Larry L. King: The Mastermind Behind The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
A Life of Words and Wit
Larry L. King, an American playwright, journalist, and novelist, left an indelible mark on the world of literature and entertainment. He is best known for his 1978 Tony Award-nominated play,
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, which became a long-running production on Broadway and was later adapted into a feature film starring
Burt Reynolds,
Charles Durning, and Dolly Parton.
Early Life and Inspiration
Born on January 1, 1929, in Putnam, Texas, King was the son of Clyde Clayton King, a farmer and blacksmith, and Cora Lee King (née Clark). His mother introduced him to the writings of
Mark Twain, which sparked his passion for storytelling. King dropped out of high school to join the Army, and after his military service, he spent a year as a journalism major at Texas Tech.
A Career in Words
King's writing career began as a sports and crime reporter for small newspapers in Texas and New Mexico. In 1954, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked as an aide to Texas Congressman J. T. Rutherford and later to James C. Wright Jr. However, in 1964, King left his Congressional job to focus on his writing, producing many magazine articles and fourteen books of both fiction and non-fiction.
New Journalism and Notoriety
King became one of the leading figures in the New Journalism movement, known for his in-depth and immersive reporting style. His articles, covering a wide range of subjects including politics, sports, and music, were published in
Harper's magazine, where his friend
Willie Morris was editor-in-chief. His 1972 book,
Confessions of a White Racist, was nominated for a National Book Award and earned him praise from fellow writers, including
Maya Angelou.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Beyond
In 1974, King wrote an article about the Chicken Ranch brothel in La Grange, Texas. The article, published in
Playboy, caught the attention of
Peter Masterson, and together they developed it into the book of the Broadway musical. The play's success led to an Emmy Award in 1982 for the CBS documentary
The Best Little Statehouse in Texas.
Later Works and Legacy
In 1988, Austin's Live Oak Theatre presented King's new drama,
The Night Hank Williams Died. The play went on to be produced Off-Broadway and around the nation. King's work continues to inspire and entertain audiences, leaving behind a legacy of wit, curiosity, and a passion for storytelling.
Personal Milestones and Key Life Events
- January 1, 1929: Born in Putnam, Texas
- 1940s: Served in the Army
- 1954: Moved to Washington, D.C.
- 1964: Quit Congressional job to focus on writing
- 1972: Published Confessions of a White Racist
- 1974: Wrote article about the Chicken Ranch brothel
- 1978: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas opened on Broadway
- 1982: Won Emmy Award for The Best Little Statehouse in Texas
- 1988: The Night Hank Williams Died premiered in Austin
- December 20, 2012: Passed away at the age of 83
Quotes and Memorable Sayings
"I think the most important thing in writing is to have written." - Larry L. King
FAQ
What is Larry L. Kings most famous work?
Larry L. Kings most famous work is the play The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, which was adapted into a successful film and Broadway musical.
What inspired Larry L. King to write about the Chicken Ranch?
Larry L. King was inspired to write about the Chicken Ranch, a famous brothel in Texas, after reading a magazine article about its closure. He was fascinated by the story and saw potential for a play.
What other notable works has Larry L. King written?
Larry L. King has written several other notable works, including the novels The One-Eyed Man and Confessions of a White Bread Radical, which explore themes of social justice and identity.
What awards has Larry L. King won for his writing?
Larry L. King has won several awards for his writing, including the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
What was Larry L. Kings career path before becoming a writer?
Before becoming a writer, Larry L. King worked as a journalist and editor for several newspapers and magazines. He drew upon these experiences to inform his writing and develop his unique voice.
