Larry L. King

Larry L. King (1929–2012) was an American playwright, journalist, and author best known in the theatre world as the co-librettist of the Tony Award-winning musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Born on January 1, 1929, in Putnam, Texas, King’s early life in the American Southwest would become a recurring influence in his writing. He began his career as a journalist and essayist, building a reputation for his vivid storytelling and irreverent, folksy voice that blended humor with sharp social observation.

King’s foray into theatre came after a successful literary and journalistic career, including a stint as a congressional aide and contributions to publications such as Harper’s, Esquire, and The Texas Observer. In 1974, he published an article titled “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” in Playboy magazine, which chronicled the real-life story of the Chicken Ranch, a famed Texas brothel. The article’s popularity led to its adaptation into a musical, with King co-writing the libretto alongside Peter Masterson. The resulting show premiered on Broadway in 1978 and became a massive hit, running for over 1,500 performances.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, with music and lyrics by Carol Hall, was praised for its lively score, satirical edge, and colorful depiction of small-town Southern life. King’s contribution to the book provided much of the show’s humor, humanity, and local flavor. The musical was later adapted into a 1982 film starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton, further cementing its place in American pop culture. The show remains one of the most performed American musicals in regional and community theaters.

Beyond the musical, King continued to write plays, essays, and memoirs, often drawing on his Texan roots and political experiences. His works include Confessions of a White Racist, a National Book Award finalist, and None But a Blockhead, a memoir about the writing life. His writing style was marked by wit, candor, and a deep love of storytelling, whether he was discussing politics, race, or human eccentricity.

Larry L. King passed away on December 20, 2012, at the age of 83. Remembered for his sharp pen, colorful characters, and cultural contributions, King left behind a legacy that bridges journalism and the performing arts. Through The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and his other works, he brought a distinctly American voice to the stage—irreverent, insightful, and unmistakably Texan.