Brett James, a Grammy Award-winning country music songwriter, passed away in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday.
James, 57, was the songwriter behind iconic country hits like “Jesus Take the Wheel” and “When the Sun Goes Down.”
The National Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee was one of three people killed in the single-engine airplane crash.
Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, 57, among 3 dead in North Carolina plane crash: ‘Total legend’ https://t.co/oaCe1Tk2Na pic.twitter.com/oYi3ZyVg9Q
— New York Post (@nypost) September 19, 2025
NewsChannel5 shared additional details:
The National Songwriters Hall of Fame announced James’ death, confirming he was killed in the aircraft accident. Details about the crash remain limited as authorities continue their investigation.
James was renowned for penning some of country music’s biggest hits, including Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel” and Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down.” His songwriting prowess earned him recognition as one of Nashville’s most talented writers.
“Jesus Take the Wheel” became a defining moment in Underwood’s career, earning multiple Grammy nominations and becoming a crossover hit that resonated with audiences beyond country music. The song’s success helped establish James as a premier songwriter in the industry.
James said in previous interviews that his goal was always to write songs that connected with people on an emotional level.
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
More from the New York Post:
He wrote a total of 27 number-one hits on country radio.
Underwood’s “Jesus Take The Wheel” won Best Country song at the 49th Grammy Awards in 2007. The song had also been nominated for Song of the Year.
James, who was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020, also penned Dierks Bentley’s smash 2013 hit “I Hold On.”
ADVERTISEMENTBentley mourned James’ death on Thursday night, describing the Missouri-born songwriter as “a total legend.”
“Rest in peace pal,” Bentley said. Total stud. Fellow aviator. One of the best singer-songwriters in our town….total legend.”
Bentley credited James for fine-tuning his concept of the song, which was written in the aftermath of the country superstar’s dad’s death.
Additional coverage below:
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!