Report: Songwriter Busbee dies

Busbee worked with a variety of artists

Popular songwriter and producer Busbee — real name Michael James Ryan Busbee — has passed away at the age of 43, according to social media reports. Busbee passed suddenly from glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, after being diagnosed a few months ago. He was receiving treatment at the time for passing.

The news of Busbee’s death stormed social media following Maren Morris and pop songwriter Ross Golan breaking the news late Sunday (Sept 29th) night.

“Today we lost busbee, a dear friend, business partner with his company Altadena, and one of the best and brightest creative minds in music,” shares Warner Records’ co-chairman and CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck and co-chairman and COO Tom Corson in a statement. “busbee’s kindness and legacy will never be forgotten and our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time.”

Busbee co-produced and wrote several songs with Morris, including her massive debut hit “My Church.” He also produced her sophomore album, Girl, released earlier this year.

“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,” Morris shared.

“I love you, Busbee. We texted every day since the diagnosis. I didn’t understand why you didn’t respond today. I’m so sad. Thank you for being there for me and Jac when we were hurting. I tried to be there for you but no one’s heart is bigger than yours. Love you, brother,” Golan stated.

Carly Pearce shared her thoughts on Instagram, as she dedicated her debut single, “Every Little Thing,” which she co-wrote with Busbee, to the late songwriter.

“I sang ‘every little thing’ tonight through broken tears with thousands of voices and cell phone lights in the air, because I asked them to raise them up high so you could see them shining from heaven. What a beautiful sight it was. You gave my music a place in this world. I’ll cherish the 2 albums, songs, talks, laughs & memories we shared over the years. My heart is broken, but the legacy of your talents and your heart will live on in all of the artists and people you touched. I love you, Busbee.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3BDN-aFs3n/

Busbee, who has penned or co-penned around one thousand songs, has had hits recorded by Morris, Lady Antebellum, Pink, Gwen Stefani, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, Kelly Clarkson, Timbaland and others. He’s produced a variety of artists including Morris, Pearce and many others.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com