Country music legend Jim McBride has died at the age of 78. The songwriter, who collaborated with stars including Reba McEntire and Alan Jackson, “unexpectedly” passed away on January 6 following a fall.
Jim penned Alan Jackson’s chart-topping numbers Chattahoochee and Chasing that Neon Rainbow.
His mate and fellow songwriter Jerry Salley penned: “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 always be recognised for the influence he had on the Nashville music world. He was welcomed into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1995, reports the Mirror.
(Image: Jerry Salley/Facebook)
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame issued a statement saying: “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 abilities earned him five Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and a CMA Song of the Year gong for Chattahoochee. Jerry looked back on his lengthy friendship with his “best friend”.
He remarked: “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.
(Image: Alabama Music Hall of Fame/Facebook)
“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 shared how they’d supported each other through life’s highs and lows, including family losses, divorces and career hurdles. He also revealed that Jim had sent him a meme just two days before his heartbreaking fall.
He concluded his post with: “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.”
Reflecting on his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017, Jim confessed to 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.”
Discussing 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.”
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