The music world is mourning the loss of one of Nashville’s most celebrated songwriters. Brett James, the Grammy-winning hitmaker behind Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and dozens of other chart-topping songs, tragically died in a plane crash on Thursday, September 18, 2025. He was 57 years old.
The Tragic Crash in North Carolina
According to officials, James was aboard a Cirrus SR22T aircraft that went down in Macon County, North Carolina, near Franklin, in a field not far from Iotla Valley Elementary School. The plane had departed earlier that day from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee.
Authorities confirmed that three people were on board, including James, and sadly, there were no survivors. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the accident.
A Beloved Songwriter and Hitmaker
Brett James’s career was nothing short of remarkable. Known for his lyrical depth and emotional storytelling, James became one of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters. His catalog of hits includes:
🟢 “Jesus, Take the Wheel” – Carrie Underwood
🟢 “When the Sun Goes Down” – Kenny Chesney (featuring Uncle Kracker)
🟢 “Who I Am” – Jessica Andrews
🟢 “I Hold On” – Dierks Bentley
Songs recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Jason Aldean, Scotty McCreery, Faith Hill, and many more
In 2020, James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a career that influenced countless artists and touched millions of fans worldwide. He was also a two-time Country Songwriter of the Year and earned a Grammy Award for “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”
Tributes Pour In
Following the devastating news, fellow artists, industry peers, and fans have taken to social media to express their heartbreak. Many described James as a “total legend” and a mentor whose songs shaped the sound of modern country music.
Carrie Underwood, who rose to fame in part thanks to James’s award-winning ballad, shared a touching message: “I am heartbroken. Brett gave me one of the most important songs of my life, and I will forever be grateful for his gift. Sending love to his family and loved ones.”
His Lasting Legacy
Beyond his professional accolades, Brett James was admired for his humility, warmth, and generosity. His songs, often rooted in faith, love, and perseverance, have left an enduring impact not just on country music but across multiple genres.
His sudden death is a painful reminder of life’s fragility, but his legacy will continue to live on through the music he left behind.
👉 Brett James’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in Nashville and the global music community. His words and melodies will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans for years to come.
Tags:
Celebrity Deaths News