Eric Jerome Dickey (1961–2021), bestselling author

Eric Jerome Dickey was a bestselling author whose work depicted modern black life.

• Died:Sunday, January 3, 2021. (Who else died on January 3?)
• Details of death:Died at the age of 59 after a long illness.
• We invite you to share condolencesfor Eric Jerome Dickey in ourGuest Book.

Bestselling author

Eric Jerome Dickey was a stand-up comic before becoming a popular author. His books sold more than seven million copies, and many of them ended up on best-selling book lists including USA Today and the Wall Street Journal. He wrote in the crime thriller genre and his books were praised for their depiction of contemporary black life. His bestsellers include "Friends and Lovers" and "Milk in My Coffee." His 1996 debut novel, "Sister, Sister," was named by Essence magazine as one of the 50 Most Impactful Black Books of the Last 50 Years. His last book, titled "The Son of Mr. Suleman," will be released in April.

Getting his start as a writer

"I landed in a writing class. I actually went to the class with a friend, who talked me into taking a class with her because she didn't want to be the only African American in the class. And I went reluctantly, and I stayed and she dropped out. I took a lot of classes, I mean, and I would sometimes take class once a week" - NPR's News and Notes in 2006

Tributes to Eric Jerome Dickey

Full Obituary: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

View More Legacy Videos