Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Busbee dies aged 43

Grammy-nominated Warner Chappell Music songwriter and producer busbee has died aged 43.

Busbee (Michael James Ryan) has enjoyed success with artists ranging from P!nk, Usher, Gwen Stefani, and Jon Bellion to Florida Georgia Line, Maren Morris, Lady Antebellum and Keith Urban.

The LA-based hit producer and songwriter has five No.1 singles to his credit and launched a music company called Altadena as a joint venture with Warner Records in December 2018.

Variety reports that busbee was undergoing treatment for a form of brain cancer called Glioblastoma, which was diagnosed over the summer.

“He was an extraordinary human being whose generosity, spirituality and humor inspired everyone around him.”

Warner Chappell Music

“Our hearts are broken by the loss of our beautiful friend busbee,” said Warner Chappell Music’s leadership team in a statement.

“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.”



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 Records 

Warner Records posted a note on Twitter (see below) stating: “Today 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.”



 Music Business Worldwide