Modern Grammys Founder Dies

Pierre Cossette, founder and longtime producer of the live-format Grammy Awards, died of congestive heart failure Sept. 11 in a Montreal hospital, according to the Recording Academy.

Cosette is credited with booking some of Las Vegas’ largest acts including the Rat Pack and Mae West.

He guided the careers of artists including Ann-Margret, Vic Damone and, later, the Mamas and the Papas, Steppenwolf and Three Dog Night through his Dunhill Records.

He later moved into television production, changing the Grammy format from an hour-long program of recorded performances to a live show in 1971.

The Grammy Museum at the Pierre Cossette Center at L.A. Live includes an exhibit in his honor.