Maren Morris has recently shared her heartfelt reflections on the impact of her late producer, Busbee, as she approaches the tenth anniversary of her debut album, *Hero*. In an interview with Apple Music’s Kelleigh Bannen, Morris expressed the profound connection she shared with Busbee, who passed away in September 2019 at the age of 43. The loss of her “creative soulmate” continues to resonate with her, making it challenging for her to revisit the music they created together.
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Busbee, born Michael James Ryan, played an instrumental role in shaping Morris’s career, contributing significantly to *Hero*. He co-wrote and produced tracks such as “Once,” “80s Mercedes,” and “How It’s Done.” Morris reflected on the emotional weight of listening to the album, stating, “It’s hard for me to listen after Busbee died… He just had such a fingerprint on this and always will.” She recognised that the songs they made together carry on beyond their lifetimes, yet their collaborative relationship makes revisiting the music feel bittersweet.
Adding an intimate layer to her reflection, Morris revealed that she now resides in Busbee’s former home. Referred to as an “heirloom house,” the property has a storied past as many of their friends have lived there too. “I actually live in his house now… It’s this heirloom house that many of our friends have lived in, and I bought it from her,” she noted, referring to Busbee’s wife, Jessie.
A highlight of the home is the piano that they used to write “80s Mercedes.” Morris indicated that the sentimental value of having this connection to her friend, along with the picture of Busbee displayed next to her Grammy for *My Church*, contributes to her sense of safety and comfort within the space. “Being in that house, I feel safe there,” she added, indicating the ways in which she maintains her connection to Busbee, even in his absence.
Morris celebrated the tenth anniversary of *Hero* by releasing a special edition of the album, believing that Busbee would be proud of the achievement. The album’s enduring legacy serves as a testament to the creative synergy they shared, making her journey through the past decade both fulfilling and profoundly tied to the memory of her collaborator.
Busbee’s untimely death was attributed to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, a fact that was shared by sources close to the producer but not publicly confirmed at the time of his passing. His influence, however, was not limited to Morris alone. Over his career, he worked with a diverse array of artists, spanning various genres and earning accolades from iconic names such as Keith Urban, Shakira, Carrie Underwood, and Kelly Clarkson.
At the 2019 CMA Awards, Morris took a moment in her acceptance speech for Album of the Year to honour Busbee’s contributions to her work and the music industry at large. “I would be really remiss if I didn’t mention a huge facet of why this album sounds the way it does, and we miss him so dearly,” she stated, with emotional sincerity. Morris acknowledged the excitement they shared upon receiving the nomination, recalling that Busbee had texted her that very morning with congratulations, further highlighting the bond they shared.
As Morris reminisces about her past and continues to forge a path forward in her career, she carries with her the influence and spirit of Busbee. His legacy, woven into the fabric of her music and career, remains a vital part of her artistic journey, serving as a constant reminder of their creative partnership and the love that endures beyond loss. Through both her music and profound personal connections, Morris ensures that Busbee’s memory and extraordinary talents will not be forgotten.