About the Author

James McBride is an author, musician and screenwriter. His landmark memoir, The Color of Water, is considered an American classic and is read in schools and universities across the United States. His debut novel, Miracle at St. Anna, was made into a major motion picture directed by Spike Lee. It was released by Disney/Touchstone in September 2008. McBride also wrote the script for the film, now available on DVD. His newest novel, Song Yet Sung, was released in paperback in January 2009.

McBride is also a saxophonist who tours with his six piece jazz/R&B band. He served as a sideman with jazz legend Jimmy Scott, among others. He has written songs (music and lyrics) for Anita Baker, Grover Washington, Jr., Purafe, Gary Burton, and even for the PBS television character "Barney." (He did not write the "I Love You" song for Barney but wishes he did.)

He is a former staff writer for The Boston Globe, People Magazine, and The Washington Post. His work has appeared in Essence, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times. His April 2007 National Geographic story entitled "Hip Hop Planet" is considered a respected treatise on African American music and culture. He has been featured on national radio and television programs in America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

McBride is a native New Yorker and a graduate of New York City public schools. He studied composition at The Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio and received his Masters in Journalism from Columbia University in New York at age 22. He holds several honorary doctorates and is currently a Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University. He is married with three children.