Grammy-winning Nashville songwriter Brett James, whose music shaped modern country and pop through megastars like Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift, has died in a small-plane crash in North Carolina. He was 57.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA ) via WZTV Nashville, James was one of three people aboard a Cirrus SR22T that crashed near Franklin, North Carolina, on Thursday afternoon, September 18. The plane was registered in James’ name and had departed from Nashville earlier in the day. No students or staff were injured at the nearby Iotla Valley Elementary School, authorities confirmed.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, where James was inducted in 2020, announced his passing, writing on Instagram:
“We mourn the untimely loss of Hall of Fame member Brett James (‘Jesus, Take The Wheel’ / ‘When The Sun Goes Down’), a 2020 inductee who was killed in a small-engine airplane crash on Sept. 18. He was 57.”
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James wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs recorded by artists across genres — from Underwood’s Grammy-winning ballad “Jesus, Take the Wheel” to Swift’s “A Perfectly Good Heart,” to arena anthems for Bon Jovi and crossover hits for Kelly Clarkson, The Fray, and Daughtry.
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His country credits include Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts, Miranda Lambert, Wynonna Judd, and Little Big Town — a who’s-who of the format’s last two decades.
James was twice named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year and earned dozens of BMI and ASCAP awards. Beyond writing, he produced, co-founded the publishing company Cornman Music, and served on the boards of the Country Music Association and the Recording Academy.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, with assistance from the FAA and North Carolina Highway Patrol.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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