Brett James Dies in Plane Crash at 55 | Music World Mourns

Brett James, a Grammy Award-winning songwriter who influenced country music and pop as a songwriter for more than two decades, died at the age of 55 when a plane he was on crashed. Authorities confirmed his death Thursday evening, which rocked not only the Nashville music community but the music world in general.

James was a passenger on a small private plane that crashed shortly after takeoff in Tennessee. Emergency service agencies responded swiftly, but first responders were unable to save him. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are working to determine why the plane crashed, but no other passengers were on board.

A Songwriting Career That Defined an Era

Brett James was recognized as one of the most revered songwriters in modern country music. He was the writer of many hits for some of the most significant major stars in the format, including Carrie Underwood's text to the song, "Jesus, Take the Wheel," which won a Grammy Award and has been a defining song in country music in the 2000's. James also wrote songs that are significant in the careers of Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride and Kenny Chesney.

James' music career reached far beyond Nashville, writing songs with pop artists like Kelly Clarkson, carrying the gift and power of his writing to legions of fans and listeners who never identified themselves as fans of country music. James had an innate ability to pen and sing heartbreaking tales paired with instantly catchy hooks, creating songs that would evoke an emotional reaction and connect to millions of people.

But more than the music and chart placements, he was a mentor to countless aspiring songwriters, and his peers described him as being selfless and deriving pleasure from helping younger aspiring songwriters and artists develop their talents. His reach traversed generations as he would help provide a palette for what American music would sound like for a long time.

Tributes From Across the Music World

When word of his passing began to spread, social media exploded with messages from friends, fellow artists, and fans. Carrie Underwood, an artist of one of James' songs commented, "the true legend, and his songs and words will live on forever." Many other peers, contemporaries and other country artists echoed Carrie's sentiments not just on his genius lyrically, but also through his generosity, kindness, humility and approach to life itself..

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), a professional association advocating for creativity and collaboration in songwriting, and promoting the sense of community, honored James as "a cornerstone of country music, and as a bright light to songwriters everywhere." Social media was flooded with both fans and fans of country music reflecting and attributing to James a moment in their life connected to a song by him.

His passing is a tremendous loss for Nashville, where he spent most of his career cultivating relationships within the music community. Many anticipate a public memorial will be announced in the coming weeks to celebrate his legacy, but no official arrangements have been released.

BREAKING NEWS: Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, known for hits like “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” died in a North Carolina plane crash near an elementary school earlier today, along with two other passengers. https://t.co/ZsI8NuPx42 pic.twitter.com/etj5ll9oob

— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) September 19, 2025

Remembering Brett James

Brett James' career was not solely marked by commercial achievements, but also by a dedication to his craft and the people around him. His ability to create emotion in music created a foothold into his story-telling style and earned him recognition in both country and pop music as one of the great songwriters of our generation.

At age 55, he was taken way too soon, but his songs provide a timeless legacy. His work, from Grammy-winning songs to the unexplained number of songs which became fan favorites, now adds to the soundscape of today's music. In reflection, Brett James will be recognized not only by his gift of song but for inspiring faith in music for many before and after him.

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