Story by Matt Switzer:
The Academy of Country Music’s annual award show aired Wednesday night and featured Tricia Yearwood performing “I’ll Carry You Home.” The song was in memory of people who have recently died and influenced the country music industry. The greats like Charlie Daniels, Kenny Rogers and Joe Diffie were featured, as well as broadcast engineer Bob Kingsley, and music industry professionals including Clayton Valley High School alumni, Michael Busbee.
The video screen behind the stage at the Grand Ole Opry House featured the picture of “busbee,” as he was more commonly known in Nashville, while Yearwood performed.
Busbee was a musician in the Clayton Valley band between 1990-1994, specializing in the trombone., and saxophone before progressing his talents into producing and song writing. His talents were recognized by many in the country music industry including Garth Books, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, and many more, including Maren Morris who established a friendship with “busbee” and mentions him seven times on the recognition page of her 2016 debut album, “Hero.” The debut single, “My Church,” was co-written by Busbee, earning he and Morris a Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance in 2016.
In early 2019, Busbee partnered with Warner Bros. Music to open his music business in Southern California. Later in 2019, Busbee was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor and passed away in September, of the same year.
Although his life was short lived, he influenced so many through performing, producing, song writing, and consulting with country music artists. None of his professional relationships were more close than the one he established with Maren Morris, who took home “Female Artist of the Year” award at this year’s ACM’s. Busbee admitted in an interview in 2017, he was “taken back” by Morris’ talent and couldn’t wait to work with her.
Beyond the album accolades for song writing and producing, their partnership helped establish Busbee as a sought-after producer and song writer in Nashville.
Michael Busbee, June 18, 1976 – September 28, 2019.
Wow. Had no idea. RIP Michael.
– CVHS Class of ‘78
RIP Mike. Way too young to leave.
“busbee” was my big brother. He graduated from CVHS in ’94 just before me in ’97. We never had the opportunity to play in any CVHS band together, but his music impacted me, nonetheless. I am and always will be proud of him for who he was and that which he accomplished.
Mike, I am missing you so badly now and cannot wait to see you in Heaven soon. I love you, Bro. See you soon…
– Nick Busbee
I am so sorry for your loss. You had a very special big brother. God Bless you. Stay strong.
So sorry Nick.
I miss Mike too Nick. He was a kind, honest guy and I have many fond memories of leading worship/doing music with him, going to Mexico on missions, and other great moments at Clayton Valley Church through the years. Amazingly gifted, he had a huge heart and really did love to encourage artists, songwriters, and musicians in their careers and dreams.
I’m thankful he knew Jesus and it’s comforting to know buzz is more alive than he’s ever been. I pray Holy Spirit continues to comfort his family and kiddoes, and your whole family Nick. May God’s comfort grow, increase and accelerate in the coming days and months, and May it lift the weight of heavy grief.
We love you Mike, and we miss you friend!