Jim McBride, the acclaimed songwriter behind numerous country music classics, has passed away at the age of 78. The Huntsville, Alabama native reportedly died on January 6, although details surrounding the cause of his death have not been disclosed.
McBride’s songwriting prowess resonated through the country music scene, with his hits recorded by legendary artists such as Johnny Cash, George Jones, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, and many more. However, his most notable collaborations were with Alan Jackson. After they met in the early 1990s, they worked together on several chart-topping hits, including “Chasing That Neon Rainbow,” “(Who Says) You Can’t Have It All,” “Someday,” and the iconic “Chattahoochee.”
“Chattahoochee,” which dominated the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for four consecutive weeks, won CMA Awards for Single and Song of the Year in both 1993 and 1994. The song has since achieved three-times platinum certification by the RIAA.
In a heartfelt tribute, Alan Jackson took to Instagram to honor his late friend and collaborator. “Jim was a good man and a great and genuine songwriter. He understood country music and touched many with his songs,” he wrote, recalling their creative partnership and its significant impact on his career. Jackson expressed gratitude for McBride’s support and inspiration during the early years of his journey in music, saying, “Thank you Jim, rest in peace.”
McBride’s talent also shone through in other notable works, including the top 10 singles “Angels In Waiting” by Tammy Cochran and “What I Meant To Say” by Wade Hayes. Hayes mourned the loss on Facebook, describing McBride as “one of the finest men I ever met” and acknowledging the impact of his passing.
In recognition of his contributions to country music, McBride was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017, receiving numerous accolades from prominent organizations such as ASCAP, BMI, and the ACM over his illustrious career.
The legacy of Jim McBride will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of songwriters and musicians in the country music industry.