Rick Bragg Biography
Rick Bragg is an American journalist and writer who was born and brought up in Piedmont, Alabama, United States of America. He is widely known for his non-fiction books, especially those about his family in Alabama. He won a Pulitzer Prize in 1996 for his feature writing at The New York Times.
Bragg’s best-known books include All Over but the Shoutin’ (1993), a memoir about his family and upbringing in Alabama; Ava’s Man (1994), a biography of a homeless man; and The Prince of Frogtown (1999), a portrait of a community in Alabama.
In addition to his writing, Bragg is also a successful journalist. He has worked for several newspapers, including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and The St. Petersburg Times. He has also been a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University.
Bragg currently lives in Alabama, where he teaches writing at the University of Alabama and writes a monthly column for Southern Living magazine. He is a highly respected figure in American journalism and literature, and his work continues to inspire and entertain readers around the world.
10 Quick Facts About Rick Bragg
Rick Bragg Age
Bragg is 64 years old. He was born on July 26, 1959, in Piedmont, Alabama, United States. He celebrates his birthday 26 July every year and his zodiac sign is Leo.
Rick Bragg Height
Bragg stands at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m).
Early Life and Education
Rick Bragg was born on July 26, 1959, in Piedmont, Alabama. He grew up in the small town of Possum Trot, near Jacksonville. His family was poor, and his mother supported them by picking cotton, taking in laundry, and cleaning houses. Bragg’s father was an alcoholic and was rarely home.
Bragg developed a love of storytelling at a young age. He would listen to his mother and other relatives tell stories about their lives and the history of the South. These stories shaped Bragg’s worldview and would later influence his writing.
Bragg attended Jacksonville High School, where he was a good student and a member of the newspaper staff. After graduating in 1977, he attended Jacksonville State University for six months before dropping out to take a job as a reporter for the Anniston Star.
Bragg worked for several Alabama newspapers before moving to Florida in 1989 to work for the St. Petersburg Times. In 1992, he was awarded a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University, where he spent a year studying journalism.
Rise to Fame
Rick Bragg rose to fame in 1993 with the publication of his memoir, All Over but the Shoutin’. The book was a critical and commercial success, winning the Heartland Prize for Nonfiction and the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. It was also adapted into a made-for-television movie in 1998.
All Over but the Shoutin’ tells the story of Bragg’s family and upbringing in Alabama. It is a moving and honest account of poverty, racism, and the resilience of the human spirit. The book was praised for its lyrical prose, its empathy for its characters, and its insights into the American South.
Bragg’s fame grew with the publication of his subsequent books, including Ava’s Man (1994), The Prince of Frogtown (1999), and Where I Come From (2020). These books have all been praised for their literary merit and their ability to capture the essence of the American South.
Rick Bragg Family, Parents
Bragg was born to his parents Margaret Marie Bundrum Bragg and Charles Bragg in Alabama. He spent his childhood with his two sibling brothers named Sam Bragg and Mark Bragg.
Rick Bragg Mother
Rick’s mother is known as Margaret Marie Bundrum Bragg. Rick was raised primarily by his mother, as his father was an alcoholic and was almost never home.
Rick Bragg Wife
Bragg is currently married to his wife Diane Wells. The couple got married in May 2005 and have been together ever since. The two have no children together but Bragg is the stepfather to Diane’s son, from her previous marriage.
Bragg’s relationship with Wells’s young son provides the counterpoint to chapters on Bragg’s father in The Prince of Frogtown. He was previously married to his first wife Lisa Creel in the early 1980s.
Rick Bragg Net Worth
Bragg has an estimated net worth of $1.4 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money and income. His primary source of income is his career as a journalist and writer. Through his various sources of income, Rick has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Rick Bragg Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Rick.
Rick Bragg Wiki

- Full Names: Ricky Edward Bragg
- Popular As: Rick Bragg
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Journalist and Writer
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Rick Bragg Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 64 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Date of Birth: July 26, 1959
- Place of Birth: Piedmont, Alabama, USA
- Birthday: July 26
Rick Bragg Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Brown
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Rick Bragg Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Charles Bragg
- Mother: Margaret Marie Bundrum Bragg
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Sam Bragg, Mark Bragg
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife/Spouse: Married to Dianne Wells
- Dating / Girlfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Sons (None) Daughter(s) (None)
Rick Bragg Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $1.4 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Journalist and Writer
Rick Bragg Career
In 1994, Rick joined the New York Times. He had previously worked at several newspapers. Bragg covered murders and unrest in Haiti as a metro reporter. He also wrote about the Oklahoma City bombing, the Jonesboro, Arkansas, killings, and the Susan Smith trial as a national correspondent based in Atlanta.
Rick later became the paper’s Miami bureau chief prior to Elián González’s arrival and the international controversy surrounding the Cuban boy. Bragg won the Pulitzer Prize for his work.
Rick has also written eight books: All Over But the Shoutin, Ava’s Man, Prince of Frogtown, I Am a Soldier Too: Jessica Lynch Story. Jessica Lynch Story was an authorized biography of American.
