Grammy-Winning Songwriter Brett James Dies in North Carolina Plane Crash
It’s a heartbreaking story out of North Carolina. Brett James, the Grammy-winning songwriter behind some of country music’s biggest hits, was among three people who tragically lost their lives when a small plane crashed on Thursday afternoon.
According to officials, the single-engine Cirrus SR22T aircraft departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville around 12:41 p.m. local time. A few hours later, at about 3 p.m., it went down in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, North Carolina. Thankfully, all students and staff at the school were confirmed safe, but the crash site was just steps away from the campus, which made the situation especially frightening for the local community.
Authorities reported that three people were on board the plane, and sadly, none of them survived. The plane was registered to Brett James, whose given name was Brett Cornelius, of Brentwood, Tennessee. Officials from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are now investigating what led to this crash, and an investigator is expected to be on the scene to gather more details.
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For those unfamiliar, Brett James was far more than just a songwriter—he was a defining voice in modern country music. He co-wrote Carrie Underwood’s breakout anthem “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” a song that earned him a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 2006. His talent reached across genres, having written or co-written hits for Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, and even Bon Jovi. With more than 500 songs recorded by major artists and album sales surpassing 110 million worldwide, his impact on the industry was enormous.
In 2020, James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the greats. Beyond his creative work, he also gave back to the music community. He owned Cornman Music, served on the board of the Country Music Association, and was a national trustee for The Recording Academy.
The tributes that are already pouring in show how deeply respected and loved he was. Country star Dierks Bentley shared a moving post, calling James a “total legend” and praising not only his songwriting but also his friendship and love for aviation. Organizations like ASCAP described him as a trusted collaborator and advocate for his fellow songwriters.
At just 57 years old, Brett James’ life has been cut short far too soon. But his legacy—through the songs that have touched millions—will continue to live on. While investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, the music world is taking a moment to grieve and remember a man whose words and melodies shaped so many unforgettable moments.
This tragic accident serves as a reminder of how fragile life is, and today, countless fans and artists alike are mourning the loss of not only a gifted songwriter but also a beloved member of the Nashville family.
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