Acclaimed Songwriter and Producer busbee Dead at 43
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.
Music producer and songwriter busbee (nee Michael James Ryan) has died at the age of 43. News broke of his passing late Sunday night (9/29).
Maren Morris shared an early tribute to her longtime producing partner, “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.” The post included a black & white photo of the two in a sweet embrace.
Carly Pearce also honored her late “Every Little Thing” collaborator with a video posted to Instagram.
“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,” she wrote. “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.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by c a r l y p e a r c e (@carlypearce) on
Songwriter Ross Golan also honored his late friend on Twitter, sharing “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.”
The cause of death has not yet been confirmed, though CMT reports he had been diagnosed with glioblastoma – an aggressive form of brain cancer – just a few months ago. He leaves behind his wife Jessie, three daughters and countless friends in the music industry.
busbee is best know for his work with Maren Morris, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Carly Pearce, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani, P!nk and Kelly Clarkson.
