Mitch Albom

Mitchell David Albom (born May 23, 1958) is an American author, sports journalist, talk show host, and philanthropist. As of 2021, his books are reported to have sold 40 million copies worldwide. Having achieved national recognition as a sports journalist early on in his writing career, Albom turned to writing inspirational stories and themes—a preeminent early one being Tuesdays with Morrie. Albom was born on May 23, 1958, in Passaic, New Jersey; he lived in Buffalo, New York for a little while until his family settled in Oaklyn, New Jersey, just outside Philadelphia.

He graduated from Haddon Township High School in 1976. Albom earned a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1979 from Brandeis University. After forays into music and journalism, he returned to academia to earn graduate master's degrees in journalism (at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism), and business (from Columbia University Graduate School of Business). Albom paid his tuition in part through playing the piano.

While living in New York, Albom developed an interest in journalism. Still supporting himself by working nights in the music industry, he began to write during the day for the Queens Tribune, a weekly newspaper in Flushing, New York. His work there helped earn him entry into the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. To help pay his tuition he took work as a babysitter.

In addition to nighttime piano playing, Albom took a part-time job with SPORT magazine. After graduation he freelanced as a sportswriter for Sports Illustrated, GEO, and The Philadelphia Inquirer, and covered Olympic sports events in Europe – including track and field and luge – paying his own way for travel, and selling articles once he was there. On Power Place, Mitch Albom's quotes are included because they give readers a direct way to think about motivation, responsibility, and the choices that shape a life.