The Recording Academy has announced that John Cossette, the longtime executive producer of the Grammy Awards, has passed away at age 54.
Cossette’s wife, Rita, confirmed his death in a statement, stating that the family appreciated “everyone’s love and support, and further details regarding funeral arrangements will be forthcoming in the next few days.”
Said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, “It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our dear friend and colleague, John Cossette.”
“John was a remarkable live television producer — and most recently Broadway musical producer — with many credits and accolades to his name.”
“However, it was his warmth, easygoing nature, passion for music and the arts, and tireless dedication to the GRAMMY Awards and Latin GRAMMY Awards that was unmatched.”
“We were incredibly lucky to have benefitted from John’s creative guidance and leadership but more importantly, to have called him our friend. Our sincerest condolences and deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. He will be terribly missed.”
Cossette was the son of Grammy telecast founding producer Pierre Cossette and worked on the Grammys broadcast for more than 20 years.
His other credits included the Latin Grammys, BET Awards and BET Hip Hop Awards as well as the musical “Million Dollar Quartet”.
