Mark Whitaker

Mark Whitaker is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir, My Long Trip Home, and Smoketown. The former managing editor of CNN Worldwide, he was previously the Washington bureau chief for NBC News and a reporter and editor at Newsweek, where he rose to become the first African-American leader of a national newsweekly.

Lena Horne and Billy Strayhorn’s Musical Love Affair

EXCERPT

Singer Lena Horne and Duke Ellington’s alter ego Billy Strayhorn came from Smoketown, Pittsburgh’s vibrant African-American community. That was just the beginning of their bond.

Mark Whitaker | Published Feb 23, 2018

Why Comedians Think Cosby Is a Genius

Breaking Barriers

In an excerpt from ‘Cosby,’ biographer Mark Whitaker describes Cosby’s reaction to his friend Bob Culp’s death and his triumphant moment receiving the Mark Twain Prize.

Mark Whitaker | Published Oct 05, 2014