Russell Simmons Hosts Party For O'Brien Book Launch

Photo: Steve Fenn/CNN

Hip-hop entrepreneur and philanthropist Russell Simmons held a book launch party recently at his Manhattan penthouse for Soledad O'Brien.

Soledad's autobiographical, The Next Big Story, which she co-wrote with Rose Marie Arce was released earlier this month.

Guests included CBS news anchor Katie Couric, HLN host Jane Velez-Mitchell, actor Jamie Hector (The Wire), CNN reporters Alino Cho and Susan Candiotti, educator Dr. Steve Perry and Soledad's husband, Brad, her father, Edward, and several of her siblings.