Esteemed Country Songwriter Jim McBride Has Died

Jim McBride, who rose to fame writing hits for artists such as Alan Jackson, Conway Twitty, and Waylon Jennings, died on January 6, 2026, at the age of 78.

McBride’s work with Jackson highlighted his career. He collaborated with Jackson on co-writing many of the singer’s most iconic songs. Those songs included “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” “She Don’t Get the Blues,” “(Who Says) You Can’t Have It All,” and “Chattahoochee.”

“Chattahoochee” won the Single of the Year award from the CMA and ACM in 1993, and was named the CMA’s Song of the Year in 1994. Additionally, “Chattahoochee” won the 1994 Song of the Year award from the ASCAP.

You can hear McBride share the story behind “Chattahoochee” in the interview below.

McBride was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. The Alabama Music Hall paid tribute to McBride after his passing, writing:

“Jim was a beloved Alabamian, songwriter, friend, mentor, and so much more. He is perhaps most widely recognized for his work with Alan Jackson, including co-writing the country hits ‘Chattahoochee’ and ‘Chasing That Neon Rainbow.‘”

Alan Jackson Remembers Jim McBride As “A Good Man”

After learning about Jim McBride’s passing, Alan Jackson shared a tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator. He posted two pictures of himself and McBride with some of their awards for “Chattahoochee.”

Remembering McBride as “a good man and a great and genuine songwriter,” Jackson said:

“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.”

Jackson ended his touching tribute by writing, “Thank you, Jim, rest in peace. – AJ.” You can see his post below.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved Jim McBride. May he rest in peace.