Career
He wrote his most famous book, Howard Street (1968), while serving time in the Trenton State Penitentiary for armed robbery. Heard grew up in New Jersey, spending much of his life there. He also taught creative writing at Rutgers University.
His other books include A Cold Fire Burning, House of Slammers, To Reach a Dream and When Shadows Fall.
His movie credits include Gordon"s War (1973). He died of complications from Parkinson"s disease.