Grammy-award-winning songwriter Brett James, known for writing Carrie Underwood’s hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel” (2005), died in a plane crash on Thursday in North Carolina, according to ABC News. He was 57.
WLOS noted James was on board a small-engine plane that went down in Macon County near Franklin, North Carolina, around 3 p.m. on Thursday. James was one of three people killed in the crash, including Melody Carole and Meryl Maxwell Wilson. The National Transport Safety Board is currently investigating the crash.
Brett James Cornelius was born on June 5, 1968. He initially intended to pursue a career in medicine, but left medical school in the early 1990s to become a musician. James signed to Career Records, a subsidiary of Arista Nashville, in 1995 and released a solo album. From there, he would be credited for over 495 songs, including writing for country artists such as Billy Ray Cyrus, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, and Martina McBride.
“Jesus, Take The Wheel” would earn two Grammy nominations, as well as winning for Best Country Song in 2006. James was inducted as a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) posted a tribute to the late singer/songwriter, stating, “Brett was a trusted collaborator to country’s greatest names, and a true advocate for his fellow songwriters. Brett, your ASCAP family misses you dearly. Thank you for your unforgettable music.”
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