2016 – Robert J. Randisi

Robert J. Randisi is the recipient of the 2016 Killer Nashville John Seigenthaler Legends Award. An exceptionally prolific author—he has written over 650 novels in the western, mystery, sci-fi, horror, and spy genres, under different pseudonyms—Randisi’s dedication to the craft is rivaled only by his passion for advocating, encouraging, and featuring other genre writers.

He has edited over 30 short-story anthologies, collections in which numerous authors found their first breaks. His willingness to share professional insights led him to serve as co-founder and editor of Mystery Scene magazine, a publication that has influenced and guided aspiring writers since 1985. His desire to highlight new talent birthed another of his brainchildren, the now-coveted Shamus Award. And in founding The Private Eye Writers of America, and co-founding the American Crime Writers League, he not only raised the bar for multiple genres, but also demonstrated the legitimacy of crime writers by showing that they were not sensationalists, but real writers addressing real problems.

Sometimes referred to as “last of the pulp greats”, which we view as a high compliment, Robert Randisi is a living legend, and a quintessentially American author: a true writer, not a brand or a celebrity. He shares the vision of Killer Nashville, and has exemplified it consistently throughout his life. We are truly thankful to have him joining us this year.