Earl Blackwell

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.

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.

Blackwell co-edited Celebrity Register: An Irreverent Compendium of American Quotable Notables with Cleveland Amory in 1963. He also co-wrote two novels — Crystal Clear (1978) and Skyrocket (1980) — both set in the fashion world, with his long-term companion, fashion photographer Eugenia Sheppard.

He had one sibling, his sister Mary Blackwell Alexander. A memorial service was held on what would have been his 86th birthday, May 3, 1995, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2 Columbus Avenue in Manhattan.