The music community is mourning the death of songwriter/producer busbee, who collaborated with such artists as Garth Brooks, Maren Morris, Keith Urban, P!nk, Shakira, Carrie Underwood and many more.
The Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer, 43, died Saturday from glioblastoma. He had only been diagnosed with brain cancer a few months before.
Urban, who had worked extensively with busbee, told Billboard, “The first time I heard about Busbee was in 2011. We had talked about working together and when the opportunity presented itself, I decided to give him a call. I really needed someone to help finish up a song called ‘Sun Don’t Let Me Down’ that I was working on with Nile Rodgers. So, I asked him if he wanted to work with Nile and before I could hang up the phone, he was there. Who doesn’t want to work with Nile?
“What I loved about Busbee was his incredibly positive energy. It inspires you to want to be creative and to want to be vulnerable — he instills confidence in you by believing in you — and that draws out your creativity in a really great way. He was an amazing collaborator, both as a producer and as a songwriter. He was a great friend. Always curious, always asking questions about you, about all kinds of things. He brought a good light and love into this world, and I will miss him dearly.”
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Other artists who had worked with busbee reacted on social media, expressing their sorrow and recalling his tremendous talent.
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. — pic.twitter.com/9DKsU5G77a
— MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) September 30, 2019
Today an uncanny talent and unique soul has departed.
Busbee you left us so early, but your music and your passion will be among us and forever cherished.
My condolences to his family and the music community in Nashville. pic.twitter.com/g9ya0eeNav— Shakira (@shakira) September 30, 2019
I was lucky enough to get to write and work with @busbee . So talented…always kind…taken from this earth far far too soon. Some things just don’t make sense. Please keep his family in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/MbOSzqFNJV
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) September 30, 2019
I absolutely can’t accept the loss of mine and Gwen’s friend Michael (Busbee)..Too much to say for social media. Too much pain and unfairness period. I guess sometimes you gotta dig extra EXTRA deep for peace to continue to have faith. And I will because Michael ALWAYS had faith.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) September 30, 2019
Shocked and saddened by the news today that we have lost Busbee. I am so grateful I was able to have collaborated with him. He was brilliant and warm, with palpable joy for his craft. RIP Sir.
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) September 30, 2019
[1/2] If I had the words, I could tell you the impact this man has made on music and on me as a human. Fearless, greatness, endless dedication to his work and the people in his life. pic.twitter.com/rNorOfuqvA
— Hunter Hayes (@HunterHayes) September 30, 2019
[2/2] But these words aren’t enough. I don’t know that any words are enough. Life is precious. B – your light will shine forever!
— Hunter Hayes (@HunterHayes) September 30, 2019
A dear friend and incredible songwriter known as Busbee passed away today. Busbee was a HUGE HEART and a rare friend. What a lot of people don’t know is in this tight songwriting community you write with tons of people that never make it on your record… https://t.co/8PHyPq3Wau pic.twitter.com/olMPzibm2E
— Andy Grammer (@andygrammer) September 30, 2019