Remembering Mike Martucci
• On Thursday, June 10, former Cashbox, Arista and Columbia Records executive Mike Martucci passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was 80 years old and had been living in Boynton Beach, FL.
A New York native, Martucci, affectionately known as “Tooch,” was a fixture at Columbia Records in the mid-’80s as Director of AC Promotion, where he was instrumental in laying the groundwork for success with Michael Bolton and his Hunger and Soul Provider albums, promoting the Barbra Streisand/Don Johnsonduet, “Til I Loved You,” 1987’s Billboard AC Hit of the Year, “Can’t We Try” by Dan Hill & Vonda Shepard, George Michael‘s “One More Try,” Billy Joel‘s “This Is The Time,” Eddie Money‘s “I Wanna Go Back” and Tony Bennett‘s albums Bennett/Berlin and The Art of Excellence.
After his Columbia tenure, Martucci went on to enjoy a successful career as an indie promoter. Martucci is survived by his wife, Sandra and two adult sons from a previous marriage, Michael and Robert.
Industry vet Scott Siegel, who was Tooch’s intern in the late ’80s, fondly recalls, “All those in radio whom Mike spoke with would remember him always telling a joke or two. His co-workers would definitely remember his talent for playing the spoons as it emanated through the halls.” Donations in Mike’s memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. We also want to draw your attention to Mark Rizzo‘s heartfelt remembrance of Martucci posted to his Facebook page. [Thanks to Scott Siegel]
