Condolences: Tom Mazzetta
• Longtime music industry executive Tom Mazzetta, who operated his Boulder, CO-based promotion and marketing business for nearly 50 years, died Dec. 21, 2023 from complications of an aneurysm he suffered on October 12.
Mazzetta, who was once accurately described by Dave Koz as “so filled with energy he could practically provide electricity for a small metropolitan city” started working in the music business in the early ’70s with his brother Peter as a Sales Representative for Mercury Records. Over the span of his career, he worked for Heilicher Brothers, Polygram Records, and International Artists where he found his niche in radio promotion. In 1994, he went out on his own and established his independent radio promotion company Mazzetta Promotion, which he managed until his death. He also co-founded both Boulder Entertainment Group in 1995 and South Beach Marketing & Promotion in 2001.
During his career Mazzetta worked with some of the biggest stars in music, including Paul McCartney, John Denver, LeAnn Rimes, Barry Manilow, The Moody Blues, Savoy Brown, Kool & The Gang, Tommy James, Mannheim Steamroller, Tony Bennett, Ringo Starr, and many more. Mazzetta was also the former US Director of RMC (The European Union’s Music Office), a post he was very proud of, along with his office full of Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum awards and other honors for his work. Tom was known for his high energy work ethic and his unique sense of humor was always on display.
“Tom Mazzetta was a powerful voice in AC music and influenced how radio evolved in the ’90s and 2000s,” said Mike McVay, President of McVay Media. “He was a friend to artists and to radio programmers. More than that… he was a generous and kind person.”
Jack Ashton, of Ashton Music Consulting, commented, “I was a longtime friend of Tom and his family. I first met him in Chicago in the early ’70s with his brother Peter who worked with me at Mercury Records. We worked side-by-side through the ’90s and early 2000s when Tom worked the Gavin AC stations and then to ACQB. He was a total professional and was loved by everyone who knew him.”
Charlie Wallert noted, “Tommy was as well respected as he was tenacious at his job. You could always count on him to get it done. I have great affection for him professionally and personally.”
Tom Mazzetta is survived by his wife, Laurie Mazzetta, his triplet boys, Nick, John, and Matthew Mazzetta, his stepdaughter, Kathryn, and his sister, Muffie Mazzetta. A memorial service is being planned on Tom’s birthday, April 27, 2024 in Boulder, CO. More details will be posted on Tom’s Facebook page in due time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom Mazzetta’s name to MusiCares.
