Brett James, a Grammy-winning songwriter and 2020 Hall of Fame inductee, sadly passed away in a small-engine plane crash close to a school in North Carolina on September 18, 2025. He was 57 years old. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame shared the news on Instagram on September 19, expressing their sorrow over the loss of a legendary figure in country music. The crash took the lives of three people, including James, who was the owner of the plane. Flight data indicated that the single-engine aircraft had taken off from Nashville.
Investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are still in progress. James was famous for co-writing the hit song “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which won him a Grammy for Best Country Song. His career lasted for decades and crossed various genres, making him a respected name in Nashville's music scene. He also co-wrote popular songs like Kelly Clarkson's “Mr. Know It All,” Rascal Flatts' “Love You Out Loud,” Kenny Chesney's “When the Sun Goes Down,” and Taylor Swift's early hit “A Perfectly Good Heart.”
These songs played a big role in shaping the country-pop crossover trend during the 2000s and 2010s. His work with Carrie Underwood on “Jesus, Take the Wheel” was a key moment in both of their careers. James remembered how right after they wrote the song, Carrie won “American Idol” and started her journey as a country artist. The song's first performance at the CMA Awards made it a timeless anthem. James and Underwood kept a strong creative partnership for over ten years, with James calling her both a blessing and a good friend.
Before he became a successful songwriter, James first tried to be a doctor. He spent a few years in medical school, but then he got a record deal in Nashville. For about seven years, he had a tough time as a recording artist. Feeling like he was failing, he thought about going back to medical school to help his family. But in the end, his hard work in music really paid off.
James often talked about how becoming a dad changed how he saw things. He had four kids—three boys and one girl—and he loved being a father. Even though he kept his family life mostly private, he opened up about some personal moments, like a talk with his daughter about being imperfect and accepting that.
James was married to Melody Carole, and they got married in August 2021. One of the last things he shared publicly was a happy Father's Day picture of his family, showing a moment filled with love and joy.
Brett James's life was full of talent, strength, and a strong commitment to his family and his music. Even though he left us too soon, his story and songs will always be remembered.
