Grammy-Winning Songwriter Brett James, Known for Carrie Underwood’s ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel,’ Dies in North Carolina Plane Crash at 57

Published Time: 09-20-2025, 09:30 EDT

Brett James, the Grammy-winning country songwriter known for penning some of Nashville’s biggest hits, died in a plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina. Authorities confirmed that the 57-year-old songwriter, whose catalog includes Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down,” was among three victims who did not survive the crash.

James’s passing marks the loss of a prolific songwriter whose music touched millions worldwide. With more than 500 recorded songs and sales topping 110 million albums, his influence extended far beyond country music.

Details of the Plane Crash

The small aircraft, identified as a Cirrus SR22T, went down Thursday afternoon under what authorities described as “unknown circumstances.” The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the crash in a preliminary report.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that all three people aboard were killed. Alongside James, the other victims were identified as Melody Carole and Meryl Maxwell Wilson.

The plane had departed earlier that day from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee. Authorities have not confirmed whether James was piloting the aircraft. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash.

A Career Rooted in Music

Born Brett James Cornelius in Oklahoma City, James initially pursued a medical degree before making a life-changing decision to follow his passion for music in Nashville. That leap of faith proved pivotal.

In 2001, he earned his first chart-topping success with Jessica Andrews’s “Who I Am.” Just five years later, James co-wrote Carrie Underwood’s breakout hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Country Song and solidified his place in country music history.

James’s contributions went on to shape the careers of many artists, spanning multiple genres. From Rascal Flatts’s “Summer Nights” to Underwood’s “Cowboy Casanova” and Chesney’s “Out Last Night,” his songwriting became a staple in modern country music.

Recognition and Legacy

In 2020, James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, an honor recognizing his lasting influence on the industry. The organization issued a statement mourning his passing, praising his talent, creativity, and the mark he left on generations of songwriters.

His official biography with the Grand Ole Opry highlights his staggering achievements: more than 500 of his songs recorded and album sales collectively exceeding 110 million copies. His work extended to some of the most recognizable names in music, including Faith Hill, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Meghan Trainor, and Nick Jonas.

Tributes from the Music Industry

Tributes poured in from across the country music community as news of his death spread.

“Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my friend Brett James tonight,” country singer Jason Aldean wrote on X. “I had nothing but love and respect for that guy and he helped change my life. Honored to have met him and worked with him.”

Other artists and fans also shared condolences, reflecting on the songwriter’s generosity and the timeless quality of his music.

Beyond Songwriting: James as a Performer

Though primarily known for writing hits for other performers, James also stepped into the spotlight as a recording artist. In 2020, he released a solo album that showcased his personal perspective as a songwriter.

Speaking to the Grand Ole Opry at the time, he explained his approach:
“At my stage in life, I’m not going to write about driving around in pickup trucks, chasing girls. It needed to feel more classic, lyrically. They all wound up being love songs, but hopefully love songs with a twist, that haven’t all been written before.”

Remembering a Musical Legacy

Brett James’s sudden passing represents not only the loss of a gifted songwriter but also a voice that shaped the soundtrack of country music for more than two decades. His melodies and lyrics resonated across audiences, bridging country, pop, and beyond.

As tributes continue to flow in, fans and colleagues alike reflect on the enduring power of his songs—reminders of love, faith, and storytelling at its finest.