Noted audio/M.I. industry publicist Jean Charles Costa — better known as J.C. Costa — passed away after a lengthy illness on the morning of March 24. The owner and founder of Brainstorm Media, Costa handled public relations for clients including Martin Audio, Fishman, CAD Audio, 3G Productions, and SenovvA. He was 75.
Costa began his independent New York City-based company in 2001, offering creative marketing support, public relations, online solutions, promotions and social networking for consumer electronics, musical instrument and entertainment technology companies. This came about after decades as a successful public relations professional for companies including Samson Technologies (VP marketing, 1993-2000), the Manhattan-based PR firm SR/A, and on the staff of Atlantic Records from 1971 to 1973, doing publicity, artist relations, A&R and writing liner notes.
He attended New York’s Columbia University, graduating with a B.A. degree in Comparative Literature in 1970. This came in handy, as during that time, he also began working as a writer for Rolling Stone magazine, contributing record reviews and feature stories.
Costa is survived by his wife Rise, their son, and granddaughter. He will long be remembered for his wit, creativity, and warm character. No plans for a memorial had been announced at press time.
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