The son of a Texas farmer and blacksmith, Larry L. King served in World War II before studying at Texas Tech University. After an early career in West Texas journalism, he moved to Washington in 1952 where he worked as a congressional aide. In 1962 he left Congress to devote himself to writing and is considered part of the “New Journalism”with Hunter S. Thompson, Joan Didion, and Tom Wolfe . His work was published in numerous magazines including Harpers, Life and Texas Monthly.
The author of seven plays and 14 books, including memoirs, a novel and collections of articles and letters, King is best known for the musical adapted from a story he wrote for Playboy magazine. Co-written with Carol Hall, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas opened on Broadway in 1978, ran for over 1,500 performances and was nominated for a Tony Award. It was adapted into a 1982 film starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds. Of the work, King commented, “It’s not Shakespeare, but hell, it’s fun.”
His other works include a novel The One-Eyed Man (1966) Wheeling and Dealing: Confessions of a Capitol Hill Operator (1976), None But a Blockhead (1986) Larry L. King: A Writer’s Life in Letters, Or, Reflections in a Bloodshot Eye (1999) and In Search of Willie Morris (2006), a book of essays, Of Outlaws, Con Men, Whores, Politicians & Other Artists (1980) and a musical sequel The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public (1994).
A recipient of an O. Henry Award in 2001, his memoir, Confessions of a White Racist (1971) was a finalist for a National Book Award. He won an Emmy award as writer and narrator of the CBS documentary, The Best Little Statehouse in Texas (1982). His play The Night Hank Williams Died (1988) received the Helen Hayes Award. In 2006 a theatre in the Austin was renamed the Larry L. King playhouse.
The Homes
3025 Woodland Dr NW, Washington, DC
Larry L. King
3025 Woodland Dr NW, Washington DC
Located in Woodley Park neighborhood, Northwest- West of Rock Creek