Former EMI Music Publishing executive Pat Lucas has passed away after a long battle with cancer. She was 77. A respected figure in music and other areas of entertainment, Lucas was widely admired for her integrity and professionalism.

Born in the Bronx in 1944, Lucas began her career working with photographer Elliot Landy, interviewing musicians througout the region for a Greenwich Village newspaper. After a stretch in Vancouver, she made her way to Los Angeles, where she charted a successful career as an A&R executive at ATV, CBS Records, SBK and EMI Music Publishing. She made history at the latter by establishing the first pubco film & television division.

"Pat was not only a brilliant executive—she was a magnificent person and a true friend to so many at EMI and across the industry," reads a fond tribute from Sony Music Publishing chief Jon Platt. "Her fearless passion for music inspired us and helped to shape the future of publishing. She will be greatly missed."

She is survived by her sister Joan, brother-in-law Michael and son Joshu.