22 Oct Music Industry Mourns the Loss of Mark Pucci, 79, Legendary Publicist, Blues Advocate, and Founder of Mark Pucci Media
Due to a brief illness and complications from a stroke, the beloved figure in Blues, Roots and Rock music has passed. Mark Pucci leaves behind a remarkable legacy of more than 50 years championing artists, building careers, and sharing his lifelong love of music.
ATLANTA, GA — The music industry mourns the passing of Mark Pucci, the highly respected music publicist, record executive, writer, and founder of Mark Pucci Media, whose extraordinary career spanned more than five decades. Known throughout the music world for his impeccable professionalism, unwavering dedication to artists, and deep passion for the blues, Pucci was more than a publicist. He was a trusted advocate, a champion of musical talent, a loyal friend, and, above all, a gentle and kind human being. For those fortunate enough to know him personally, Mark’s greatest legacy extends far beyond the legendary musicians he represented. He will be remembered for his warmth, compassion, generosity, loyalty, and the genuine love he had for people, animals, and family.
To his family, Mark was not simply a legendary name in the music business. He was a beloved Uncle and family member whose kindness, gentle nature, and generous heart made a lasting impression on everyone around him.
A Legendary Career Dedicated to Music
Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Pucci worked alongside some of the most influential and respected artists in American music. During two separate tenures at the legendary Capricorn Records, where he served as publicity director and later as Vice President of Publicity and General Manager, Pucci directed publicity campaigns for an extraordinary roster of 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, Cake, and many others. While at Capricorn, Mark also had the unique opportunity to work on Jimmy Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign. He handled PR and promotion of benefit concerts which helped to raise crucial early funds, as well as to assist in boosting Carter’s national profile.
As founder and owner of Atlanta-based Mark Pucci Media, he continued his life’s work representing musicians whose artistry, originality, and dedication to their craft reflected his own passion for music. Over the years, his clients included an extraordinary range of legendary performers and respected artists, among them 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, Susan Tedeschi’s musical contemporaries, Ronnie Earl, Duke Robillard, Sue Foley, Kim Wilson, Jimmie Vaughan, Eric Johnson, Maria Muldaur, Al Kooper, The Nighthawks, Savoy Brown, and countless others.
His ability to recognize and champion genuine talent earned him enormous respect throughout the music industry. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, tireless work ethic, and commitment to doing right by the artists who placed their trust in him.
Honored for Keeping the Blues Alive
In 2008, Pucci received the prestigious Keeping the Blues Alive Award from the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee, recognizing his outstanding career achievements and invaluable contributions to the blues community. The honor reflected what those in the music business had known for decades: Mark Pucci was one of the devoted people behind the scenes whose work helped sustain, celebrate, and preserve the music he loved.
His accomplishments were also recognized through listings in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who in Entertainment. But awards and accolades never fully defined the man. Behind the celebrated career was a deeply loving, kindhearted, and compassionate person. A Gentle Soul with a Rock-and-Roll Heart.
A Legacy That Will Continue to Play On. The music world has lost a remarkable advocate, a respected colleague, and a devoted champion of the blues. His influence will continue to be felt through the countless musicians whose careers he supported, the music he helped bring to audiences, and the friendships he built throughout a lifetime in the industry.
The music may play a little differently without Mark Pucci, but the blues he loved and the lives he touched will carry his spirit forward. He was known for his compassion and love for family, friends, animals, and people. But most of all, he loved the Blues.
Rock on, Mark. Your music will never fade.
Mark was predeceased by his wife, the love of his life, Patricia Powers Pucci, as well as his parents Anna and James Pucci, brothers Joseph and James Pucci, sisters Dolores Kenna and Carol Dinkowitz, brother-in-law Pete Dinkowitz and his beloved niece Susan Iversen. He is survived by his loving family; sister-in-law Gertrude Pucci, niece Diane Nunno (John), niece Tina Hulsman (Chris), his nephew Peter Dinkowitz (Wendy) and many nieces and nephews. As well as his office assistant and friend Karin Johnson, The Renteral family, his Blues family, the lunch bunch crew and his beloved cat, Elvis.
Memorial arrangements are being handled by South Care Cremation & Funeral Society, 225 Curie Drive, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30005. Services will be held on Wednesday October 28, 10AM – Noon and 6-9PM We welcome your love, support, and floral expressions. If you would like to honor Mark further, gifts may be made to Lifeline Animal Project at www.lifelineanimal.org.
For many years, La Hora del Blues had the honor of working and collaborating with Mark Pucci, building a relationship based on mutual respect, confidence, and friendship. Rest in peace, Mark, we will never forget you.
