Busbee, Grammy-Nominated Songwriter and Producer, Dead at 41: Reports

Busbee, Grammy-Nominated Songwriter and Producer, Dead at 41: Reports
Busbee attends Spotify's Secret Genius Awards hosted by NE-YO at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles on Nov. 16, 2018. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Spotify)
Jack Phillips
9/30/2019
Updated:
9/30/2019

Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Busbee died at age 41, it was reported on Sept. 30.

The producer, whose real name is Michael James Ryan, was undergoing treatment for a type of brain cancer known as glioblastoma, Variety magazine reported.

Warner Records wrote on Facebook, in confirming his death, that “we lost busbee, a dear friend, business partner with his company Altadena, and 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,” it said.

He had worked with a broad range of artists such as Gwen Stefani, Pink, Maren Morris, Timbaland, Keith Urban, Jon Bellion, Kelly Clarkson, and Lady Antebellum.

“I absolutely can’t accept the loss of mine and [Gwen Stefani’s] friend Michael (Busbee)..Too much to say for social media,” Blake Shelton tweeted on Monday. “Too much pain and unfairness period. I guess sometimes you gotta dig extra EXTRA deep for peace to continue to have faith. And I will because Michael ALWAYS had faith.”

Maren Morris, whose song “My Church” got Busbee a Grammy nomination, also tweeted about his death.

“This just doesn’t seem fair,” she tweeted. “I will always love you and the songs and albums I was lucky to make with you, Busbee. Rest well, my sweet friend.”
“Shocked and saddened by the news today that we have lost Busbee. I am so grateful I was able to have collaborated with him. He was brilliant and warm, with palpable joy for his craft. RIP Sir,” wrote Adam Lambert.
Added Shakira: “Today an uncanny talent and unique soul has departed. Busbee you left us so early, but your music and your passion will be among us and forever cherished. My condolences to his family and the music community in Nashville.”
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter with 15 years experience who started as a local New York City reporter. Having joined The Epoch Times' news team in 2009, Jack was born and raised near Modesto in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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