James McBride is an esteemed American author and musician whose notable artistic expression has significantly impacted the realms of literature and music. Born in 1957, McBride spent his formative years in New York that led to his fascination with African-American culture and its history. His distinctive voice and exemplary command over language have awarded him numerous accolades, including the esteemed National Humanities Medal and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award.
McBride’s acclaimed literary work includes six books, with his memoir "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" being a noteworthy masterpiece. The book remained on The New York Times' bestseller list for over two years, garnering him worldwide recognition. Moreover, his 2013 historical fiction, "The Good Lord Bird," earned him the National Book Award for fiction, further cementing his prominence in the literary field.
Besides his extraordinary writing skills, McBride is also an accomplished saxophonist and composer. He has written scores for movies and worked alongside renowned artists, merging the eloquence of his storytelling with his passion for music. Be it through his innovative and thought-provoking written works or his melodic symphonies, James McBride continues to challenge and inspire audiences worldwide.