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Country Music Legend Jim McBride Dies at 78

1/8/2026

Summary

Jim McBride Honored

Jim McBride, a renowned country music songwriter from Huntsville, Alabama, passed away at 78 on January 6, 2023.
He was celebrated for hits like “Chattahoochee” and “Chasing That Neon Rainbow,” collaborating with Alan Jackson in the 1980s and 90s.
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame honored him posthumously, acknowledging his impact as a songwriter and mentor.
McBride received five Grammy nominations, won a CMA Song of the Year award, and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Summary

Jim McBride Remembered

Jim McBride, a country music songwriter known for 'Chattahoochee,' died on January 6 after a fall, confirmed by Jerry Salley on Facebook, who said McBride texted him two days before.
He was a prominent Nashville songwriter.
McBride was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
He received five Grammy nominations.
He won a Country Music Association (CMA) Song of the Year.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1970 by the Nashville Songwriters Foundation, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame honors influential songwriters like Jim McBride, who passed away in 2023. McBride, recognized for his Grammy nominations and a CMA Song of the Year award, exemplified the vibrant songwriting culture of the 1980s and 90s, reflecting the Hall's mission to celebrate the legacy of songwriters in country music.

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Jim McBride Honored

Jim McBride, a renowned country music songwriter from Huntsville, Alabama, passed away at 78 on January 6, 2023.
He was celebrated for hits like “Chattahoochee” and “Chasing That Neon Rainbow,” collaborating with Alan Jackson in the 1980s and 90s.
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame honored him posthumously, acknowledging his impact as a songwriter and mentor.
McBride received five Grammy nominations, won a CMA Song of the Year award, and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

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