Busbee death: Jonas Brothers and Maren Morris songwriter dies aged 43

Songwriter moved from LA to Nashville where he wrote for some of country music's biggest stars

Michael Busbee, the songwriter and producer who worked on hits by artists such as Maren Morris, the Jonas Brothers, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Punk and Rscal Flatts, has died aged 43.

The cause of his death has not been disclosed, but the artist had reported been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer earlier this year.

A statement confirming his death was released by his publisher, Warner Chappell Music, on Sunday 29 September.

"Our hearts a broken by the loss of our beautiful friend Busbee," a spokesperson said. "He was an extraordinary human being whose generosity, spirituality and humour 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."

While he worked with a number of pop stars including Shakira, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Pink – for whom he co-wrote the 2012 hit "Try" – Busbee's biggest successes were made in Nashville. He moved there on the recommendation of fellow songwriter Greg Becker, whom he'd met in LA, and the gamble paid off after he was signed to a publishing deal by Dann Huff, who has produced for some of country's biggest stars.

Among Busbee's country co-writing credits are Lady Antebellum's "You Look Good", Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood's collaboration "The Fighter", Rascall Flatt's "Summer Nights", and Florida George Line's number one ballad "H.O.L.Y".

He shared a number of hits with Maren Morris on her 2016 album Hero, including her breakout single "My Church", which received a Grammy nomination, and "80s Mercedes".

Upon hearing the news of Busbee's death, Morris tweeted a photo of them together and wrote: "This just doesn't seem fair. I will always love you and the songs and albums I was lucky to make with you. Rest well, my sweet friend."

"Shocked and saddened by the news today that we have lost Busbee," Adam Lambert tweeted. "I am so grateful I was able to have collaborated with him. He was brilliant and warm, with palpable joy for his craft. RIP Sir."

Busbee, who was born in California and had a background playing jazz trombone, remained humble about his success. "I woke up a certain amount of years later, and I have an amazing wife and two beautiful girls, and I get to write songs for a living?" he told Rolling Stone in a 2016 profile. "I'm like, whose life did I hijack?"

The Jonas Brothers dedicated their song "Feelin' Alive", which Busbee co-wrote with the boyband and John T Harding, at a concert in Tulsa.

"If it's alright, we'll take a moment to honour Mike Busbee, the late, great Mike Busbee, and his contribution to the world music but specifically in this moment, our song 'Feelin' Alive'. To honour him and his family, sing along with us if you know it," the band told the audience.