Earl Blackwell
Earl Blackwell | |
|---|---|
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| Died | March 1, 1995 (aged 85) , New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
Samuel Earl Blackwell Jr. (May 3, 1909 – March 1, 1995) was an American businessman who was a celebrity promoter and, later, celebrity tracker. In 1939, he founded Celebrity Service, which spawned The Celebrity Bulletin in 1952.[1]
Early life and career
Blackwell was born on May 3, 1909, in Atlanta, Georgia. He became interested in the celebrity lifestyle after caddying for golfer Bobby Jones.[2] He graduated from Oglethorpe University with a journalism degree.[1]
After a brief career in
Blackwell co-edited Celebrity Register: An Irreverent Compendium of American Quotable Notables with Cleveland Amory in 1963.[4] He also co-wrote two novels — Crystal Clear (1978)[5] and Skyrocket (1980)[6] — both set in the fashion world, with his long-term companion, fashion photographer Eugenia Sheppard.[2]
He was a director of
Celebrity Service
As Celebrity Service expanded, it published an International Celebrity Register and an annual Contact Book, in addition to the daily Celebrity Bulletin, which reported on people in the arts, business, education, politics, religion, science and sports. Blackwell later bought Strong out, and he sold the business in 1985. He remained its chairman until his death. Blackwell's assistant for forty years was Vine Phoenix.[1]
Personal life
Around 1960, Blackwell rented the
He had one sibling, sister Mary Blackwell Alexander.[1]
Death
Blackwell died at
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Earl Blackwell, 85, a Promoter Of Celebrities and Their Events" – The New York Times, March 4, 1995
- ^ a b c d e Earl Blackwell – Variety, March 5, 1995
- ^ a b c "They Sell Secrets" – Pageant, December 1945, p. 4
- Harper & Row, 1963) ASIN B000XQ176C
- ISBN 978-0-385-13527-6.
- ISBN 978-0-385-15695-0.
- ^ "A Wallflower Overshadowed by Its Neighbors" – The New York Times, October 28, 2007