Media Team
Grammy-winning songwriter and country music legend Brett James tragically lost his life in a fatal plane crash near Franklin, North Carolina.
Authorities confirmed the small aircraft went down in an open field adjacent to a school campus. While the crash claimed all three passengers aboard, no injuries were reported among students or faculty.
The 57-year-old musician had been traveling from Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport when the accident occurred. James, an Oklahoma native, was revered as one of Nashville’s most prolific songwriters, leaving behind an indelible mark on the music industry.
His breakthrough came with Carrie Underwood’s Grammy-winning anthem “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which he co-wrote. The 2006 hit not only launched Underwood’s career but also showcased James’ gift for blending emotional depth with commercial success.
Throughout his illustrious career, James penned chart-toppers for icons like Kenny Chesney (“Out Last Night”), Bon Jovi (“Who Says You Can’t Go Home”), and collaborated with superstars including Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. His compositions appeared on albums selling over 110 million copies worldwide.
Beyond his commercial achievements, James was cherished for his mentorship within Nashville’s songwriting circles. With over 500 recorded songs to his credit, he nurtured emerging artists while maintaining his reputation as a versatile hitmaker capable of crossing genre boundaries.
The music community mourns the loss of a creative force who helped redefine contemporary country music. His ability to merge timeless storytelling with modern production techniques influenced generations of musicians.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are examining the circumstances surrounding the crash. Meanwhile, tributes pour in from colleagues who remember James as both a musical genius and a devoted family man.
James leaves behind a musical legacy that will endure through his vast catalog of hits and the countless artists he inspired throughout his remarkable career.
