Andrew Dorff, a well known and respected country songwriter, died on Monday at the age of 40. The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiners Office has not released a cause of death.
Word came down from Universal Music Publishing Group who said “Our songwriting community is small and close and this loss will hurt us all deeply. Andrew was a good man and a good friend. He was an elite songwriter at the peak of his life and career.”
Andrew’s father, Steve Dorff, has written such country songs as Every Which Way But Loose, I Just Fall in Love Again, Cowboys and Clowns, Don’t Underestimate My Love For You, I Cross My Heart and Heartland.
Andrew Dorff had his first big hit in 2008 when Martina McBride hit with his song Ride (2008 / #11 Country / #82 Pop) and went on to write four other top tens, Ronnie Dunn’s Bleed Red (2011 / #10 Country / #62 Pop), Hunter Hayes’ Somebody’s Heartbreak (2012 / #7 Country / #54 Pop) and Blake Shelton’s Neon Light (2013 / #3 Country / #43 Pop) and My Eyes (2014 / #4 Country / #39 Pop).
Jody Williams, VP of BMI Nashville, said “The BMI family is incredibly shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of songwriter Andrew Dorff. The Nashville music business community will miss his kind and generous spirit, his unparalleled talent, and his gift of friendship. BMI was so fortunate to be a part of his career from the very beginning. Whether swinging by our office for a quick meeting or receiving an award at our annual dinner, Andrew’s presence was always a welcome one in the room. He will be sorely missed by our entire staff.”
Dorff is also survived by his brother, actor Stephen Dorff.
