The country music world is mourning the loss of one of its most gifted songwriters, after Grammy-winning Brett James died alongside his wife and stepdaughter in a plane crash in North Carolina.
James, 57, was killed when his small aircraft crashed in Franklin, North Carolina, on Thursday afternoon, with authorities confirming there were no survivors.
The other victims were his wife, Melody Carole Wilson, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, with the plane having taken off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville.
For many Australians, James' name might not be immediately familiar, but his songs certainly are.
The Oklahoma City native co-wrote 'Jesus, Take the Wheel' for Carrie Underwood, which earned the 2006 Grammy for best country song, and had more than 500 of his songs recorded, appearing on albums with combined sales of more than 110 million copies.
'He was one of the greatest songwriters anywhere—ever, any language, in any era'
From medical student to Music Row legend
James' path to Nashville fame began unconventionally—the native of Oklahoma City left medical school to pursue a musical career in Nashville.
Originally from Oklahoma City, James dropped out of medical school to pursue his passion for music, though after his first solo releases failed to chart, he briefly returned to medical school before ultimately choosing music permanently.
His persistence paid off when 'Who I Am,' performed by Jessica Andrews, became his first country chart-topper in 2001. But it was his collaboration on 'Jesus, Take the Wheel' that truly established him as a Nashville powerhouse.
Brett James by the numbers
Over 500 songs recorded during his career and 27 No. 1 hits
Albums featuring his songs: combined sales of more than 110 million copies
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee: 2020
ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year: 2006 and 2010
The song that changed everything
'Jesus, Take the Wheel' started as nothing more than a title scribbled down by co-writer Gordie Sampson, with James helping to craft the story of a woman who recommits to her faith after a near-death experience on a highway.
James initially 'didn't think that much' of the song, but it became Underwood's first number one country single and earned Grammys for both Underwood and the songwriters.
James later reflected on the song's impact: 'I tell you what's crazy is how many people have that story of driving in a car and almost crashing, or feeling like they were pulled out by an angel. I've heard that story multiple times, like, 'I had that happen to me.' It's interesting that it really touched a nerve'.
The song's success opened doors to collaborations with country music's biggest names.
Source: Entertainment Tonight / Youtube.
Artists who recorded his songs include Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Nick Jonas and Meghan Trainor, with additional hits including 'Cowboy Casanova' by Underwood, 'Out Last Night' by Chesney, and 'Summer Nights' by Rascal Flatts.
Beyond country boundaries
James' influence extended beyond country music, including co-writing two songs on Chicago's 30th studio album, which was produced in Nashville following a 15-year studio hiatus for the band. Even Taylor Swift recorded 'A Perfectly Good Heart,' which she co-wrote with James for her debut 2006 album.
Brett James' songwriting legacy
- Credited with over 500 recorded songs and 27 No. 1 hits
- Won 2006 Grammy for Best Country Song for 'Jesus Take the Wheel'
- Founded and ran Cornman Music publishing company
- Served on boards of Country Music Association and as Recording Academy trustee
- Advocated globally for songwriters' intellectual property rights and served as longtime NSAI board member
A community in mourning
The tributes from Nashville's music community paint a picture of a man who was as generous with his time as he was with his talent.
Nashville Songwriters Association International Director Bart Herbison described James as more than just a songwriter—he was a patient mentor to up-and-coming artists who fought for musician rights and fair pay.
'The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words,' Carrie Underwood wrote in her Instagram tribute, adding 'I'll see you again someday'.
Country musician Dierks Bentley, who worked with James on 'I Hold On,' called him 'one of the best singer-songwriters in our town... total legend', while Jason Aldean posted: 'I had nothing but love and respect for that guy and he helped change my life'.
The crash details
The Cirrus SR22T aircraft crashed in a field in Franklin around 3 p.m. on Thursday, with the field adjacent to the Macon County Airport. The National Transport Safety Board is investigating the crash, with pictures from the scene showing the plane's tail registration number N218VB—a plane registered to Brett Cornelius.
The FAA confirmed that the plane was registered to James under his legal name, Brett James Cornelius, though it remains unclear whether he was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash.
A lasting legacy
Mark Ford, executive director of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, captured the magnitude of the loss: 'He was a kind, giving, delightful soul. We join Brett's family and our entire industry in mourning not only his untimely passing but also the songs that he had left to write'.
