Jon Meacham Biography
Jon Meacham is a well-known biographer and contributing editor at Time magazine. He frequently delivers lectures across the United States on topics including history, politics, and religious belief. Meacham serves as a visiting professor and co-chairs the Vanderbilt Project on Unity & Democracy. Additionally, he holds the position of Canon Historian at Washington National Cathedral. Furthermore, he is an accomplished author, with multiple books that have achieved New York Times bestseller status.
Jon Meacham Age
Meacham was born on May 20, 1969, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. He is 55 years old as of 2024. Jon therefore celebrates his birthday on May 20.
Jon Meacham Height
Meacham stands at an approximate height of 5 feet and 6 inches.
Jon Meacham Family
Meacham was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA to Jere Ellis Meacham and Linda (McBrayer) Brodie. His father, Jere, served as an executive in construction and labor relations and was decorated for bravery during the Vietnam War, though he passed away in 2008. Following his parents’ divorce, Jon was raised by his paternal grandparents, Ellis K. Meacham and Jean Austin Meacham. Every morning, Jon engaged in discussions on local and national politics with his grandfather and other men, sparking his lifelong interest in political matters.
Jon Meacham Wife
Since 1996, Jon has been married to Margaret Keith Smythe. Margaret attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal High School and the University of Virginia. She worked as an English teacher in Metz, France, under a Fulbright Fellowship. They have three children together and live in Nashville. Additionally, Jon practices the Episcopalian faith.
Jon Meacham’s Net Worth
Meacham has an estimated net worth of $5 Million which he has earned through his successful career as a writer, reviewer, and historian.
Jon Meacham Education
Meacham attended The McCallie School, where his interest in the civil rights movement took root. Following graduation, he pursued his undergraduate studies at Sewanee: The University of the South, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature in 1991. He was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Jon Meacham Career
Meacham began his career editing Voices in Our Blood, published in 2001. Prior to this, he contributed writings spanning from 1941 to 1998 to notable civil rights leaders, novelists, and journalists. His literary works often explore American leaders, with biographies such as American Lion focusing on figures like Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson.
In addition to his biographical works, Jon has authored several other books. He was selected by the Bush family to serve as the official biographer for George H. W. Bush, resulting in the publication of Destiny and Power in 2015. Furthermore, he delivered eulogies for both President Bush and Barbara Bush following their deaths in 2018.
Jon Meacham Books
- Thomas Jefferson in 2012.
- TIME Andrew Jackson in 2017.
- Destiny and Power in 2015.
- Impeachment in 2018.
- Songs of America in 2019.
- The Soul of America in 2018.
- The Hope of Glory in 2020.
- His Truth Is Marching On in 2020.
- The Call to Serve in 2024.
- And There Was Light in 2022.
Jon Meacham Podcast
Meacham hosted the history podcast “It Was Said” on Audacy. The podcast revisits impactful and enduring speeches throughout history. Joined by leading historians, authors, and journalists, Jon provides expert analysis of the origins, the speaker, and the historical context of each speech. As of September 28, 2022, the podcast has aired 23 episodes.
Jon Meacham Lincoln
In October 2022, Jon published the book “And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle.” The book explores Lincoln’s courageous decisions that endangered his political career but aimed to safeguard democracy and the Union. It spans 400 pages with an additional 200 pages dedicated to endnotes and a bibliography. Jon focuses on Lincoln’s public speeches, inaugural addresses, and pivotal decisions as a leader
Jon Meacham American Lion
“American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House,” written by Jon, is a biography that utilizes newly accessible documents. It specifically delves into Andrew Jackson’s presidency and his personal life at the White House, rather than covering his entire life or political career. Published on November 11, 2008, the book spans 512 pages.
Jon Meacham Thomas Jefferson The Art Of Power
Meacham’s biography of Thomas Jefferson, titled “The Art of Power,” was released on November 13, 2012. In this work, Jon portrays Jefferson not only as a political figure but also as a man characterized by his desires, sensuality, and fervor. Jon highlights Jefferson’s role as one of the most accomplished leaders of the early American republic, and possibly in all of American history. Moreover, the biography portrays Jefferson as embodying a timeless narrative: the challenge faced by national leaders striving for greatness in a complex and challenging world. The book spans 800 pages.
Jon Meacham Franklin And Winston
Meacham wrote a 512-page book titled “Franklin and Winston: An Intimate Portrait of an Epic Friendship.” In this historical work, he delves into the captivating bond between the two leaders who guided the Allied forces to victory during World War II. He also highlights the extraordinary nature of their friendship as president and prime minister, spending extensive amounts of time together.
Jon Meacham House
Meacham lives in Nashville, where he maintains a private office and library that he deliberately keeps cluttered to his liking. His Georgian Revival home, constructed in 1929, boasts a spacious layout with room for guest accommodations and bedrooms for each of his children. He expanded his library by installing additional bookshelves to accommodate his extensive collection of books.
Jon Meacham Awards
Jon has earned several awards in his professional career. The awards include:
- Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography in American Lion in 2009.
- Hubert H. Humphrey First Amendment Prize from the Anti-Defamation League in 2013.
- Founder’s Award from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in 2013.
- The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute’s Spirit of Democracy Award in 2016.
- The Lincoln Forum’s Richard Nelson Current Award of Achievement in 2022.
Jon Meacham Social Media Platforms
He is active on his social media accounts and often posts on his Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.