About
A twentieth-century African-American writer and journalist, he is best known for his 1947 novel, Knock on Any Door, which was made into a film directed by Nicholas Ray and starring Humphrey Bogart. His other works include Let No Man Write My Epitaph and Let Noon Be Fair.
Before Fame
Using the pseudonym of "Bud Billikin," he wrote a children's column entitled "Bud Says" for the Chicago Defender.
Trivia
His most famous novel, Knock on Any Door, is often classified as a work of gritty naturalism.
Family Life
He grew up on the South Side of Chicago, and he died in Mexico City. He was the nephew of artist Archibald Motley.
Associated With
His novel, We Fished All Night, was made into a movie featuring music by Ella Fitzgerald.
