The country music world mourns the loss of Jim McBride, a legendary songwriter whose unexpected death at the age of 78 has left a void in the hearts of fans and fellow musicians alike. McBride, renowned for penning iconic tracks like “Chattahoochee” and “Chasing That Neon Rainbow” for Alan Jackson, passed away following a reported fall on Tuesday, January 6. His songwriting prowess extended beyond Jackson, with his melodies gracing the repertoires of country titans such as Johnny Cash, George Jones, and Reba McEntire.

McBride’s illustrious career was recognized with his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017, alongside his earlier acknowledgment by the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1995. His contributions to the craft were further highlighted by his tenure as president of the Nashville Songwriters Association International. The announcement of his passing was confirmed by Jerry Salley, a fellow musician and dear friend, through a heartfelt Facebook post. Salley described McBride as his “close friend” and “lifelong brother.”

Reflecting on their history, Salley shared, “We met at my very first publishing company back in the early 1980s. He was already a big hit songwriter, having had hits with Conway Twitty, Johnny Lee, and others. 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. He always brought out the best in me.”

Salley noted that McBride had been in touch just hours before the tragic fall that led to his passing. In a poignant conclusion to his tribute, Salley expressed, “You were a great songwriter. You were a great man. And, you were an even greater friend. What hurts the most is that I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.”

The outpouring of grief and remembrance has been palpable, with fellow artists and fans alike sharing their condolences and cherished memories of McBride. As the news of his passing reverberates through the community, McBride’s legacy as a masterful storyteller and cherished friend is celebrated.

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame shared in a statement: “Jim was a beloved Alabamian, songwriter, friend, mentor, and so much more.” In a tribute shared on Facebook, a close friend added: “You were a great songwriter. You were a great man. And you were an even greater friend.” 

McBride was born in the heart of Huntsville, Alabama, and discovered a passion for music at an early age. He soon pursued a career in music, with reports stating that he started bringing his songs to Nashville in the early 1970s. 

His first hit song that launched him into the country charts was Leon Everette’s hit single, We Let Love Fade Away back in 1979. He went on to release the song I’m Gettin’ Into Your Love by Ruby Falls just six months later.

This is a breaking showbiz story, the Express Showbiz team will be updating this story with the latest information as soon as we receive it. For further updates, please refresh the page

_You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest TV stories straight to your inbox by _signing up for our newsletters.

_Get all the very best headlines, pictures, opinion and video on the day’s top showbiz stories by following _Express.co.uk every time you see our name.

• Follow Express on Google News – CLICK HERE

• Follow Express on Apple News –_ CLICK HERE__ available on Apple devices_

• _Follow Express on _Flipboard – CLICK HERE and click follow

You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news and all the latest updates by following @‌Daily_Express_, or for the latest TV and showbiz news, follow _@‌expressceleb

_Keep up-to-date with your must-see TV stories, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at _Express Celebrity