James McBride is an American author and musician, born September 11, 1957. He gained significant recognition for his 2013 National Book Award for Fiction for his novel "The Good Lord Bird." McBride's upbringing in Brooklyn's Red Hook projects, with an African-American father and a Jewish immigrant mother, deeply informs his writing. This background is particularly detailed in his bestselling memoir, "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" (1995), which chronicles his family's history and his complex relationship with his mother. He holds degrees in journalism from Oberlin College and Columbia University.

McBride's literary career spans novels, memoirs, and screenplays. His works often delve into the intersections of race, religion, and American history, drawing from his own multi-ethnic heritage. Beyond his celebrated novels, he has also contributed to music, performing as a saxophonist and composing for various artists and projects. He has received numerous accolades for his literary contributions, including the National Humanities Medal and the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction.

Born on September 11, 1957, James McBride's formative years were shaped by a unique family dynamic. His father, Andrew D. McBride, was an African-American reverend, while his mother, Ruchel Dwajra Zylska, was a Jewish immigrant from Poland. McBride was raised in the Red Hook housing projects in Brooklyn, being the youngest of twelve children. He has spoken about his Jewish heritage through his mother, noting "Technically I guess you could say I'm Jewish since my mother was Jewish...but she converted (to Christianity). So the question is for theologians to answer." His memoir, "The Color of Water," extensively explores these familial roots and his relationship with his mother, who converted to Christianity and became a devout follower. McBride pursued higher education, earning a journalism degree from Columbia University.

McBride's literary output is marked by its exploration of American identity, race, and faith. His 1995 memoir, "The Color of Water," achieved bestseller status and critical acclaim, detailing his experiences growing up in a large, predominantly African-American family led by his white, Jewish mother. His novels, such as "Miracle at St. Anna" (2002) and "Song Yet Sung" (2008), delve into historical narratives, including the experiences of African-American soldiers in World War II and the lives of enslaved people. His 2013 novel, "The Good Lord Bird," which fictionalizes the life of abolitionist John Brown, earned him the National Book Award for Fiction. McBride is also a musician, having played tenor saxophone with the Rock Bottom Remainders and toured with jazz singer Jimmy Scott. He has also composed music for various projects and artists.

A recurring theme in McBride's work is the complex interplay of race, religion, and cultural identity in America. His novels often weave together narratives that highlight the experiences of marginalized communities and explore the historical forces that have shaped them. This thematic focus has earned him significant recognition, including the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction for "The Good Lord Bird" and the 2015 National Humanities Medal, awarded by President Barack Obama "for humanizing the complexities of discussing race in America." His later works, such as "Deacon King Kong" (2020) and "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" (2023), have continued to receive critical acclaim and awards, further solidifying his position as a significant voice in contemporary American literature.

“Technically I guess you could say I'm Jewish since my mother was Jewish...but she converted (to Christianity). So the question is for theologians to answer.”