Popular singer and Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James has died in a plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina, United States.
Authorities revealed that the small aircraft crashed in a field near a local school. The 57-year-old singer-songwriter was on board with two other passengers; all three were killed. Police confirmed that no students or staff at the nearby school were injured. The plane had departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee.
Born in Oklahoma, James was one of Nashville’s most accomplished songwriters, with a career spanning more than two decades. He gained fame 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 propelled Underwood to stardom but also established James as a masterful songwriter capable of blending heartfelt storytelling with mainstream appeal.
Over his career, James penned chart-topping hits for country and pop artists alike. His credits include Kenny Chesney’s Out Last Night, Bon Jovi’s Who Says You Can’t Go Home, and collaborations with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. His songs appeared on albums that collectively sold more than 110 million copies, earning him recognition as one of Nashville’s most versatile and dependable collaborators.
Beyond commercial success, James earned the respect of peers for his creativity, dedication, and mentorship. He wrote or co-wrote more than 500 songs recorded by some of the biggest names in music. Fellow musicians often described him as a cornerstone of the Nashville songwriting community, equally skilled at crafting moving ballads, energetic anthems, or crossover hits.
James also dedicated time to mentoring young songwriters, helping shape the next generation of country music talent. His ability to balance traditional storytelling with modern sounds left a lasting mark on the genre.
The crash is under investigation, with the National Transportation Safety Board expected to conduct a full inquiry into the cause.
James is survived by his family, friends, and countless collaborators who remember him as a devoted father, colleague, and friend. His passing is a significant loss for the music industry, leaving behind a legacy of songs that will continue to resonate with audiences around the world.