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David Ritz

Biography

David Ritz

David Ritz is the only four-time winner of the Gleason Music Book Award. He has collaborated with Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Smokey Robinson and Don Rickles. He also cowrote, with Gaye, the song “Sexual Healing.”

David Ritz

Books by David Ritz

by Willie Nelson with David Ritz - Autobiography, Nonfiction

Having recently turned 80, Willie Nelson is ready to shine a light on all aspects of his life, including his drive to write music, the women in his life, his collaborations, and his biggest lows and highs --- from his bankruptcy to the founding of Farm Aid. Nelson and his music have found their way into the hearts and minds of fans the world over, winning 10 Grammys and receiving the Kennedy Center Honors. Now it's time to hear the last word about his life --- from the man himself.

by Tavis Smiley with David Ritz - Memoir, Nonfiction

For nearly 30 years, Maya Angelou and Tavis Smiley shared an unlikely, special bond. Angelou was a teacher and a maternal figure to Smiley, and they talked often of art, politics, history, race, religion, music, love, purpose and --- more than anything --- courage. In MY JOURNEY WITH MAYA, Smiley recalls a joyful friendship filled to the brim with sparkling conversation. In Angelou's gardens surrounded by her caged birds, before lectures, sharing meals, and on breaks from it all, they sought each other out for comfort, advice and, above all else, friendship.

by Tavis Smiley with David Ritz - History, Nonfiction

Martin Luther King, Jr. died in one of the most shocking assassinations the world has known, but little is remembered about the life he led in his final year. New York Times bestselling author and award-winning broadcaster Tavis Smiley recounts the final 365 days of King's life, revealing the minister's trials and tribulations, all of which he had to rise above in order to lead and address the racism, poverty and militarism that threatened to destroy our democracy.

by David Ritz - Biography, Entertainment, Music, Nonfiction

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, has evolved ever since her hit single "Respect," amidst personal tragedy, surprise Grammy performances and career reinventions. Again and again, Aretha stubbornly finds a way to triumph over troubles, even as they continue to build. Her hold on the crown is tenacious, and in RESPECT, David Ritz gives us the definitive life of one of the greatest talents in all American culture.

by Nik Wallenda with David Ritz - Christian, Nonfiction

Balance is the theme of Nik Wallenda's life: between his work and family, his faith in God and artistry, his body and soul. It resonates from him when performing his high-wire acts and when no one is looking. Nik is an entertainer who wants not only to thrill hearts, but to change hearts for Christ. Christ is the balance pole that keeps him from falling.

Ralph Branca with David Ritz - History, Sports

Ralph Branca is best known for throwing the pitch that resulted in Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard ’Round the World.” A MOMENT IN TIME details the remarkable story of a man who could have been destroyed by a supreme professional embarrassment --- but wasn’t.