Russell Simmons

by Cookie Lommel

A series of biographies features an eclectic group of celebrated, often controversial figures of hip-hop music, exploring how they got their start in the music business, who and what inspired them, and how they've persevered through struggles and triumphs.

112 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2007

About the author

As a journalist, Lommel has served as entertainment editor for Teen Magazine; music editor for Cash Box Magazine; associate editor for Radio & Records Magazine; and editor at large for Black Elegance Magazine. She has interviewed hundreds of film, television, and music personalities as an on-camera reporter for CNN.

Lommel has also written seven biographies for young adults, exploring the lives and contributions of Madame C. J. Walker, Robert Church, Johnnie L. Cochran, James Oglethorpe, Mary Church Terrell, Beck and Arthur Miller. Additionally, she has written The History of Rap Music, African American Actors, and Black Filmmakers.

Lommel's community outreach efforts have earned her a number of awards: including a Community Service Award from The National Conference; a Certificate of Recognition from the County of Los Angeles; a Certificate of Commendation from the City of Los Angeles, a Mayor's Commendation from the City of Santa Monica; and an Official Honor from the State of Israel.