Ishmael Reed and Alison Lebovitz(WTCI PBS)

For six decades, Ishmael Reed - born here in Chattanooga - has made an indelible mark on the literary world with more than 30 books of prose, poetry, plays and essays.

He’s also a prolific songwriter, editor and publisher who has championed other writers through founding and co-founding several journals - both print and online.

Challenging the status quo through parody and satire has earned him a reputation as a literary troublemaker - and a Pulitzer Prize finalist and a National Book Award nominee.

A few months ago, the City of Chattanooga invited Ishmael Reed back to the city of his birth.

Along the way, he sat down for a conversation on “The A List with Alison Lebovitz” - which you can see this Thursday at 8:30 PM on our public media partner WTCI PBS.