Jim McBride: Country music legend who penned hits for stars such as Johnny Cash 'unexpectedly' dies aged 78 after fall at home
Country music songwriter Jim McBride, who worked with stars such as Johnny Cash and Alan Jackson, has died at the age of 78.
McBride is said to have died unexpectedly on January 6 after a fall at home. His close friend, Jerry Salley, confirmed the news on social media, saying in a post on Facebook: “I never dreamed when I woke up this morning that I would receive the shocking news that I received.
“My closest and longest friend I’ve ever had passed away unexpectedly this morning from a fall that he took last Monday, late afternoon. Jim McBride wasn’t just a close friend, he was a true, lifelong Brother to me. My best friend. We talked or texted every few days right up until the end.”
McBride was best known for penning some huge country music hits curing his career with five of his song hitting number one. His best known hits include Chattahoochee, Chasing That Rainbow, (Who Says) You Can’t Have It All, and Someday, all of which he collaborated on with singer-songwriter Alan Jackson.
Jackson paid tribute to McBride on Instagram, saying: “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.”
McBride also penned songs that were recorded and performed by country music giants such as Johnny Cash, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson and Reba McEntire among many others. In 2017, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame, to which he was inducted in 1995, said in a statement: “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.”