Join us for the 20th Anniversary of the Literary Award Gala. We are thrilled to honor James McBride, a fixture in American literature known for his profound storytelling that captures the shared American experience. Recently named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024, McBride’s extensive body of work, including the National Book Award-winning novel The Good Lord Bird his most recent New York Times bestseller, The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, and the critically acclaimed memoir The Color of Water, make him an ideal recipient of this award. His writing, which spans fiction and non-fiction, has left an indelible mark on American literature, and continues to resonate with readers around the world. McBride is not only a masterful writer but also an incredibly talented musician. We are excited to announce that he will be infusing this year’s literary celebration with his music, adding a unique and dynamic element to the event.
Hosted once again at the Main Library, the evening will commence with a cocktail reception in the lobby, followed by dinner, remarks, and entertainment from Mr. McBride in the Grand Reading Room. NPLF, along with Literary Award Weekend co-chairs Margaret Riley King and Casey King, Joelle and Brant Phillips, and Marie and Charles Sueing, invite you to join us in celebrating James McBride and his exceptional contributions to literature and music.
Established in 2004, the Nashville Public Library Literary Award recognizes distinguished authors for their illustrious contributions to the world of books, literacy, and reading. Each year, we bring an outstanding individual to Nashville for a weekend-long celebration honoring their achievements while simultaneously raising critical funding in support of NPL’s essential education and literacy programs and resources.
The Nashville Public Library Literary Award Weekend draws more than 1,000 cultural, political, community, and business leaders from across Nashville and beyond.
Experience more, including access to an exclusive meet-and-greet with Mr. McBride, by becoming a Sponsor or Patron. Click here for levels and benefits.
About the Author
James McBride is an author, musician and screenwriter. His memoir, The Color of Water (Riverhead), is an American literary classic. He has written screenplays and teleplays for film icon Spike Lee (Miracle At St. Anna, Red Hook Summer) and television pioneer David Simon (Parting The Waters). James is a former staff writer for The Wilmington (Del.) News Journal, the Boston Globe, People Magazine, and the Washington Post (Style Section). His work has appeared in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Essence, and National Geographic. In 2015, James was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters and in 2016, James was awarded that National Humanities Award by President Barack Obama. His 2013 novel, The Good Lord Bird, served as the basis for the 2020 Showtime miniseries of the same name. His 2020 novel, Deacon King Kong, was the Oprah Book Club pick of June 2020. His most recent work, The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, was selected by both Barnes & Noble and Amazon as their Book of the Year for 2023 and won the Kirkus Prize in Fiction for 2023.
James holds several awards for his work as a musical theater composer, including The American Arts and Letters Richard Rodgers Award, The ASCAP Richard Rodgers Horizons Award, and The American Music Theater Festival’s Stephen Sondheim Award. He has written songs (music and lyrics) for Anita Baker, Grover Washington, Jr., Gary Burton, Silver Burdett Music Textbooks, and for the PBS television character “Barney.” He served as a saxophonist sideman with jazz legend Little Jimmy Scott. James was born and raised in New York City and attended New York City public schools. He studied at The Oberlin Conservatory of Music and holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. He is proud and delighted to be a Distinguished Writer-In-Residence at New York University.
Proceeds from the Literary Award Weekend benefit the Nashville Public Library Foundation’s mission to support and enhance Nashville Public Library.
Literary Award Weekend Presenting Sponsor
Literary Award Honoree Sponsor
Sandra Schatten Foundation
Literary Award Gala Sponsor
The Judy and Laura Anne Turner Endowment Fund
