Gone Too Soon — Celebrities Mourn Music Producer Busbee on Social Media After His Untimely Death

RIP. The music industry lost one of its most talented songwriters on Sunday, September 29, when news broke that Michael James Ryan, who was professionally known as “Busbee,” died at just 43 years old. Busbee worked with big artists including Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Maren Morris, Shakira and Pink. The hitmaker had reportedly been diagnosed with Glioblastoma — a form of brain cancer — this past summer before his untimely death, Variety reported. He is survived by his wife and three kids — including a newborn baby girl.

Some of Busbee’s greatest tunes included “My Church” — which he co-wrote with Maren, and it earned him a Grammy nomination — Florida Georgia Line’s No. 1 song “H.O.L.Y.” and a duet between Carrie and Keith called “The Fighter.” However, Busbee also dabbled in pop songs including “Dark Side” by Kelly Clarkson 2011 and Pink’s song “Try” in 2012.

Warner Records’ co-chairman and CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck and co-chairman and COO Tom Corson sent the somber news to their staff on Sunday. “Today, we lost Busbee, a dear friend, business partner with his company Altadena, and one of the best and brightest creative minds in music,” it read. “Busbee’s kindness and legacy will never be forgotten, and our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time.”

Warner Chappell Music company also released a statement, writing, “Our hearts are broken by the loss of our beautiful friend. He was an extraordinary human being whose generosity, spirituality and humor inspired everyone around him. An amazingly gifted songwriter, he used his talent, his music and his love to break down boundaries and bring people together. He left us far too soon. Our deepest condolences go to his wonderful family and all his many friends. We love you.”

Deal of the Day

Only $12! — (And No One Will Know They Aren’t Designer) View Deal

Busbee moved to Los Angeles in 2000 at 24 years old, and from then on, he spent time writing for aspiring singers on American Idol including Lauren Alaina, Katharine McPhee and Adam Lambert. Afterward, he started working with bigger artists. “Put your head down and play the long game,” he told The Tennessean in 2017 about his best piece of advice in the industry. “It’s a very competitive world, and if you get too caught up in what other people are doing, or what opportunities certain people are getting, it’s just going to drive you crazy. There’s enough success for everybody.”

Of course, celebrities including Blake, Maren, Adam, Cassadee Pope and many others took time to post about the California native on social media.

Scroll through the gallery below to see what they had to say about the legendary man.