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In Memory of Busbee: Listen to Carly Pearce’ “Show Me Around”

by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

Music producer Michael James Ryan, also known under the moniker Busbee, left the music industry grieving after undergoing treatment for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor that was also the main cause of the death of Sen. John McCain.

Busbee was the architect of several hits for artists like Maren Morris, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, Florida Georgia Line, Garth Brooks, Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Jason Aldean, Kellie Pickler, Hunter Hayes, and many others.

Sympathy from Busbee’s closest friends and frequent collaborators filled the internet, but as for Carly Pearce, she took another route in giving tribute to her friend. Pearce used the magic of music to help process her grief. With the help of her frequent collaborators, Emily Shackleton and Ben West, they channeled their sadness into the lyrics of a heart-tugging song, “Show Me Around.”

Fans had their first taste of “Show Me Around” when Carly Pearce did an emotional performance of the track in June during her 75th Grand Ole Opry appearance. The fans loved the song and now, “Show Me Around” is available for streaming and purchase everywhere.

“Show Me Around” only featured a minimal production which allowed Pearce’s stunning vocals to bring every line of the song to life.

Carly Pearce is more than grateful to have a friend and a mentor like Busbee. For her, she could not fully express in words the things she wanted to say. She could only do her best to pour it into her music. It’s also her way of sending comfort to Busbee’s wife Jess and their three little girls.

Pearce remembered that Barry Dean gave a speech that painted the most beautiful picture of heaven. It gave everyone hope that one day, up there, we’ll meet those we’ve lost and that they would show us around paradise.

Carly Pearce made her recent appearance on the Opry stage on Saturday, December 5, a moment to once again sing “Show Me Around.” Pearce is also making some noise with her new single “Next Girl” which is already making its way to the top of the charts.

Pearce has blessed us continually with her talent. Now, more than ever, catch the emotional tribute song “Show Me Around.” Tell us what makes you cope with grief as music does to Pearce.

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