James once said in interviews that his goal was always to write songs that connected with people on an emotional level [30] - a mission he accomplished countless times over his three-decade career.
What This Means For You
For country music fans worldwide, including here in Australia, Brett James' songs will continue to soundtrack life's most meaningful moments, from Sunday drives to moments of faith and reflection.
What's your favourite Brett James song, and do you have any memories tied to his music? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Original Article
https://7news.com.au/news/grammy-winning-country-star-brett-james-dies-in-plane-crash-c-20084879
Brett James, ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ songwriter, dies in North Carolina plane crash
Cited text: Grammy-winning country songwriter Brett James, known for writing hits like "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and "When The Sun Goes Down," d...
Excerpt: James, 57, was killed when his small aircraft crashed in Franklin, North Carolina, on Thursday afternoon, with authorities confirming there were no survivors
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainme...el-songwriter-dies-north-carolina-plane-crash
Jesus, Take The Wheel songwriter Brett James dies in plane crash | CBC News
Cited text: Grammy award-winning country songwriter Brett James, whose string of top hits includes Jesus, Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood and When the Sun Goes...
Excerpt: James, 57, was killed when his small aircraft crashed in Franklin, North Carolina, on Thursday afternoon, with authorities confirming there were no survivors
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainme...ter-brett-james-dies-in-plane-crash-1.7638600
Jesus, Take The Wheel songwriter Brett James dies in plane crash | CBC News
Cited text: The other two people on the plane were Melody Carole and Meryl Maxwell Wilson, the patrol said. The plane had taken off from John C. Tune Airport in N...
Excerpt: The other victims were his wife Melody Carole Wilson and her daughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson, with the plane having taken off from John C.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainme...ter-brett-james-dies-in-plane-crash-1.7638600
Jesus, Take The Wheel songwriter Brett James dies in plane crash | CBC News
Cited text: Jesus, Take the Wheel, which he co-wrote along with Hillary Lindsey and Canadian Gordie Sampson for Underwood, earned the 2006 Grammy for best country...
Excerpt: The Oklahoma City native co-wrote 'Jesus, Take the Wheel' for Carrie Underwood, which earned the 2006 Grammy for best country song, and had more than 500 of his songs recorded, appearing on albums with combined sales of more than 110…
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainme...ter-brett-james-dies-in-plane-crash-1.7638600
Jesus, Take The Wheel songwriter Brett James dies in plane crash | CBC News
Cited text: A native of Oklahoma City, James left medical school to pursue a musical career in Nashville, according his biography on the Hall of Fame's site.
Excerpt: James' path to Nashville fame began unconventionally—the native of Oklahoma City left medical school to pursue a musical career in Nashville
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainme...ter-brett-james-dies-in-plane-crash-1.7638600
Brett James, songwriter of 'Jesus, Take The Wheel,' confirmed dead in plane crash
Cited text: Originally from Oklahoma City, James dropped out of medical school to pursue his passion for music. After his first solo album and subsequent releases...
Excerpt: Originally from Oklahoma City, James dropped out of medical school to pursue his passion for music, though after his first solo releases failed to chart, he briefly returned to medical school
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-new...eel-many-hits-feared-dead-plane-cr-rcna232358
'Jesus Take the Wheel' Songwriter Brett James Dead in Plane Crash
Cited text: In 2001, “Who I Am,” performed by Jessica Andrews, became his first country chart-topper.
Excerpt: His persistence paid off when 'Who I Am,' performed by Jessica Andrews, became his first country chart-topper in 2001
https://variety.com/2025/music/news...iter-brett-james-dead-plane-crash-1236524379/
Brett James Dead: Award-Winning Songwriter Dies in Plane Crash—Newsweek
Cited text: James was a pillar of Nashville's songwriting community, credited with over 500 songs recorded during his career and 27 No. 1 hits, according to Music...
Excerpt: Over 500 songs recorded during his career and 27 No. 1 hits
https://www.newsweek.com/brett-james-dead-plane-crash-north-carolina-2132273
Jesus, Take The Wheel songwriter Brett James dies in plane crash | CBC News
Cited text: James had more than 500 of his songs recorded, for albums with combined sales of more than 110 million copies, according to his Grand Ole Opry biograp...
