Jim McBride, a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee who penned some of country music’s most enduring hits, died on January 6, 2026, at age 78. The Huntsville, Alabama, native passed away from injuries sustained in a fall that occurred on Monday, January 5, according to longtime friend and fellow songwriter Jerry Salley.
Salley announced McBride’s death on Facebook. “My closest and longest friend I’ve ever had passed away unexpectedly this morning from a fall that he took last Monday, late afternoon,” Salley shared in the emotional tribute to his collaborator and confidant.
McBride achieved legendary status in Nashville’s competitive songwriting community through collaborations with Alan Jackson that produced chart-topping classics. He co-wrote Jackson’s signature hit “Chattahoochee,” which earned him a CMA Song of the Year award and became one of the defining songs of 1990s country music. The pair also created “Chasing That Neon Rainbow,” another success in Jackson’s catalog.
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which inducted McBride in 2023 and gave him a “Creator’s Award” in 1995, released a statement expressing condolences to his wife Jeanne and family. “Jim was a beloved Alabamian, songwriter, friend, mentor, and so much more,” the organization stated, acknowledging his profound impact on the music community.
McBride’s songs were recorded by a remarkable roster of country music royalty spanning multiple generations. Johnny Cash, Reba McEntire, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Charley Pride, and Kris Kristofferson all brought his compositions to life. Randy Travis, Toby Keith, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Oak Ridge Boys, and the band Alabama also recorded his work, demonstrating the versatility and appeal of his songwriting across different country music styles.
His achievements in the industry extended far beyond a single hit song. McBride earned five Grammy nominations for Song of the Year throughout his career, a testament to the consistent quality of his work. He wrote 10 Top 10 hits and 18 Top 40 hits over the course of his decades-long career, establishing himself as one of Nashville’s most reliable and talented craftsmen.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame recognized McBride’s contributions by inducting him in 2017, the pinnacle achievement for any songwriter working in Music City. He also served as president of Nashville Songwriters Association International, giving back to the community that had embraced him and working to support fellow songwriters navigating the challenging music industry.
McBride’s journey to Nashville success began in the 1970s when he started bringing his songs to Music City while working for the U.S. Post Office. His perseverance paid off in 1981 when Conway Twitty recorded “A Bridge That Just Won’t Burn,” which became a number two hit. The breakthrough success opened doors that had previously remained closed, launching McBride into the upper echelon of Nashville songwriters.
In 1983, McBride wrote “Dixie Boy,” further establishing his reputation. The late 1980s brought another milestone when Waylon Jennings recorded “Rose in Paradise,” demonstrating McBride’s ability to write for diverse artists across the country music spectrum.
Salley’s Facebook tribute revealed the depth of their friendship, which began in the early 1980s. “We met at my very first publishing company back in the early 1980’s,” Salley recalled. “He was already a big hit songwriter, having had hits with Conway Twitty and others.”
The veteran songwriter reflected on their immediate connection despite their different career stages at the time. “I’ll never know why he took a chance to write with me, but man, we hit it off, became instant friends, and loved being in the writing room together,” Salley wrote. “He always brought out the very best in me.”
Their friendship extended beyond the writing room, enduring through personal tragedies and professional challenges over more than four decades. Salley noted they communicated every few days right up until McBride’s death, maintaining their bond even as both men built successful careers in Nashville’s competitive environment.
McBride’s impact on country music extended beyond his own compositions. His work helped define the sound of country music during crucial decades when the genre was evolving and expanding its audience. The songs he crafted became part of the soundtrack for millions of fans, achieving success that transcended typical chart performance.
The songwriting craft McBride mastered requires a unique combination of musical talent, lyrical skill, and an understanding of what resonates with audiences. His ability to create songs that worked for different artists while maintaining his distinctive voice set him apart in an industry where many talented writers struggle to achieve even a single hit.
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame’s statement emphasized the breadth of McBride’s influence, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations of songwriters. His induction into two halls of fame and his leadership role in Nashville’s songwriting community demonstrated the respect he commanded among his peers.
McBride’s career spanned an era of tremendous change in country music, from the traditional sounds of the 1970s through the genre’s commercial explosion in the 1990s. His ability to adapt and create hits across these different periods showcased his versatility and deep understanding of what makes a country song endure.
