NEW YORK — Noted audio/M.I. industry publicist Jean Charles Costa — better known as J.C. Costa — passed away March 24, 2020 after a lengthy illness. 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.
Costa’s wife Risa shared more information, which was added to this posting on April 22. It follows below:
I’ve decided to honor his memory by asking friends and family to go to the following website: https://www.mountsinai.org/about/covid19/donations-supplies
Mt. Sinai West was the hospital where Jean (JC) was treated and although he did not pass away from Corona, he was given the utmost care by all the healthcare professionals who tried to save him. My son, Brett and I saw first-hand how they were trying to prepare for the surge of patients once the virus hit and how unprepared they were regarding supplies and funding. Needless to say, all the hospitals are equally in need but we have a personal relationship with this one and I think of all the young doctors who are so at risk now. The site offers a number of options to help as you will see.
