McBride is the daughter of
Common Cause president
Ann McBride Norton. She was born in
Louisiana and grew up in
Washington, D.C. She became interested in music from a young age, and after moving to
New York City began performing in miscellaneous public places and venues in New York City, including
Mercury Lounge and the
Bowery Ballroom. She began recording her debut album,
Everything Seemed Alright, on September 11, 2001, the day of the
September 11 attacks. McBride has said she wanted to convey the "apocalyptic vibe" of the time through the album's songs. The album was released in 2002 on
Bogan Records. In 2015, after being profiled in the New York Times, MSNBC's Morning Joe profiled McBride's diplomacy and humanitarian work. She discussed her "Home Tour" live music program and performed her original song "Home" on the morning show ==Personal life==