Country Music Songwriter Brett James Dies in Plane Crash at 57

Brett James, a prominent country singer and songwriter, tragically died in a small plane crash on September 18, 2025, near Franklin, North Carolina. He was 57 years old. Although he released one solo album in the 1990s, James was best known for his behind-the-scenes work as a songwriter for many country music hits. His most famous contribution was co-writing ‘Jesus, Take The Wheel’ by Carrie Underwood, which won two Grammy Awards in 2007. James’s career spanned collaborations with stars like Billy Ray Cyrus, Kenny Chesney, and Martina McBride. His work on Jessica Andrews’s ‘Who I Am’ also earned him his first number-one hit in 2001. The crash, involving three people and a plane registered in James’s name, is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. Tributes have poured in from across the country music community, with many describing him as a talented and revered songwriter. His legacy includes multiple accolades, including the Academy of Country Music’s Single of the Year and ASCAP’s Country Song of the Year. Music industry leaders and artists, including Sara Evans, expressed their deep sorrow over his untimely passing.