Brett James, the acclaimed Grammy-winning songwriter renowned for co-writing the iconic 2005 hit song Jesus Take the Wheel, has tragically died in a plane crash in North Carolina. At the age of 57, James was a beloved figure in the music industry, known for his remarkable contributions to country music. He was one of three passengers aboard a single-engine Cirrus SR22T aircraft that went down under mysterious circumstances in a wooded area near Macon County Airport. Authorities have confirmed that all three individuals on board lost their lives in this devastating incident.
Initial reports indicate that the plane took off from an airport in Nashville before the tragic crash occurred. As details continue to emerge, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced that it will lead an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. This unfortunate event has left many in shock, particularly within the music community.
Brett James earned a Grammy Award for Best Country Song for "Jesus, Take the Wheel," which was famously recorded by Carrie Underwood. The song not only became a significant hit but also a defining moment in both their careers, receiving a nomination for Song of the Year. In response to the heartbreaking news, Underwood expressed her grief, calling James's passing "just unfathomable." She recalled that the songs they wrote together about Jesus were particularly meaningful, stating, "I won't ever sing one note of them again without thinking of him." She poignantly remarked that his absence creates a void that may never heal.
James's influence extended far beyond his collaborations with Underwood. He wrote for a diverse range of artists including Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Bon Jovi, and Jason Aldean. Aldean, who recorded "The Truth," expressed his heartbreak over James's passing. "I had nothing but love and respect for that guy and he helped change my life," he shared. He also conveyed his condolences, stating, "Thoughts and prayers going out to his family."
Paul Williams, the president of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), praised James as a "songwriting force of nature," highlighting that he penned over 500 songs across various genres. "He wrote big hits but had an even bigger heart," Williams remarked, underscoring James's impact on the music industry. In recognition of his talent, James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020 and won the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award in both 2006 and 2010.
The music industry mourns the loss of Brett James, a talented songwriter whose work touched the lives of many. His legacy will continue through the songs he wrote and the artists he inspired. As the investigation into the plane crash unfolds, fans and fellow musicians alike await further information while remembering the profound impact James had on country music.