Rick has also written POW Jessica Lynch, Most They Ever Had, Jerry Lee Lewis. His Own Story, a biography of the rock and roll legend, My Southern Journey, and Best Cook in the World: Tales From My Momma’s Table”.
Bragg’s book All Over But the Shouting tells the story of his childhood in Alabama, his rise to becoming a journalist, his personal struggles, and the stories of the people he cares about. The book pays special attention to his struggles with his abusive alcoholic father and the story of his mother who raised Bragg and his two brothers on her own.
Rick Bragg Books
Here is a list of Rick Bragg’s books in order, by publication date:
- All Over but the Shoutin’ (1997)
- Ava’s Man (2001)
- The Prince of Frogtown (2008)
- The Most They Ever Had (2009)
- My Wars (2011)
- The Best Cook in the World (2018)
- Where I Come From (2020)
- The Speckled Beauty: A Dog and His People (2021)
Bragg has also written several collections of essays, including:
- Somebody Told Me (2014)
- My Southern Journey (2015)
- Stories from the Blue Moon Cafe (2018)
- Redbirds: Memories from the South (2019)
Rick Bragg Cancer, Health
Does Rick Bragg have cancer?
Yes, Rick Bragg was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2015. He went into remission, but his cancer recurred in 2020. He has been in treatment since then, and he has been open about his experience with cancer in his writing and interviews.
Bragg has said that his cancer has given him a new perspective on life and has made him more grateful for the time he has. He has also said that he is determined to use his platform to raise awareness about cancer and to support other cancer patients and their families.
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Rick Bragg is known for his writing about the American South, but he has also traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world. Some of his notable travel experiences include:
- Oklahoma City bombing (1995): Bragg was one of the first reporters on the scene of the Oklahoma City bombing, which killed 168 people and injured over 600 others. He covered the bombing extensively for the New York Times, and his reporting helped to win him the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing in 1996.
- U.S. intervention in Haiti (1994): Bragg was embedded with U.S. troops during the U.S. intervention in Haiti, which was aimed at restoring the democratically elected government of Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Bragg wrote about his experiences in Haiti in a series of articles for the New York Times, which were later collected in his book Ava’s Man.
- Hurricane Katrina (2005): Bragg covered Hurricane Katrina for the New York Times, and he wrote extensively about the devastation caused by the storm in his book Where I Come From.
- Afghanistan (2009): Bragg traveled to Afghanistan in 2009 to report on the war there. He wrote about his experiences in a series of articles for the New York Times, which were later collected in his book My Wars.
- Iraq (2011): Bragg traveled to Iraq in 2011 to report on the U.S. withdrawal from the war. He wrote about his experiences in a series of articles for the New York Times, which were later collected in his book The Best Cook in the World.
Future Aspirations and Goals
Rick Bragg has not publicly shared his future aspirations and goals. However, based on his past work and interviews, it is likely that he will continue to write about the American South, the people who live there, and the challenges they face. He has also expressed an interest in writing more about travel and food.
In an interview with The New York Times, Bragg said that he is interested in writing about “the people who are often overlooked or ignored.” He said that he wants to “give voice to their stories and to show the world that they matter.”
Bragg is also a passionate advocate for education and literacy. He has said that he believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and to reach their full potential. He has worked with several organizations to promote literacy and education in the American South.
It is likely that Bragg will continue to use his writing to give voice to the voiceless and to advocate for the things he cares about in the future. He is a talented and respected writer, and his work continues to make a significant impact on American culture.
Here are some specific future aspirations and goals that Rick Bragg might have:
- Write a book about the history of the American South, focusing on the stories of ordinary people.
- Write a book about his travels around the world, and the people he has met along the way.
- Write a book of essays about food, and its role in Southern culture.
- Start a foundation to promote literacy and education in the American South.
- Teach writing at a university.
- Continue to write columns and articles for magazines and newspapers.
- Give talks and presentations about his work.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
Rick Bragg is a strong supporter of education and literacy in the American South. He has worked with several organizations to promote literacy and education in the region, including:
- The Southern Literacy Fund: Bragg is a member of the board of directors of the Southern Literacy Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides literacy programs and resources to adults and children in the South.
- The Alabama Reading Initiative: Bragg is a spokesperson for the Alabama Reading Initiative, a statewide effort to improve reading proficiency in Alabama schools.
- The National Writing Project: Bragg is a supporter of the National Writing Project, a nonprofit organization that provides professional development and support to teachers of writing.
In addition to his work with these organizations, Bragg also donates a portion of his book sales to support literacy and education programs in the South.
Bragg is also involved in other philanthropic and charitable causes. He is a supporter of the following organizations:
- The Southern Poverty Law Center: The Southern Poverty Law Center is a nonprofit organization that fights hate crimes and discrimination in the South.
- The Equal Justice Initiative: The Equal Justice Initiative is a nonprofit organization that provides legal representation to indigent defendants and prisoners who have been denied fair and just treatment in the legal system.
- The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Alabama: The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Alabama is a nonprofit organization that provides food to people in need in central and northeast Alabama.
