The songwriter, best known for working with Reba McEntire and Alan Jackson, “unexpectedly” died after falling.
Country music icon Jim McBride has passed away at the age of 78. The songwriter, who worked with the likes of Reba McEntire and Alan Jackson, “unexpectedly” died on January 6 after falling. Jim wrote Alan Jackson’s hit tracks Chattahoochee and Chasing that Neon Rainbow.
His friend and fellow songwriter Jerry Salley wrote: “I never dreamed when I woke up this morning that I would receive the shocking news that I received. My closest and longest friend I’ve ever had passed away unexpectedly this morning from a fall that he took last Monday, late afternoon.”
Jim will forever be remembered for the impact he made on the Nashville music scene. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1995.
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The Alabama Music Hall of Fame wrote in a statement: “Our condolences go out to Jeanne and the entire McBride family on the passing of Mr. Jim McBride. Jim was a beloved Alabamian, songwriter, friend, mentor, and so much more.”
Jim’s talent led to five Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and a CMA Song of the Year award for Chattahoochee. Jerry reflected on his long-time friendship with his “best friend”.
He said: “Jim McBride wasn’t just a close friend, he was a true, lifelong Brother to me. My best friend We talked or texted every few days right up until the end.
“We met at my very first publishing company back in the early 1980’s. He was already a big hit songwriter, having had hits with Conway Twitty, Johnny Lee and others.
“I’ll never know why he took a chance to write with me, but man, we hit it off, became instant friends, and loved being in the writing room together. He always brought out the very best in me.”
Salley explained how the duo had supported each other through life’s ups and downs, including family deaths, divorces and career challenges. He also said Jim had sent him a meme just two days before his tragic fall.
He ended the post: “Rest In Peace my Brother,” adding, I love you, and will miss you, our conversations, our adventures and all the laughter we shared till then.”
Speaking about being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017, Jim told Billboard: “I was totally in shock, and got a little misty-eyed, if you want to know the truth. If you’re a songwriter in Nashville, that’s it — you don’t have anything to prove after that.”
Talking about the success of his song Chattahoochee, he added: “I think that there’s a Chattahoochee River in almost everybody’s history, where they used to go fishing or the family went for picnics or stuff. I really think that had a lot to do with it.”
Source: Mirror
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