A legend in entertainment PR passed away today: Rogers and Cowan founder Warren Cowan. He was 87 years old.

From the Associated Press:

Cowan and his mentor, Henry C. Rogers, founded Rogers & Cowan in 1950 and saw it become one of the world's biggest entertainment public relations firms. Among its stable of celebrity clients were Danny Kaye, Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Shirley MacLaine, Roberto Benigni and Elton John.

In 1988, Rogers & Cowan was sold to the British conglomerate Shandwick PLC. Cowan set up his new company, Warren Cowan & Associates, six years later.

Cowan also repped stars including Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman and Frank Sinatra over the course of his career. Jesus Sanchez writes in the LA Times: You have Cowan to thank (or blame) for helping pioneer such popular publicity tools as celebrity sporting events, top 10 lists (the "most watchable man" or "most hypnotic eyes"), and product placement.

(Image at right: 1966 photo of Cowan (left) with partner Henry Rogers, courtesy AP)