Rick Bragg Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
Rick Bragg has won numerous awards and accolades for his work as a journalist and writer. His awards and accomplishments include:
- Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing (1996)
- American Society of Newspaper Editors Distinguished Writing Award (1994, 1996)
- Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University (1992)
- Heartland Prize for Nonfiction (1993)
- PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award (1993)
- New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the Year Award (1993)
- American Booksellers Association Book of the Year Award (2002)
- Southern Book Critics Circle Award (2002)
- Harper Lee Award for Alabama’s Distinguished Writer of the Year (2009)
- Alabama Library Association Author Award (2013)
- American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature (2020)
In addition to these awards, Bragg has also received honorary degrees from several universities, including Auburn University, Jacksonville State University, and the University of Alabama.
Bragg’s awards and accomplishments are a testament to his talent as a writer and his commitment to telling important stories. His work has had a significant impact on American journalism and literature, and he continues to be one of the most respected writers in the country.
Legacy
Rick Bragg is a celebrated American journalist and writer whose legacy will be remembered for his honest, compassionate, and lyrical storytelling. His work has given voice to the voiceless and shed light on the challenges and triumphs of ordinary people, particularly those from the American South.
Bragg’s books, such as All Over but the Shoutin’, Ava’s Man, and The Prince of Frogtown, are classics of American literature. They are celebrated for their authenticity, their insights into the human condition, and their ability to capture the essence of place.
Bragg’s work has also had a significant impact on American journalism. He is known for his ability to tell complex stories in a way that is both accessible and engaging. His reporting has helped to raise awareness of important issues such as poverty, racism, and the effects of war.
Bragg is also a passionate advocate for social justice. He has used his writing to challenge injustice and to promote equality and opportunity for all. He is a role model for other writers and public figures who want to use their platforms to make a difference in the world.
Hobbies and Interests
Rick Bragg is a private person and does not share much about his hobbies and interests in public. However, based on his interviews and writings, we can infer that he enjoys:
- Reading: Bragg is a voracious reader and has said that he reads “everything I can get my hands on.” He is particularly interested in American literature, history, and Southern culture.
- Writing: Bragg is passionate about writing and has said that it is his “life’s work.” He enjoys writing about a variety of topics, including the American South, people who are often overlooked or ignored, and his own personal experiences.
- Travel: Bragg has traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world. He enjoys meeting new people and learning about different cultures.
- Food: Bragg is a foodie and enjoys cooking and eating out. He is particularly interested in Southern cuisine.
- Music: Bragg enjoys listening to music, especially Southern rock and country music.
- Spending time with family and friends: Bragg is a family man and enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He also enjoys spending time with his friends and colleagues.
Personal Beliefs
Rick Bragg has not publicly shared his personal beliefs in detail. However, based on his interviews and writings, we can infer that he believes in the following:
- The power of storytelling: Bragg believes that storytelling is a powerful way to connect with people and to share important messages. He has said that he writes “to give voice to the voiceless” and “to show the world that they matter.”
- The importance of education and literacy: Bragg believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and to reach their full potential. He has said that education and literacy are essential for creating a more just and equitable society.
- The value of compassion and empathy: Bragg’s writing is often characterized by its compassion and empathy for the people he writes about. He believes that it is important to see the world through the eyes of others and to understand their experiences.
- The importance of social justice: Bragg is a strong advocate for social justice. He believes in fighting for the rights of all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or social class.
Bragg’s personal beliefs are reflected in his writing and in his work as a journalist and advocate. He is a talented writer who uses his platform to give voice to the voiceless and to fight for social justice.
Here are some specific examples of Rick Bragg’s personal beliefs:
- In an interview with The New York Times, Bragg said that he believes that “everyone has a story to tell.” He said that he is interested in writing about “the people who are often overlooked or ignored.”
- In his book Where I Come From, Bragg writes about the importance of education and literacy in his life. He says that his education “gave me the tools to escape the poverty and racism that I grew up in.”
- In his book My Wars, Bragg writes about the importance of compassion and empathy for soldiers and veterans. He says that it is important to understand the experiences of those who have served in war.
- In his book The Best Cook in the World, Bragg writes about the importance of food and community in Southern culture. He says that food is “a way to connect with each other and to celebrate our culture.”
Quotes
“Every life deserves a certain amount of dignity, no matter how poor or damaged the shell that carries it.”
“The South is a place where the past is always present, where the dead are never really gone, and where the future is always uncertain.”
“Social justice is the fight for the rights of all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or social class.”
“Food is a way to connect with each other and to celebrate our culture.”
“I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and that every story is worth telling.”
“I write to give voice to the voiceless and to show the world that they matter.”
“Compassion is the ability to see the world through the eyes of others and to understand their experiences.”
“Education and literacy are essential for creating a more just and equitable society.”
Final Thoughts
Rick Bragg is a celebrated American journalist and writer whose work has had a significant impact on American culture. He is known for his honest, compassionate, and lyrical storytelling, which has given voice to the voiceless and shed light on the challenges and triumphs of ordinary people, particularly those from the American South.
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