Live: North Sea Jazz Festival July 11, 1993 Larry DeBari-g, Gary Foote-b, Neil Capolongo-d, Glen McClelland-kbd, Jerry Sokolov-t, Steve Guttman-t-md, Tim Ries-ts- fl, Charley Gordon-trom, David Clayton-Thomas-v Written by Berry Gordy Jr., Brenda Holloway, Frank Wilson, and Patrice Holloway. Arranged by Al Kooper. Tag: variation on a theme by Erik Satie ( Gymnopédie No.1 ).

Tried this before, and it didn't take--will try again. I met Sam when I was new to the "foreman" position--the first woman to attempt it. In my forties, Sam in his twenties--what a pair. He tried in his outrageous way to intimidate me, but soon found out I was not the shrinking violet type, or easily shocked either at his pot smoking and salty language. Once we got over the original nonsense, we had some interesting conversations. Some people may have been fooled by him, I think he cared a lot about what people thought--anyway I enjoyed his company and sensed that beneath that gruff wise-guy exterior beat a lovely heart. Sorry his time among us was short.

Sam could puck a rat at the sterling fair with pretty good accuracy,especially when I was the target! A lover of pink Floyd and those funky video laser discs that were invented in the early 80's. Working together at the big "X", every day was a party. That first break outdoor "get together" always was an eye opener. If the weather was bad, those "crane" rides did the trick. Way too much fun for what was suppose to be a "job". He didn't have a green thumb.He refused to water the spider plant on his window sill and everyday I'd complain about it. I took it home and its still growing like a weed!!!!

As gruff as Sam "Skully" might have seemed when I first met him at the Sterling festival years-and-years ago, he was the sweetest man I had ever met. Kind, thoughtful and totally loyal as a friend. I enjoyed his "Dog Roasts", his insights, climbing the mountain with him, and the many conversations we held. Sweet voyage, my friend.

Sammy Pucci " It's all pink inside. "

I think what I admired most about Sam was that he had no problem being rude or disgusting and not apologizing for who he was, he truly did not care what people thought of him. Most of us could only hope to be so free. Sam used to say to me that we were “bounced off the same wall”. Quite often we each would be the only one laughing at the other. We defiantly understood each other in a special way. The calm strength and love he showed for Allyson cemented to me the kind of person he was to spite his sometimes questionable appearance and demeanor.

I have so many memories but I have one particular one that stands out in my mind, and it may not even seem funny to most people, but to this day when I think about it I break out in laughter. My step monster had x-rays of her back hung up on the refrigerator after a recent operation. When Sam and I walked in one day to visit, she pulled them down and shoved them into Sam’s hands and said, “See all the metal pieces I have in my back?” Looking down at the x-rays Sam immediately said, “So if we get a couple of big magnets we can make ya dance!” Well you should have seen the look on her face…PRICELESS!!!!

Some may find it strange that a former wife would leave a memory, pray at his side and help when I could but the fact remains that I am grateful, as was Sam. I held his hand at the hospital a few times at 2 hospitals and prayed. This last time, I told him I was thankful for our beautiful daughter. Sam, in his quiet way not often shown to others said, "Thank you for taking the time to come." Sam and I were different in too many ways to count but he had a heart that was difficult to ignore. He knew what was best for Allyson and I and did it without question. He often expressed his gratitude and I in turn wanted to express mine. Sam lived his life to the fullest that only he was aware of. He loved Allyson beyond measure as they bonded the moment she was born. He has promised her that he would always be there for her and knowing Sam's personanlity, he will. I am glad that he is at peace.

It has to be said, that Skully always was very free with his personal stash. He was often known to drop a Skully Bone in your pouch or hat as a gift. He was as warm as warm can get. Lusty and Warm. His eyes always seemed to be melting into the connection at the moment...maybe he was just way high. But you always got a sense that you were talking to a guy that loved you.

I always knew him as Skully. When I finally called him Sam for the first time, it made him become more real than ever. He was always kind and giving at the Sterling Festival--doing whatever possible to make your day, and night, a little more fun. He was a friend on Faire Day. My image of Sam is smiling and sort of stepping to the side, ready to aid in someone else's happiness. He loved his daughter. He was family.

My good friend Sam Pucci. We always called him Skully, for his pirate character at the Renaissance Festival. He hosted "Dog Roasts" at Webster Park for all his friends, helping the road crew and the town crew get together. He also hosted me when I performed at the shows in southern Florida. It was there that I wa able to finish and rrelease my first solo album, and his wonderful gift of space and time will be long cherished by me. He was generous to a fault, and whoever said "Chivalry is Dead" never met Sam Pucci! His body may have failed him, but he has always and will always be an unquenchable spirit. Thank you, Brother Skully, for being a part of my life.