James McBride, born in New York City on September 11, 1957, is a widely recognized American writer and musician. His profound contributions to literature and music have not only earned him critical acclaim but also a cherished place in the cultural narrative of the United States.

McBride's novel The Good Lord Bird, received the prestigious National Book Award in 2013. His literary prowess further shines through works that have been adapted into films by Spike Lee, including Miracle at St. Anna and Red Hook Summer. Beyond his achievements in literature, McBride was honored with the National Humanities Medal in 2015 by President Barack Obama for "humanizing the complexity of the racial debate in America".

Before finding his calling as an author, McBride carved a niche for himself in journalism and music. A native New Yorker and a graduate of New York City public schools, he pursued composition at The Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio and later acquired his Masters in Journalism from Columbia University at the age of 22. He has served as a staff writer for The Washington Post, People Magazine, and The Boston Globe, and his work has appeared in various reputable publications including Essence, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times.

Currently, he is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University and lives between Pennsylvania and New York, balancing his prolific writing career with his roles as a husband and father to three children.