The Death of Coalhouse Walker, Jr. (from Ragtime)--Remembering E.L. Doctorow

Sam Jackson...Howard Rollins...Frankie FaisonOne of E.L. Doctorow's literary contributions was the novel Ragtime (1975) which was adapted into a Tony Award winning musical and film, that was nominated for eight Academy Awards.  The late actor Howard E. Rollins, Jr. was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the pianist Coalhouse Walker, Jr.  Walker is transformed in the novel and film after the death of his wife Sarah (portrayed by Debbie Allen) at the hands of law enforcement.