Celebrated Songwriter Jim McBride, Who Penned Alan Jackson's "Chattahoochee," Has Died At 78

Country music songwriter Jim McBride, who was known for his work with Alan Jackson, among others, has died at the age of 78. Here, Jim can be seen on stage with Alan at a show in the 1990s. (Photo credit: Jim McBride Songwriter / Facebook)

Jim McBride Remembered As “Amazing Tunesmith”

“Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee, never knew how much that muddy water meant to me, but I learned how to swim and I learned who I was — a lot about livin’ and a little ’bout love.”

“Chattahoochee,” a beloved song within Alan Jackson’s body of work, was co-written by songwriter Jim McBride.

Released in 1992 on the album A Lot About Livin’, which owes its title to “Chattahoochee,” the song went on to win Single of the Year at both the 1993 ACM Awards and CMA Awards, as well as Song of the Year at the 1994 CMA Awards.

This is just one of many hits for Jim McBride, and it’s certainly one of his most enduring tunes.

Jim McBride died on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the age of 78.

His obituary states that “his legacy is etched in the numerous chart-topping hits he penned for some of country music’s biggest stars,” including Trace Adkins, Alabama, Johnny Cash, Crystal Gayle, George Jones, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Charley Pride, Travis Tritt, Gene Watson, Keith Whitley, Dwight Yokam, and many more.

Jim’s career as a songwriter led to him being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017.

Jim McBride’s Musical Journey

An Alabama native, Jim was born in 1947 and grew up listening to country music.

“The songs just started coming in my head and after a while I decided to try it,” Jim said in an interview with American Songwriter. “I just thought I’d write some songs and bring them to Nashville and see what happened.”

In 1981, the success of a song Jim wrote for Conway Twitty, titled “A Bridge That Just Won’t Burn,” compelled Jim to move to Nashville, Tennessee.

“This move marked the beginning of a prolific career that would see his songs recorded by over 80 major artists,” his obituary notes, attributing his success to “his ability to craft narratives that resonated deeply with audiences and artists alike.”

Of course, Jim’s work with Alan Jackson is a highlight of his career, with his obituary detailing how “their creative synergy” led to indelible songs like “Chasing That Neon Rainbow,” “(Who Says) You Can’t Have It All,” and, of course, “Chattahoochee.”

In addition to its wins at the 1993 and 1994 ACM Awards and CMA Awards, “Chattahoochee” also won the 1994 Song of the Year from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).

Summarizing his accolades, his obituary reads:

“Throughout his distinguished career, McBride garnered numerous accolades, including 14 BMI and ASCAP Awards, and multiple nominations from prestigious organizations like the Grammys and the Country Music Association. His dedication to his craft and his significant contributions to the musical heritage of his home state were recognized with the Music Creators Award from the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1995.”

In addition to being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, he also served as president of the Nashville Songwriters Association International.

Writing on its Facebook page, the Nashville Songwriters Association International said upon the news of his passing, “Jim was an amazing tunesmith and loved by the songwriter community.”

See the Alabama Music Hall of Fame’s tribute to Jim McBride, here: