Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James dead in North Carolina plane crash

Country music songwriter Brett James died in a plane crash in North Carolina. He was 57 years old. James was one of three people inside a single-engine Cirrus SR22T that took off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville. The plane went down near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Macon County. Sadly, everyone on board lost their lives.

Authorities confirmed that no students or staff from the school were harmed. The crash site was in an open field close to the Macon County Airport, which is surrounded by farmland.

A Legendary Career in Songwriting

Brett James was a Grammy Award-winning songwriter who became one of the most famous names in country music during the 2000s and 2010s. He wrote 27 number-one songs on country radio.

His most well-known song was “Jesus Take the Wheel,” performed by Carrie Underwood. The track won Best Country Song at the 49th Grammy Awards in 2007. James also worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Bon Jovi, and Rascal Flatts.

Other hits written by him include:

• “Bottoms Up” – Brantley Gilbert

• “Summer Nights” – Rascal Flatts

• “I Hold On” – Dierks Bentley

In 2020, Brett James was honored with induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Tributes from the Country Music Community

Many artists expressed their grief after learning about his sudden death. Dierks Bentley paid an emotional tribute. He said Brett helped shape the chorus of “I Hold On” after Bentley’s father passed away. Bentley called him a “total legend” and a “fellow aviator.”

Bentley shared that their friendship and creative work deeply changed his life. He remembered Brett not just as a songwriter, but also as a friend who understood emotions through music.

A Huge Loss for Nashville

Brett James was more than just a hitmaker. He was a mentor to young writers and an inspiration for many in Nashville. His songs defined an era of modern country music. Fans and fellow musicians now remember him for both his talent and his kind personality.

His sudden death is a big loss for the country music world.