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Mark and Pinetop Perkins

The M.C. Records Story

Grammy Nominated 5 Times- Mark Carpentieri of M.C. Records on Live it Up with Donna Drake

In 1991, Mark Carpentieri wanted to record his band Somethin’ Blue, but like many musicians, he didn’t have the money. He ended up making a deal with the studio owner. He would dump a van full of construction garbage for a night’s worth of recording. Through simple barter, M.C. Records was formed.

In 1996, Mark signed Mississippi bluesman Big Jack Johnson and released his music worldwide. Other notable artists that have recorded for the label include Odetta, Kim Wilson, Duke Robillard, Joanna Connor, Anders Osborne, Guy Davis, Pinetop Perkins, and so many more. The label also released the critically acclaimed Tribute To Sister Rosetta Tharpe in 2003. M.C. Records has released over 60 recordings, and in 2026, we will celebrate our 35th anniversary. The label has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards and won or been nominated for over 40 Blues Music Awards. In 2006, M.C. Records received The Blues Foundation’s Keeping The Blues Alive Award for record label of the year.

Mark Carpentieri’s vision for the label has always been to release quality over quantity. “I don’t go into a year saying I need to release four records this year.” I want to make sure that when I put my logo on a record, people know that great roots music is inside.

On May 6, 2011, M.C. Records President Mark Carpentieri was interviewed on WFUV by Dennis Elsas. The station was celebrating blues day. Check out the interview audio below.