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Grammy-winning Nashville songwriter Brett James<\/strong>, whose music shaped modern country and pop through megastars like Carrie Underwood<\/a><\/strong> and Taylor Swift<\/a><\/strong>, has died in a small-plane crash in North Carolina. He was 57.<\/p>\n According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA ) via WZTV Nashville<\/a>, 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\u2019 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.<\/p>\n The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, where James was inducted in 2020, announced his passing, writing on Instagram<\/a>:<\/p>\n \u201cWe mourn the untimely loss of Hall of Fame member Brett James (\u2018Jesus, Take The Wheel\u2019 \/ \u2018When The Sun Goes Down\u2019), a 2020 inductee who was killed in a small-engine airplane crash on Sept. 18. He was 57.\u201d<\/p>\n RELATED: \u201980s Music Legend Dies; Belinda Carlisle & Spandau Ballet\u2019s Tony Hadley Pay Tribute<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n James wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs recorded by artists across genres \u2014 from Underwood\u2019s Grammy-winning ballad \u201cJesus, Take the Wheel\u201d to Swift\u2019s \u201cA Perfectly Good Heart,\u201d to arena anthems for Bon Jovi<\/strong> and crossover hits for Kelly Clarkson<\/a>, The Fray<\/strong>, and Daughtry<\/strong>.<\/p>\n RELATED: Timeless Dolly Parton Duet Returns to The Top 10 \u2014 And It\u2019s Not the One You Think<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n His country credits include Tim McGraw<\/a>, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Jason Aldean<\/a>, Dierks Bentley, Faith Hill<\/a>, Rascal Flatts<\/a>, Miranda Lambert, Wynonna Judd,<\/strong> and Little Big Town<\/strong> \u2014 a who\u2019s-who of the format\u2019s last two decades.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, with assistance from the FAA and North Carolina Highway Patrol.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfac\u00a0<\/strong>SIGN UP for Parade\u2019s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\ud83c\udfac<\/strong><\/p>\n This story was originally reported by Parade<\/a> on Sep 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the News<\/a> section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n