Remembering Al Moinet
• Over the weekend we were saddened to learn that colorful longtime promotion veteran Al Moinet, a man who was considered to be almost a family member to many in our industry, had passed away after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. Anyone who came in contact with Al over the years couldn’t help but be charmed by his colorful persona, his distinctive New Orleans drawl and his skill as a promoter over his years with MCA, A&M, Virgin, and Charisma Records.
Moinet got his industry start doing radio sales, then started his own advertising agency. While doing that, as the story goes, MCA Records recognized his skills and offered him a position as regional promotion rep for Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama, and Moinet turned it down — three times — before finally accepting. He later left MCA and went to work for Charlie Minor and Harold Childs at A&M Records. When Charlie was promoted from Atlanta regional to National Singles in LA, Moinet replaced him as the Atlanta rep.
And that’s when RAMP‘s Steve Resnik first met Moinet, as he commented, “In 1976, when Charlie left A&M for ABC/Dunhill, Al was promoted to the head of A&M National Singles Promotion and moved to LA. I spent many a Saturday watching LSU football with him. He met Linda, fell in love and they were married at Charlie’s house. He was loved by everyone he worked with at MCA, A&M, Virgin and Charisma. He was respected by all program directors, music directors, artists, managers and everyone who crossed his path. Al was like no one else I ever knew. He was a very special person to be sure, and I will miss him.”
Fellow promo veteran Mel Delatte had known Moinet since they were in high school in the New Orleans area. “We were the best of friends for over 60 years,” Delatte said. “He fought very hard in his battle with Parkinson’s disease with his lovely Linda by his side. I know he’s in a place we all want to be someday.”
If you look through the numerous Facebook posts paying tribute to Al Moinet, you can see how many of today’s successful radio and record label executives learned so much about the business from him. Moinet is survived by his loving wife, the amazing Linda Moinet, who has taken such great care of him over the years. Linda is planning a celebration of life very soon. Stand by for details. Donations in Al Moinet’s memory can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. [Photo of Linda & Al courtesy of Linda Moinet]
