memphis. The honour acknowledged a career spent promoting, supporting and helping sustain blues music and the artists who made it.
Those achievements were also reflected in listings in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in Entertainment, but the tributes following his death have focused just as strongly on the person behind the career. Friends, colleagues and family have spoken of his warmth, compassion, attention to detail and determination to do right by the artists who trusted him.
For a profession that often operates out of sight of audiences, Pucci’s influence was considerable. The musicians he represented, the records he helped promote and the relationships he built over more than half a century form a substantial part of his legacy.
A life beyond the business
Pucci was predeceased by his wife Patricia Powers Pucci, his parents Anna and James Pucci, brothers Joseph and James Pucci, sisters Dolores Kenna and Carol Dinkowitz, brother-in-law Pete Dinkowitz and niece Susan Iversen.
He is survived by sister-in-law Gertrude Pucci, nieces Diane Nunno and Tina Hulsman, nephew Peter Dinkowitz and many other nieces and nephews. He is also remembered by his office assistant and friend Karin Johnson, the Renteral family, his wider blues family, friends from the “lunch bunch” and his beloved cat Elvis.
Memorial services will be held on Wednesday 28 October from 10am to noon and again from 6pm to 9pm, with arrangements being handled by SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Those wishing to honour Pucci’s memory have also been invited to make donations to LifeLine Animal Project, reflecting his longstanding love of animals.
Mark Pucci spent more than 50 years helping other people’s music reach the world. His contribution to the blues community, and to the generations of artists who trusted him with their work, will continue long after his passing.
