Nashville Songwriter Jim McBride, Who Co-Wrote Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee,” Dies At 78

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Jim McBride died on Tuesday, January 6, at the age of 78.

The Huntsville native co-wrote several hits with Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson, including “Chattahoochee,” “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” and “Someday.” “Chattahoochee” earned the CMA Award for Song of the Year in 1994 and Single of the Year in 1993. 

McBride’s first No. 1 hit came with Johnny Lee‘s “Bet Your Heart on Me” in 1981. 

He also penned Waylon Jennings‘ chart-topper “Rose in Paradise” in 1987. Jackson posted a tribute Thursday (Jan. 8) featuring vintage photos of the two artists together along with the caption.

“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.” 

McBride was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 2023.

Categorised in: Country Music News

This post was written by Dave Palmer