Plane Crash Claims Life of Grammy-Winning Songwriter Brett James
FRANKLIN, NC — Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, known for hits like Carrie Underwood's “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” died in a plane crash on Thursday at approximately 3 p.m., according to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was 57.
The aircraft, registered to James under his legal name Brett Cornelius, crashed in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School, about 270 miles southeast of Nashville, authorities said. All three occupants, including the pilot and two passengers, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The small plane took off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville and crashed under circumstances that are currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, officials stated.
James was a prominent figure in country music, having collaborated with artists like Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, and Keith Urban. His songwriting has appeared on albums with sales exceeding 110 million copies. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.
Sara Evans, who co-wrote the Top 10 hit “Cheatin'” with James, expressed her devastation on social media, highlighting his impact on the music community. James's songs have shaped the careers of many top artists and continue to resonate widely.
The Macon County Sheriff's Office is providing further details on the incident as they become available. This is a developing story and will be updated.