Grammy-Winning Songwriter Brett James Dies in North Carolina Plane Crash
Celebrated Nashville Hitmaker Killed Along With Two Others
Brett James, the Grammy-winning songwriter behind some of the biggest hits in country and pop music, has died in a plane crash in North Carolina. He was 57.
Authorities said James was one of three people aboard a single-engine Cirrus SR22T when it went down “under unknown circumstances” in a wooded area near Macon County Airport. All three were killed. Flight tracking data show the plane departed from an airport in Nashville before the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the accident. Officials have not released the identities of the two other victims pending notification of families.
A Defining Voice in Nashville Songwriting
James was best known for co-writing Carrie Underwood’s 2005 breakout hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” a song that earned him a Grammy Award for Best Country Song and helped launch Underwood’s career. The track also received a nomination for Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
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Beyond that signature hit, James wrote songs recorded by artists including Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Bon Jovi, Jason Aldean and dozens more. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020 and named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year twice, in 2006 and 2010. Over his career, he penned more than 500 songs across genres, cementing his reputation as one of Nashville’s most prolific and versatile writers.
Brett James, the Grammy-winning songwriter behind some of the biggest hits in country and pop music, has died in a plane crash in North Carolina. He was 57.https://t.co/zdJIfVxUDb#BrettJames #GRAMMYs #daynewstv pic.twitter.com/RsBwU7nJOD
— DayNews.tv (@daynewstv) September 20, 2025
Tributes from Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean
Reacting to his death, Carrie Underwood called the loss “just unfathomable.” In a heartfelt message, she said James was “the epitome of cool” and that she would never again sing the songs they wrote together without thinking of him. “His passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear won’t ever go away,” she added.
Country star Jason Aldean, who recorded “The Truth,” written by James, said he was “heartbroken” over the news. “I had nothing but love and respect for that guy and he helped change my life,” Aldean wrote. “Honored to have met him and worked with him. Thoughts and prayers going out to his family.”
Paul Williams, president of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), praised James as “a songwriting force of nature” who “wrote big hits but had an even bigger heart.”
Legacy That Transcended Genres
James’ career spanned more than two decades, cutting across country, pop, and rock. In addition to his Grammy win, he received multiple industry honors and co-wrote chart-topping singles for a range of artists. His colleagues often described him as generous with his time, mentoring younger songwriters and helping shape Nashville’s creative community.
His ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with memorable melodies made him a sought-after collaborator in both Nashville and Los Angeles. The songs he co-wrote often became signature tracks for the artists who recorded them, amplifying their careers as well as his own.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the crash remains unknown. The NTSB said it will examine weather conditions, pilot records, and maintenance logs as part of its inquiry. A preliminary report is expected within weeks, but a full investigation could take months.
Fans and fellow musicians have flooded social media with condolences, sharing memories of James’ kindness, humor, and musical brilliance. While the investigation proceeds, Nashville’s songwriting community is already mourning a man many considered a friend as well as a creative force.
Brett James’ death marks the sudden loss of one of American music’s most accomplished and respected songwriters. His work will continue to resonate with audiences long after this tragedy.
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