Jim McBride, an Alabama Music Hall of Famer and songwriter behind several country music hits, has died at the age of 78.
McBride, a native of Huntsville, wrote numerous chart topping hits throughout the 1980s and 90s notably in his collaborations with Alan Jackson which sprouted songs like “Chattahoochee” and “Chasing That Neon Rainbow.”
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame posted a tribute to McBride after news of his passing began circulating Wednesday. McBride was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 2017.
“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,” the organization said.
The post continued by mentioning many of the artists that were recorded McBride’s songs including Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Reba McEntire, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charley Pride, Travis Tritt, Toby Keith, Dwight Yokam, The Oak Ridge Boys, Keith Whitley, Crystal Gayle, Gene Watson, Trace Atkins, Alabama and more.
McBride’s songwriting resulted in him being nominated or receiving numerous awards throughout his career including 5 Song of the Year Grammy nominations and a CMA Song of the Year award for “Chattahoochee”.
He achieved over 14 awards between the Broadcast Music Inc. and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
McBride was also a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and a former president of Nashville Songwriters Association International.
In a Facebook post the NSAI said that, “Jim was an amazing tunesmith and loved by the songwriter community. Rest in peace Jim.”
