James Randolph Adams

Here is a short biographical entry on James Randolph Adams:

James Randolph Adams — Biography

James Randolph Adams (June 19, 1898 – November 6, 1956) was an American advertising executive and writer.

Early Life & Education

He was born on a small farm in southern Indiana. After teaching for two years at the University of Indiana, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following his service, he joined the South Bend Tribune on the editorial side, then worked for the Studebaker company’s magazine. He later took a one-year journalism course at Notre Dame University.

Advertising Career & Writings

In 1925, Adams began working in advertising copywriting in Chicago, writing for Ford, Lincoln, and Firestone. He joined Campbell-Ewald, then in 1934 founded his own advertising agency in partnership with Theodore F. McManus.

Adams became a recognized authority in automobile advertising. One of his best-known works is More Power to Advertising (1937). Another posthumous title is Sparks Off My Anvil: From Thirty Years in Advertising (published 1958).

From 1946 until his death in 1956, he served as president and chairman of his own advertising firm. He had a long-standing relationship with Cadillac, overseeing many of their advertising campaigns.

Personal & Legacy

Adams died on November 6, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 58. He was interred at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Michigan.

One of his noted quotes is:

“The most common trouble with advertising is that it tries too hard to impress people.”

Though not as widely known today, Adams remains remembered within advertising circles for bridging writing and marketing and for publishing insights on the psychology of advertising.