Legendary DDB Copywriter Bob Levenson passed away last week. He was one of Advertising's greats. A Copywriting Hall of Fame inductee and, above all else, a truly brilliant writer. Few people can put together a collection of ads more impressive than his
His accomplishment I am most thankful for is the creation of Bill Bernbach's book. It remains the most important and awe inspiring advertising book I have read. There is the strong possibility that the secret of how to revolutionize advertising again can be found in those pages. Still working on finding that out.
Bob's copywriting work is nothing to scoff at either. His copy has a cadence all its own and remains fresh to this day. It can be as enjoyable to read as some short stories. Seriously, check out "Do This Or Die" if you don't believe me.
Although he hasn't been involved in the industry in many years, advertising lost someone special when it lost Bob Levenson. Who knows if the "creative revolution" would have been as revolutionary without him.
The bright spot in this situation (if there can ever be a bright spot in death) is the sheer number of people I've seen about Bob's direct impact on their advertising career. It is impossible to see his work and not strive to better your own.
I sincerely hope his spirit lives on in great work produced for many years to come.