Popular singer and Grammy winner, Brett James has d!ed in a plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina, United States.
Information released revealed that the small plane he was in crashed in a field at a local schoo.
Brett was 57. The plane had departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee, and was carrying three people. All passengers were killed in the crash, though police confirmed that no students or staff at the nearby school were injured.
James, born in Oklahoma, was one of Nashville’s most accomplished songwriters, with a career spanning more than two decades. He rose to prominence as a co-writer of Carrie Underwood’s breakout hit Jesus, Take the Wheel, which won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Country Song. The track not only cemented Underwood’s stardom but also marked James as a songwriter capable of blending heartfelt storytelling with mainstream appeal.
His catalog included chart-topping singles across country and pop music. He wrote Kenny Chesney’s Out Last Night, contributed to Bon Jovi’s Who Says You Can’t Go Home, and collaborated with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, among others. His songs appeared on albums with combined sales of more than 110 million copies, and he was widely regarded as one of Nashville’s most reliable and versatile collaborators.
Beyond commercial success, James earned deep respect from fellow musicians and songwriters for his work ethic and creativity. Over the years, he wrote or co-wrote more than 500 songs that were recorded and released by some of the biggest names in the industry. His peers often described him as a cornerstone of the Nashville songwriting community, equally adept at crafting ballads, anthems, or crossover hits.
James’ influence extended beyond the studio. He mentored younger songwriters and was celebrated for his generosity and encouragement toward emerging talent. Many credited him with helping to shape modern country music through his ability to balance traditional storytelling with contemporary sounds.
The crash remains under investigation, with the National Transportation Safety Board expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the cause.
James is survived by his family, friends, and countless collaborators who remember him not only as a hitmaker but also as a devoted father, colleague, and friend. His death marks a significant loss for the music industry, leaving behind a legacy of songs that will continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
