James McBride is an accomplished American author, well-known for his historical fiction and non-fiction books. Born in Brooklyn, New York, McBride grew up in a large family with a unique background; his father was African-American, and his mother was a white Jewish woman. This upbringing significantly influenced his writing, particularly in his memoir, "The Color of Water," which provides a profound account of his experiences growing up in a poor family in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York. The book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for two years and is now a staple in high school and university curriculums across the United States.
McBride's academic journey began in New York City's public schools, followed by music studies at Ohio's Oberlin Conservatory of Music. He furthered his education with a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University, New York. Currently, McBride is a distinguished writer in residence at New York University, where he holds several honorary doctorates. He lives with his wife and three children between his homes in New York and Pennsylvania.
In addition to his writing career, McBride is an accomplished musician. He has written songs for notable artists such as Anita Baker, Grover Washington Jr., and Gary Burton. His musical talents also led him to serve as a tenor saxophone sideman for the legendary jazz musician Little Jimmy Scott. McBride has received numerous awards for his work in musical theater, including the Stephen Sondheim Award and the Richard Rodgers Foundation Horizon Award. He has also embarked on a nationwide tour of high schools and colleges, promoting reading through jazz, which was documented in a 2003 Comcast documentary. McBride's work has been featured on various national and international radio and television programs in America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.