Jim McBride, a Nashville Hall of Fame songwriter best known for co-writing Alan Jackson’s hit “Chattahoochee,” has died.
McBride passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the age of 78, according to local Alabama station WAFF. Two days later, Jackson honored his longtime friend with a heartfelt tribute shared on social media.
“Jim was a good man and a great and genuine songwriter. He understood country music and touched many with his songs. Jim and I wrote some of my favorite songs together and I don’t know if my career would have ended up quite the same without his help, inspiration, and encouragement in my early years. Thank you Jim, rest in peace. – AJ”
According to People, Jim McBride was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. He picked up his first guitar at age 21. Some of his earliest songs were performed on the popular TV show Hee Haw, helping him get his start in the music industry.
His first song to appear on the country charts was We Let Love Fade Away, recorded by Leon Everette in 1979. McBride reached his first No. 1 hit in 1981 with Bet Your Heart on Me, recorded by Johnny Lee. In 1987, he scored another chart-topper with Rose in Paradise, recorded by Waylon Jennings.
McBride is best known for his work with Alan Jackson, co-writing hits including “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” “Chattahoochee,” “Someday,” “That’s All I Need to Know,” and “(Who Says) You Can’t Have It All.” “Chattahoochee” was named Song of the Year and Single of the Year by the Country Music Association.
Throughout his career, McBride also wrote songs for country legends such as Conway Twitty, George Jones, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash.
McBride was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017 and was also honored by the Alabama Music Hall of Fame that same year.
