The poet of country music, Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, has tragically died in a plane crash at age 57.
The country music world is mourning the tragic loss of a true legend. Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, renowned for crafting some of country’s biggest hits, including Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel”, was killed in a small-engine plane crash on Thursday, September 18. He was 57.
Authorities confirmed that James was one of three people on board a Cirrus SR22T aircraft that went down in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, North Carolina, around 3 p.m. local time.
The crash resulted in no survivors, though officials were quick to confirm that no one on the ground, including students and staff at the nearby school, was harmed.
A Dream Chaser’s Unfinished Journey
Born Brett James Cornelius, the musician’s path to stardom was as unique as his songwriting. He initially attended medical school but ultimately left to pursue his passion for music in Nashville.
After a brief stint as a recording artist himself, he found his true calling behind the scenes, penning hit after hit for some of the biggest names in the industry.
James’s work was a cornerstone of modern country music. His first number-one hit, “Who I Am,” was recorded by Jessica Andrews in 2001. However, it was his collaboration with Carrie Underwood on “Jesus, Take the Wheel” that cemented his legacy, earning him a Grammy for Best Country Song in 2007.
His remarkable portfolio includes over 300 songs recorded by major labels and 27 number-one hits for artists such as Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, and Tim McGraw. He also wrote for artists outside of country, including Bon Jovi and Kelly Clarkson.
In 2020, in recognition of his immense contributions to the genre, he was rightfully inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Tributes Pour In from the Country Community
News of James’s death sent shockwaves through the Nashville community, with artists and colleagues sharing heartfelt tributes on social media.
- Dierks Bentley, who co-wrote the hit “I Hold On” with James, posted a tribute on X, calling him a “total stud… one of the best singer-songwriters in our town… total legend.”
- Jason Aldean, who collaborated with James on “The Truth”, said he was “Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my friend…14 he helped change my life.”
- The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame released a statement mourning the “untimely loss” of their 2020 inductee, and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) described him as a “trusted collaborator to the country’s greatest names”.
Investigation Underway
According to FlightAware data, the Cirrus SR22T aircraft was registered in James’s name and had departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville on Thursday.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now investigating the cause of the crash. The names of the two other people on board have not yet been released.
Brett James is survived by his wife, Sandra Cornelius, and their children. His legacy, however, will live on through the timeless songs he wrote—songs that have provided the soundtrack to the lives of millions of fans.
