Here’s a report from David Taffet:
Author E. Lynn Harris, 54, died of heart disease, according to a coroner’s report released today. High blood pressure and hardening of the arteries were additional complicating factors.
Harris died on July 23 in Los Angeles. The Atlanta-based gay writer was on tour promoting his latest book, “Basketball Jones.”
Of his 11 books, 10 have been New York Times Best Sellers. He had 4 million copies of his novels in print.
Harris was born in Flint, Mich., and raised in Little Rock. He lived in Dallas for several years, working as a computer salesman. He left his sales job to write his first book, “Invisible Life,” in 1991, which he self-published.
Much of his work dealt with gay black men living on “the down low.” His last book was about the relationship between the narrator of the story and a closeted NBA basketball player.
He is survived by three sisters, including Zettoria McDaniel of Irving.
2 Comments
My prayers go out to his family. I am a huge fan of E Lynn Harris and there isn’t a book out there by him, that I haven’t read. He will definitely be missed. RIP ELH
This man told the story of not just “black gay life”, but he told the story of how we, as men and women of color conduct our selves, let alone live in New York. I’ve met and worked with many people in the media and print industry, but never in my life have I ever wanted to meet such a young man of his caliber. I hope to see you when our Father God calls me home one day….