Excerpt: Albums featuring his songs: combined sales of more than 110 million copies
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainme...ter-brett-james-dies-in-plane-crash-1.7638600
Jesus, Take The Wheel songwriter Brett James dies in plane crash | CBC News
Cited text: Quebec singer and Harmonium frontman Serge Fiori dies at 73 · James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.
Excerpt: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee: 2020
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainme...ter-brett-james-dies-in-plane-crash-1.7638600
Brett James, songwriter, dies in plane crash: Reports
Cited text: James, who also collaborated with Taylor Swift and Bon Jovi, was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year in 2006 and 2010.
Excerpt: ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year: 2006 and 2010
https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/southeast/songwriter-brett-james-dies-in-nc-plane-crash/
Brett James, Grammy-winning ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ songwriter, dies in North Carolina plane crash | CNN
Cited text: ... “She debuted it on the CMA Awards, and it turned into something special for all of us,” James told The Tennessean in 2020. Starting as nothing but...
Excerpt: 'Jesus, Take the Wheel' started as nothing more than a title scribbled down by co-writer Gordie Sampson, with James helping to craft the story of a woman who recommits to her faith after a near-death experience on a highway
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/19/entertainment/brett-james-death-plane-crash-hnk
Brett James, Grammy-winning ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ songwriter, dies in North Carolina plane crash | CNN
Cited text: James admitted he “didn’t think that much” of the song at first, but it became Underwood’s first number one country single and earned Grammys for both...
Excerpt: James initially 'didn't think that much' of the song, but it became Underwood's first number one country single and earned Grammys for both Underwood and the songwriters
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/19/entertainment/brett-james-death-plane-crash-hnk
Brett James, Grammy-winning ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ songwriter, dies in North Carolina plane crash | CNN
Cited text: “I tell you what’s crazy is how many people have that story of driving in a car and almost crashing, or feeling like they were pulled out by an angel,...
Excerpt: James later reflected on the song's impact: 'I tell you what's crazy is how many people have that story of driving in a car and almost crashing, or feeling like they were pulled out by an angel.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/19/entertainment/brett-james-death-plane-crash-hnk
Jesus, Take The Wheel songwriter Brett James dies in plane crash | CBC News
Cited text: Other artists who sang his songs include Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Nick Jonas and Meghan Trainor. Additional hits include C...
Excerpt: Artists who recorded his songs include Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Nick Jonas and Meghan Trainor, with additional hits including 'Cowboy Casanova' by Underwood, 'Out Last Night' by Chesney, and 'Summer Nights' by…
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainme...ter-brett-james-dies-in-plane-crash-1.7638600
Brett James, Grammy-winning ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ songwriter, dies in North Carolina plane crash | CNN
Cited text: James’ influence went beyond country music. He cowrote two songs on Chicago’s 30th studio album, which was produced in Nashville by Jay DeMarcus of Ra...
Excerpt: James' influence extended beyond country music, including co-writing two songs on Chicago's 30th studio album, which was produced in Nashville following a 15-year studio hiatus for the band
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/19/entertainment/brett-james-death-plane-crash-hnk
Brett James Dies In North Carolina Plane Crash: Grammy-Winning “Jesus, Take The Wheel” Songwriter For Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift & Others Was 57
Cited text: Thank you for your unforgettable music.” · Taylor Swift recorded the song “A Perfectly Good Heart,” which she co-wrote with James and Troy Verges, for...
Excerpt: Even Taylor Swift recorded 'A Perfectly Good Heart,' which she co-wrote with James for her debut 2006 album
https://deadline.com/2025/09/brett-james-dead-1236549242/
'Jesus Take the Wheel' Songwriter Brett James Dead in Plane Crash
Cited text: In 2006, “Jesus Take the Wheel,” which he wrote with Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson, earned the 2006 Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as the ...
Excerpt: Won 2006 Grammy for Best Country Song for 'Jesus Take the Wheel'
https://variety.com/2025/music/news...iter-brett-james-dead-plane-crash-1236524379/
Brett James Dead: Award-Winning Songwriter Dies in Plane Crash—Newsweek
Cited text: James was also an active producer and the owner and CEO of Cornman Music, a publishing company based in Nashville.
Excerpt: Founded and ran Cornman Music publishing company
https://www.newsweek.com/brett-james-dead-plane-crash-north-carolina-2132273
Brett James, Grammy-winning ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ songwriter, dies in North Carolina plane crash | CNN
Cited text: He also owned the publishing company Cornman Music and served on the board of the Country Music Association and as a national trustee of The Recording...
