Busbee facts for kids

Michael James Ryan Busbee (June 18, 1976 – September 29, 2019), known professionally as Busbee, was an American music expert. He was a talented songwriter, record producer, and musician. Busbee worked with many famous artists in both pop music and country music. Some of the big names he worked with include 5 Seconds of Summer, Keith Urban, and Maren Morris.

Early Life and Musical Start

Busbee was born in Walnut Creek, California. He grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. His musical journey began early. He started playing the piano when he was just seven years old.

In high school, he learned to play jazz trombone. He even marched with a famous group called the Blue Devils Drum Corps. After high school, he studied jazz at William Paterson University. He received a scholarship to attend the school in 1995.

His Amazing Career

Busbee moved to Los Angeles in the year 2000. He started working at a music studio. There, he helped a rock producer named Eric Valentine. This job helped him learn to play more instruments. He picked up the guitar, bass, and drums.

After gaining experience, Busbee began working on his own. He became a songwriter, producer, and mixer. He helped create many pop songs. Many of these songs were for artists from TV singing shows. These shows included American Idol and The X Factor.

After five years in Los Angeles, he also started working in Nashville, Tennessee. Another writer suggested he try Nashville. A well-known musician and producer, Dann Huff, then signed him to a publishing deal. This meant Busbee would write songs for others.

Busbee wrote and co-wrote songs for many different artists. These included Gwen Stefani, P!nk, Shakira, and Kelly Clarkson. He also worked with country stars like Maren Morris, Keith Urban, and Lady Antebellum. In 2017, he was nominated for a Grammy Award. This was for his work on Maren Morris's song, "My Church". It was for the Best Country Song category.

In December 2018, Busbee started his own music label. It was called Altadena. He partnered with big music companies for this new venture.

Personal Life

Busbee passed away in Los Angeles on September 29, 2019. He was 43 years old. He is remembered by his wife and their three children.

Songs He Wrote and Produced

Busbee was involved in creating many popular songs. He either wrote them, helped write them, or produced them. Here are some examples of his work:

• 5 Seconds of Summer
  • "Don't Stop" (2014) - This was a single.
• Alexandra Burke
  • "Bad Boys" (2009) - This song reached #1 in the UK.
• Kelly Clarkson
  • "Dark Side" (2011) - This song hit #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart.
• Florida Georgia Line
  • "H.O.L.Y" (2016) - This was a popular single.
• Girls' Generation
  • "Run Devil Run" (2010) - A hit single.
• Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum)
  • "Our Kind of Love" (2010) - This song reached #1 on the Billboard US Country chart.
  • He produced all tracks on their album Heart Break (2017).
• Maren Morris
  • "My Church" (2016) - This single reached #5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
  • He produced all tracks on her album Hero (2016).
• P!nk
  • "Try" (2012) - This single was #1 on two Billboard charts.
• Rascal Flatts
  • "Summer Nights" (2009) - This song reached #2 on the Billboard Country Chart.
• Shakira
  • He produced songs like "Broken Record" and "Medicine" (2014).
• Timbaland
  • "If We Ever Meet Again" (2009) featuring Katy Perry - This single reached #3 in the UK.
• Keith Urban
  • "The Fighter" (2016) featuring Carrie Underwood.
• Carly Pearce
  • "Every Little Thing" (2017) - This was a single.

Busbee's work helped many artists create hit songs and albums. He was a very important person behind the scenes in the music world.