Brett James, the Grammy Award-winning songwriter renowned for the megahit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” has tragically passed away at the age of 57. His untimely death occurred in a small-engine plane crash involving a Cirrus SR22T aircraft near Franklin, North Carolina. The incident, which took place on Thursday, is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame confirmed the heartbreaking news of James’ death in a heartfelt post on Facebook. They expressed their sorrow, stating, “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.” James was celebrated for his remarkable contributions to country music, having written or co-written several of the genre's biggest hits, including Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel” and Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down.”
The music industry has been quick to react to the news of James' passing, with many artists and organizations sharing their condolences on social media. Performing rights organization ASCAP honored his legacy in a tribute post, stating, “We’re mourning the loss of Brett James … a 2-time ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year. Brett was a trusted collaborator to country’s greatest names and a true advocate for songwriters. We miss him dearly.”
Brett James leaves behind a rich legacy in the music world, characterized by his profound impact on country music and his dedication to the craft of songwriting. His contributions will continue to resonate with fans and fellow musicians alike, ensuring that his memory lives on through the timeless songs he created.
