John Cossette

John Cossette
Born(1957-02-22)February 22, 1957
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
DiedApril 26, 2011(2011-04-26) (aged 54)
Malibu, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)Theater and television producer

John Cossette (February 22, 1957 – April 26, 2011)[1] was an American theater and television producer known for his work on televised award shows, especially the television broadcasts of the Grammy Awards.[2]

Cossette's father, television producer Pierre Cossette, was known as the "father of the Grammy Awards telecast."[3] Pierre Cossette helmed the first televised broadcast of the Grammy Awards in 1971.[4]

John Cossette became the producer of the Grammy Awards following the departure of his father from the awards show.[2] Cossette remained involved with the television broadcast of the Grammy Awards for more than twenty years, and also produced the Latin Grammy Awards show and the Grammy nominations concert.[2] Most recently, Cossette worked as the executive producer of the 53rd Grammy Awards held on February 13, 2011.[2]

In 2009, Cossette began producing productions of the musical, Million Dollar Quartet in Chicago, on Broadway and in London's West End.[2] Cossette also produced awards show for the cable television network, BET.[2] His other producing credits include the reopening ceremony for Radio City Music Hall in New York City in 1999.[4]

John Cossette died on April 26, 2011, at the age of 54.[2] No cause of death was ever given. He was survived by his wife, Rita, and two daughters.[2] His father, Pierre Cossette, died in September 2009.

  1. ^ "PASSINGS: Roger Gimbel, John Cossette, W. Barclay Kamb". Los Angeles Times. April 29, 2011. Archived from the original on May 4, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Gallo, Phill (2011-04-27). "Grammy Awards producer John Cossette dies at 54". Billboard Magazine. Reuters. Archived from the original on 2011-04-30. Retrieved 2011-05-01.
  3. ^ Lewis, Randy (September 12, 2009). "Pierre Cossette dies at 85; 'father' of the Grammy Awards telecast". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
  4. ^ a b "Grammys producer John Cossette dies aged 54". BBC News. 2011-04-27. Retrieved 2011-05-01.