Terry McBride: A Texan’s tale of cool, country and creativity
By LISA CARLISLE | Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR
Country music fans were in for a treat when legendary country singer Terry McBride performed at Schoepf’s BBQ recently, bringing his iconic sound to the Belton restaurant’s Back Room Acoustic Session.
McBride’s story is as iconic as the classic country sound he’s known for. Hailing from Lampasas, McBride grew up immersed in the music world, spending his teenage summers touring with his father, the late country singer Dale McBride, whose songs had their share of Billboard success.
“I grew up surrounded by instruments. My favorite childhood birthday, my father presented me with a small guitar from Mexico. That sucker ruined my fingers, but man was it fun to play!” McBride said with a smile.
With a taste for the stage and a passion for country music, McBride began performing as a bassist in Austin, collaborating with notable Texas artists like Lee Roy Parnell, Jimmy Dale Gilmore and Delbert McClinton.
“Austin was and is an incredible city for musicians to grow,” McBride said. In 1989, he made the big leap to Nashville — a move that would set him on a path to country music stardom.
It was there that he formed McBride & the Ride, signing with MCA Records and releasing a series of beloved albums that captured fans’ hearts with hits like “Sacred Ground,” a No. 1 single that solidified the trio’s place in country music. The band earned nominations from the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music, and became known for their captivating blend of Southern rock and classic country, delivering chart-topping singles that defined ’90s country.
“It was a hard road,” McBride said, “I learned so much and was exhausted but wouldn’t change a thing.”
After McBride & the Ride disbanded in 1995, McBride pivoted to songwriting, finding incredible success crafting hits for a lineup of legendary artists. His songwriting credits are expansive, with more than 25 songs recorded by Brooks & Dunn, including hits like “If You See Him/If You See Her,” a duet with Reba McEntire that became an instant classic.
With hits spanning multiple genres, including the chart-topping “Are You with Me,” McBride’s diversity as a songwriter earned him 13 Broadcast Music, Inc. awards and a staggering 12 million airplay awards.
When asked how his writing varies when it’s to be sung by someone else, he says it does change things. “It changes a lot. When I write a song I will perform, I bring in a lot of my past and history. I use a lot of my experiences.”
His solo career, launched in 2017 with the EP Hotels & Highways, showed a new side to McBride, blending his Texas roots with a contemporary sound. His album Rebels & Angels, released in 2020, featured Patty Loveless and Delbert McClinton, and included top Texas singles like “Callin’ All Hearts” and “Corpus Christi Wind,” a tribute to his father’s legacy.
Recent Texas chart-toppers like “Wild Horses” with Kin Faux, honored as Single of the Year at the Texas Country Music Awards, show McBride’s continued impact on the country scene.
This year marked a new milestone with McBride’s induction into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame, a recognition of his influence and dedication to country music. Meanwhile, the reunion of McBride & the Ride has fans buzzing with excitement as they release fresh tracks like “Marlboros & Avon” and deliver sold-out performances at iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere and love for Texas country music, Schoepf’s was the perfect stage for McBride’s blend of nostalgic hits and new tracks. McBride’s presence brought an extra touch of hometown pride to the Belton restaurant, making it a must-see event for country music fans in the area.
Whether on stage, penning hits or producing in Nashville, McBride embodies the Texan spirit — a blend of warmth, talent and unwavering cool. A true trailblazer and modern legend, McBride’s music and passion continue to inspire and resonate across generations.
