Nashville is mourning the loss of Brett James, a beloved and highly respected songwriter, who died Thursday, September 18, 2025, in a plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina. He was 57. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the accident involved a Cirrus SR22T aircraft that went down around 3 p.m. local time near Iotla Valley Elementary School, not far from Macon County Airport. Three people were on board, including James, and all perished. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the crash.

A Career Guided by Passion
Born Brett Cornelius on June 5, 1968, in Columbia, Missouri, James initially planned to pursue medicine and enrolled in the University of Oklahoma’s medical school. But during his studies, he discovered his true calling lay in music. Making the difficult decision to leave medical school behind, James followed his passion—a choice that would lead him to become one of country music’s most influential songwriters.

In 1995, James signed with Arista Nashville’s Career Records and released a self-titled debut album. Though his solo career was brief, it opened the door to a prolific songwriting career that would define his life’s work.

Writing the Soundtrack of a Generation
Over three decades, Brett James wrote more than 800 songs recorded by artists across country, pop, and rock. His work helped shape the sound of 2000s and 2010s country radio. Among his best-known hits are:

• “Jesus, Take the Wheel” – Carrie Underwood

• “Cowboy Casanova” – Carrie Underwood

• “When the Sun Goes Down” – Kenny Chesney & Uncle Kracker

• “I Hold On” – Dierks Bentley

• “The Truth” – Jason Aldean

• “Summer Nights” – Rascal Flatts

James achieved his first No. 1 hit in 2001 with Jessica Andrews’ “Who I Am” and went on to write over 25 chart-topping singles. His songs have been recorded by luminaries including Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, Bon Jovi, Steven Tyler, Florida Georgia Line, and The Backstreet Boys.

In 2007, he won a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Song for “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” a ballad that remains a defining moment in his career.

A Mentor and Industry Leader
Beyond songwriting, James was a guiding force in Nashville’s music community. He served on the CMA Board of Directors for 18 years, was a National Trustee for The Recording Academy, and sat on the board of the Nashville Songwriters Association International.

Through his publishing company, Cornman Music, James nurtured emerging talent, mentoring countless songwriters and helping shape the next generation of Nashville stars. His influence extended far beyond his own work, leaving a lasting imprint on the industry he loved.

Heartfelt Tributes from Nashville
Tributes poured in from colleagues and friends. Carrie Underwood reflected, “Brett James gave me one of the greatest gifts of my career with ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel.’ But more than that, he was a kind, generous, and brilliant soul. Nashville lost a giant today, and I lost a dear friend.”

Jason Aldean called him “a songwriter who made us all better,” while Dierks Bentley praised his talent for writing songs “that carried both truth and hope.”

A Legacy That Will Endure
Despite his many accolades, Brett James remained humble, rarely seeking the spotlight and allowing his music to speak for itself. His songs—rich with stories of faith, love, heartbreak, and resilience—continue to resonate with millions.

At 57, he leaves behind a powerful musical legacy, and a life defined by service, mentorship, and inspiration. As he once said, songwriting is “like planting seeds—you never know which will grow.” By that measure, Brett James’ influence will continue to flourish for generations.