LifeNotes: Songwriter Andrew Dorff Passes

UMPG songwriter Andrew Dorff has died, MusicRow has learned. Dorff turned 40 on Dec. 16.

The son of songwriter Stephen “Steve” Dorff, Sr. and brother of actor Stephen Dorff, the Los Angeles native made his way to Nashville in 2003 to pursue songwriting. He went on to sign with Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville.

In 2008, he earned a Top 10 hit with Martina McBride’s “Ride.” Since then he went on to deliver more hits, including “Somebody’s Heartbreak” (Hunter Hayes), “Bleed Red” (Ronnie Dunn), and “Missing” (William Michael Morgan).

In July, BMI celebrated Dorff’s hit for Kenny Chesney, “Save It For A Rainy Day,” and honored him with four Million-Air Awards, for one million radio spins each of “Somebody’s Heartbreak,” “Neon Light,” “My Eyes,” and “Save It For A Rainy Day.”

Dorff’s life and career was recently profiled in MusicRow‘s 2016 Publisher Issue.

“I’ve been fortunate the artists that have cut my songs are some of the great artists,” he told MusicRow at the time. “So those songs are going to live on.”

As will his kind spirit and impact on Nashville’s music community.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Several community members expressed their sympathies.

Dorff’s father, Steve Dorff, said via Facebook: “Thank you all for the outpouring of love and prayer. ❤ There simply are no words for the unbearable heartbreaking loss my family and I are feeling today. May God bless my Son Andrew, the best friend any Father could have. Your light will forever shine in my heart, and in all those who were lucky enough to know you.”

“It is with immeasurable grief that we learn of the passing of our friend Andrew Dorff,” NSAI president Lee Thomas Miller 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. Our sincerest prayers go out to his family. May we all hug each other a little tighter this week and remember that life is fragile. Rest in peace Andrew.”

Gentle soul. Open heart. Gifted. Vulnerable. Genuine. Thoughtful. Innate cool. One-of-a-kind. He loved and was loved-
Andrew Dorff, RIP

— Troy Tomlinson (@troyvtomlinson) December 20, 2016

So very sad to hear about @endorffin Thanks for caring enough to write with me and for “Ride” #shinewhileyouhavethechancetoshine #sweetsoul

— Martina McBride (@martinamcbride) December 20, 2016

So saddened by the passing of @endorffin – Rest In Peace. #AndrewDorff #RIP

— Marshall Altman (@marshallaltman) December 20, 2016

The Nashville songwriting community lost one of its finest talents + kindest souls today.

Rest In Peace, @endorffin. ?

— Dan + Shay (@DanAndShay) December 20, 2016

Music Row and Country Music lost a good one today! Please pray for the family and friends of @endorffin So, so sad! pic.twitter.com/SQk4QvmyRK

— Ben Hayslip (@BenHayslip) December 20, 2016

Country music lost one of our own today. Rest easy @endorffin thanks for being the friend you were we will miss you down here buddy.

— Cole Taylor (@coletaylorlive) December 20, 2016

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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