Country Songwriter Jim McBride Dies at 78, Leaving a Legacy of Hits Including Alan Jackson’s ‘Chattahoochee’

Jim McBride, a beloved hitmaker among the country music community, has died. On the morning of Thursday, January 8, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame shared the news, citing that McBride passed at the age of 78.

His love for music developed during his upbringing in Huntsville, Alabama, in the 1950s. Country music was particularly popular in his household and his family even enjoyed spending time together by listening to the Grand Ole Opry every Saturday night.

That passion and appreciation for the genre led McBride to become a songwriter whose resume includes numerous chart-topping hits throughout the 1980s and 90s. Some of his most notable writes includes songs made famous by Alan Jackson, including “Chattahoochee” and “Chasing That Neon Rainbow.”

According to American Songwriter, the inspiration for “Chattahoochee” came from the Chattahoochee River that lies near Alan Jackson’s hometown of Newnan, Georgia. McBride got the ball rolling by writing the opening lines and melody, which then sparked the rest of the creative process. From there, Jackson stepped in to continue the story, shaping the song into what it is today.

That early spark turned into a massive success. “Chattahoochee” went on to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earned Jackson both Single of the Year and Song of the Year at the CMA Awards.

Following his death, Alan Jackson took to social media to remember his fellow songwriter with a heartfelt message that credits McBride for helping him reach new heights in his career.

He wrote, “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. – AJ.”

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Alan Jackson wasn’t the only notable name in country music that worked alongside McBride. Other artists who have recorded his songs include Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Reba McEntire, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charley Pride, Travis Tritt, Toby Keith, Dwight Yokam, The Oak Ridge Boys, Keith Whitley, Crystal Gayle, Gene Watson, Trace Atkins, Alabama and more.

McBride’s work as a songwriter has earned widespread recognition across the industry. He received multiple accolades including five Song of the Year Grammy nominations on top of the CMA Song of the Year award for “Chattahoochee.”

Additionally, honors were earned from ASCAP, BMI, NSAI, NARAS, CMA, AMA, ACM and Billboard Magazine. Plus, he was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 2017, became a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and served a former president of Nashville Songwriters Association International.

Jim McBride’s influence on country music is undeniable, and although he has passed on, his legacy will continue to live on through his songs.