Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, known for ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel,’ has passed away at 57.

Grammy-Winning Songwriter Brett James Dies in Plane Crash

Brett James, a renowned country songwriter famed for hits like “Yes, Take the Wheel” and “When the Sun Sets,” tragically lost his life in a plane crash in North Carolina. He was 57 years old.

On September 18th, around local time, a Cirrus SR22T aircraft crashed in Franklin, North Carolina, with three people on board. The FAA confirmed that the plane was registered under James’s legal name, Brett James Cornelius, but it’s still unclear if he was flying the plane at the time of the accident.

Authorities, including the North Carolina Highway Patrol, reported that James and two other individuals perished in the crash. An investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently underway. The plane had taken off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, and the exact circumstances surrounding the crash remain undetermined.

James enjoyed a prolific career, putting his stamp on over 500 songs for artists including Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and Meghan Trainor. His rise to fame began in 2001 when his song “Who Am” was performed by Jessica Andrews and topped the country charts.

His work continued to shine with songs like “Yes, Take the Wheel,” which won a Grammy Award for Carrie Underwood and became somewhat of an anthem in the country music scene. Additionally, he co-wrote hits such as “Cowboy Casanova” and “Last Night,” further solidifying his place in the industry.

In 2020, James was recognized with an induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Following the news of his death, heartfelt tributes poured in from fans and peers alike.

Jason Aldean dedicated a performance to his late friend during a concert, expressing his sorrow and sharing how James’s work had a meaningful impact on his own career. Aldean described James as a significant influence, stating he had, quite literally, helped him change his life.

Similarly, Dierks Bentley reflected on their collaboration, recalling the significance of their song “I Hold On.” He expressed how James had understood the deeper meanings behind the lyrics they crafted together.

In a poignant moment just months before his passing, James shared a joyful photo with his family, captioning it as an amazing Father’s Day, showcasing the personal side of a talented artist who left a lasting legacy behind.