Songwriter behind country and pop hits, dead at 43

Published 9:00 am Saturday, October 5, 2019

NASHVILLE — Grammy-nominated songwriter-producer busbee, who co-wrote Maren Morris’ breakout hit “My Church” and also crafted songs for Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Pink, Shakira and Florida Georgia Line, has died. He was 43.

Warner Records confirmed his death in a statement but offered no details on the cause of death. His real name was Michael James Ryan.

In a statement, Warner Records’ co-chairman and CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck and co-chairman and COO Tom Corson called busbee “one of the best and brightest creative minds in music. busbee’s kindness and legacy will never be forgotten and our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time.”

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