Excerpt: Served on boards of Country Music Association and as Recording Academy trustee
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/19/entertainment/brett-james-death-plane-crash-hnk
Songwriter Brett James, wife and stepdaughter die in plane crash
Cited text: He represented the Nashville songwriting community all over the world, performing his hits as well as educating fans and lawmakers about the threats t...
Excerpt: Advocated globally for songwriters' intellectual property rights and served as longtime NSAI board member
https://www.newschannel5.com/news/b...ll-of-fame-inductee-dies-in-plane-crash-at-57
Songwriter Brett James, wife and stepdaughter die in plane crash
Cited text: Another friend, Nashville Songwriters Association International Director Bart Herbison, says Brett was more than just a songwriter. He was a patient m...
Excerpt: Nashville Songwriters Association International Director Bart Herbison described James as more than just a songwriter—he was a patient mentor to up-and-coming artists who fought for musician rights and fair pay
https://www.newschannel5.com/news/b...ll-of-fame-inductee-dies-in-plane-crash-at-57
Brett James Dies In North Carolina Plane Crash: Grammy-Winning “Jesus, Take The Wheel” Songwriter For Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift & Others Was 57
Cited text: “The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words,” Underwood wrote in a touching tribute on Inst...
Excerpt: 'The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words,' Carrie Underwood wrote in her Instagram tribute, adding 'I'll see you again someday'
https://deadline.com/2025/09/brett-james-dead-1236549242/
Brett James, Grammy-winning ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ songwriter, dies in North Carolina plane crash | CNN
Cited text: One of the best singer-songwriters in our town….total legend,” country musician Dierks Bentley wrote on Instagram.
Excerpt: Country musician Dierks Bentley, who worked with James on 'I Hold On,' called him 'one of the best singer-songwriters in our town... total legend'
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/19/entertainment/brett-james-death-plane-crash-hnk
Jesus, Take The Wheel songwriter Brett James dies in plane crash | CBC News
Cited text: 'Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my friend Brett James tonight,' country singer Jason Aldean posted on X. VideoRenowned Montreal jazz drummer Norma...
Excerpt: Jason Aldean posted: 'I had nothing but love and respect for that guy and he helped change my life'
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainme...ter-brett-james-dies-in-plane-crash-1.7638600
Songwriter Brett James among 3 killed in small plane crash in North Carolina—ABC News
Cited text: A Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field in Franklin around 3 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The field was adjacent to t...
Excerpt: The Cirrus SR22T aircraft crashed in a field in Franklin around 3 p.m. on Thursday, with the field adjacent to the Macon County Airport
https://abcnews.go.com/US/songwriter-brett-james-3-killed-small-plane-crash/story?id=125727543
Brett James, songwriter of 'Jesus, Take The Wheel,' confirmed dead in plane crash
Cited text: The National Transport Safety Board is investigating the crash. Pictures from the scene broadcast by local TV stations showed the plane’s tail registr...
Excerpt: The National Transport Safety Board is investigating the crash, with pictures from the scene showing the plane's tail registration number N218VB—a plane registered to Brett Cornelius
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-new...eel-many-hits-feared-dead-plane-cr-rcna232358
Brett James, ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ songwriter, dies in North Carolina plane crash
Cited text: The FAA confirmed that the plane was registered to James under his legal name, Brett James Cornelius. It's unclear whether he was piloting the aircraf...
Excerpt: The FAA confirmed that the plane was registered to James under his legal name, Brett James Cornelius, though it remains unclear whether he was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainme...el-songwriter-dies-north-carolina-plane-crash
Brett James, Grammy-winning ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ songwriter, dies in North Carolina plane crash | CNN
Cited text: “He was a kind, giving, delightful soul,” Mark Ford, executive director of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, said in a statement. “We join Bret...
Excerpt: Mark Ford, executive director of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, captured the magnitude of the loss: 'He was a kind, giving, delightful soul.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/19/entertainment/brett-james-death-plane-crash-hnk
Songwriter Brett James, wife and stepdaughter die in plane crash
Cited text: James said in previous interviews that his goal was always to write songs that connected with people on an emotional level.
Excerpt: James once said in interviews that his goal was always to write songs that connected with people on an emotional level
https://www.newschannel5.com/news/b...ll-of-fame-inductee-dies-in-plane-crash-at-57
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