By Mark Gray
1:44pm PDT, Sep 30, 2019
The music world — particularly the country music world — was heartbroken to hear about the death of Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Michael James Ryan, who was known as Busbee. One of the more prominent songwriters in Nashville, Busbee — who'd been undergoing treatment for glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer — was a hugely sought-after songwriter who worked with the likes of Maren Morris, Garth Brooks, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum and Keith Urban. After his death on Sept. 29, 2019, many in the music world posted tributes to their late friend.
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"I was lucky enough to get to write and work with @busbee. So talented…always kind…taken from this earth far far too soon. Some things just don't make sense. Please keep his family in your prayers." —Carrie Underwood
"I absolutely can't accept the loss of mine and Gwen's friend Michael (Busbee)..Too much to say for social media. 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." —Blake Shelton
"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." —Shakira
"This just doesn't seem fair. I will always love you and the songs and albums I was lucky to make with you, Busbee. Rest well, my sweet friend." –Maren Morris
"Heard the news at dinner that Busbee had passed. loved being around the guy. So much so that I wrote about him in my last book. a real light, that was extremely smart and great to be around. so sad. RIP man." –Bobby Bones
"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." –Adam Lambert
"Our loss is heavens gain. So incredibly sad to hear that we've lost Busbee. Thinking of his family and wishing them healing." –Cassadee Pope
"I sang 'every little thing' tonight through broken tears with thousands of voices and cell phone lights in the air, because I asked them to raise them up high so you could see them shining from heaven. What a beautiful sight it was. You gave my music a place in this world. I'll cherish the 2 albums, songs, talks, laughs & memories we shared over the years. My heart is broken, but the legacy of your talents and your heart will live on in all of the artists and people you touched. I love you, Busbee." –Carly Pearce
"I never had the pleasure of meeting #Busnee or writing with him, though we came close. My heart goes out to his family and to our mutual friends who loved him." –Richard Marx
"A dear friend and incredible songwriter known as Busbee passed away today. Busbee was a HUGE HEART and a rare friend. What a lot of people don't know is in this tight songwriting community you write with tons of people that never make it on your record…" –Andy Grammer
"Love you Busbee" –Karen Fairchild
"To a beautiful, brilliant man. You will be so missed. Rest well, Busbee" –James Bay
"I wrote some beautiful things with Busbee. His kind spirit was effortlessly woven into his work. He loved his work. But he loved his family more. You were a special one Busbee. All the songs that could have been…we will miss you so dearly." –Ingrid Michaelson
