Grammy-Nominated Hitmaker Busbee Dies

• Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Busbee, who has worked with a wide array of artists ranging from Maren Morris to P!nk to Keith Urban to Shakira, has died at the tragically young age of 43. The news of his passing broke early Sunday evening, Sept. 29.

According to Variety, Busbee, whose real name was Michael James Ryan, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer, over the summer and was undergoing treatment.

Busbee had credits on Maren Morris’ hit “My Church” and Keith Urban’s 2016 album Ripcord. He has also worked with Garth Brooks, Lady Antebellum, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Jason Aldean, Backstreet Boys, Florida Georgia Line and countless other artists of note. He also had a worldwide publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music and a creative partnership with Red Light Management.

Tributes from all over the music industry have been pouring in on social media. Maren Morris posted, “This just doesn’t seem fair. I will always love you and the songs and albums I was lucky to make with you, Busbee. Rest well, my sweet friend.”

Tributes from all over the music industry have been pouring in on social media. Maren Morris posted, “This just doesn’t seem fair. I will always love you and the songs and albums I was lucky to make with you, Busbee. Rest well, my sweet friend.” LOCASH posted, “music lost one of our best. your words & melodies will live forever. rest easy busbee.”

Maria Egan of Pulse Music Publishing wrote, “Our friend, creator and songwriter advocate @busbee sadly passed away this weekend. A talent as huge as his heart, a deeply spiritual man and devoted husband and father. Everyone that knew him, even just as business colleagues, feels like a good friend has been lost today — they don’t make many like this. He will be deeply missed by us and his beautiful family.” Busbee was father to three children, including a newborn daughter.