Nashville Songwriter Brett James Dies in North Carolina Plane Crash at 57

Nashville, TN – The music world is mourning the loss of one of its most prolific and beloved songwriters. Brett James, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for penning chart-topping hits like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” has reportedly died in a small plane crash in North Carolina. He was 57 years old.

James, whose full name was Brett James Cornelius, was among three individuals aboard a Cirrus SR22T aircraft that went down in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, North Carolina, on the afternoon of Thursday, September 18. According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were no survivors.

“A Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field in Franklin, North Carolina, around 3 p.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 18. Three people were on board,” the FAA said.
“The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate,” it added.

While PEOPLE magazine confirmed details of the incident with FAA sources, a response from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office was not immediately received.

A Tragic Day in Western North Carolina

The aircraft, reportedly registered to James under the name Brett Cornelius, had taken off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee. Flight data shows the plane was en route before it crashed under unknown circumstances in a rural area near the school. Authorities confirmed that the aircraft did not strike the school and that no injuries occurred on the ground.

The NTSB and FAA are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Local emergency responders arrived shortly after the incident, confirming the fatalities and securing the crash site. Details about the identities of the other two victims have not yet been publicly released.

Remembering Brett James: A Hitmaker and Music Industry Icon

Brett James was more than a behind-the-scenes figure in country music — he was a force who helped shape the sound of a generation. With a career spanning more than two decades, James penned 27 No. 1 country singles, contributing to the success of artists like Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, and Martina McBride, among many others.

His biggest and most enduring hit, “Jesus, Take the Wheel” — recorded by Carrie Underwood — earned a Grammy Award for Best Country Song and remains one of the most iconic country ballads of the 21st century. He also co-wrote “When the Sun Goes Down”, a summertime anthem made famous by Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker.

Other major songwriting credits include:

• “Who I Am” – Jessica Andrews

• “Cowboy Casanova” – Carrie Underwood

• “I Hold On” – Dierks Bentley

• “The Truth” – Jason Aldean

• “Blessed” – Martina McBride

His songwriting style combined emotional depth with commercial appeal, and he was revered not only for his musical talent but for his integrity, mentorship, and presence within the Nashville community.

An Honored Career and Lasting Legacy

Brett James’s impact on music did not go unnoticed by his peers. He was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year twice, in 2006 and 2010, and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.

Following news of his passing, the Hall of Fame released a statement on Facebook, remembering James as a gifted craftsman whose music changed lives.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of our friend and Hall of Fame inductee, Brett James,” the organization shared. “His words have touched millions and will continue to inspire for generations to come.”

James also served as a board member of the Country Music Association (CMA) and as a trustee for the Recording Academy, using his influence to advocate for fellow creators and to promote the future of the songwriting profession.

From Medicine to Music

Interestingly, James didn’t begin his adult life in music. He initially studied medicine at the University of Oklahoma, even attending medical school before making the courageous decision to follow his passion for songwriting. That leap of faith proved more than worthwhile — his decision to pursue music would result in a career that reshaped the country genre.

In 1995, he briefly performed as a solo artist, releasing a self-titled album via Career Records, a division of Arista Nashville. While the album saw modest chart success, James quickly found his true calling behind the scenes, where his writing could reach millions through the voices of the genre’s biggest stars.

A Sudden, Heartbreaking Loss

James’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through Nashville and beyond. Friends, colleagues, and artists he collaborated with have taken to social media to share condolences and memories. Many recalled his generosity, sense of humor, and unmatched dedication to his craft.

While the FAA and NTSB continue their investigation into the cause of the plane crash, one thing is certain: the music world has lost one of its brightest stars far too soon.

Brett James is survived by his family, including his wife and four children.

Final Notes

As Nashville continues to process the loss of a man who helped define an era in country music, tributes continue to pour in. Brett James leaves behind a legacy of music that will echo for decades — songs of heartbreak, hope, love, and faith — sung by the biggest voices in country music, written by a man who let the music speak for itself.