Brett James, the Grammy-winning songwriter of hundreds of popular tunes, was killed in a plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina, on September 18. An announcement on the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Facebook page stated, "We mourn the untimely loss of Hall of Fame member Brett James ('Jesus, Take the Wheel" / "When The Sun Goes down"), a 2020 inductee who was killed in a small-engine airplane crash on Sept. 18. He was 57."
Videos by Wide Open Country
The aircraft went down in a field near the Iotla Valley elementary school on Thursday afternoon. Two others who were on board were also killed. In a Facebook post from the Macon County Sheriff's Office, assurances were given that everyone in that facility was alright. The post read, "To the parents that have children that attend Iotla school. The students, and staff are safe. There was an airplane accident on the neighboring property. Again all students and staff are safe."
James Had an Amazing Career
Per the outlet, "James was a pillar of Nashville's songwriting community, credited with over 500 songs recorded during his career and 27 No. 1 hits, according to Music Row. His music shaped the careers of several country superstars and contributed to defining moments in 21st-century country music."
Among the country music stars he wrote for were Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, and Martina McBride.
He Spoke About Co-Writing a Major Carrie Underwood Hit
Per The Tennessean via Story Behind the Song, James discussed "Jesus, Take the Wheel," which was on Underwood's successful debut album, Some Hearts. It was a co-write by James, Gordie Sampson, and Hilary Lindsey.
James said, "It turned into something special for all of us, and I think it's still special to Carrie. I've been so blessed by her over the years. He co-wrote other tracks for the American Idol champ, such as "Cowboy Casanova," "Game On," and "Love Wins."
He added, "The right song meets the perfect voice, which is Carrie's. Put it together with this megaphone [radio], and all of a sudden you really have something that changes the world a little bit."
