Brett James, songwriter of “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” dies in plane crash

Overview

Brett James, a Grammy-winning songwriter renowned for his work in country music, tragically died in a plane crash on Thursday at the age of 57. His contributions to the music industry included hit songs like Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”

Details of the Incident

Crash Information: The plane, registered under James’ legal name, Brett Cornelius, crashed around 3 p.m. in a field in Franklin, North Carolina, approximately 270 miles southeast of Nashville.
Casualties: All three individuals aboard, including the pilot and two passengers, perished in the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the incident.
Flight Details: The aircraft took off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville and crashed near Iotla Valley Elementary School.

Career Highlights

Songwriting Achievements: James collaborated with numerous high-profile artists including Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, and Keith Urban. He co-wrote Kenny Chesney’s “Out Last Night” and had over 500 songs recorded, contributing to albums with total sales exceeding 110 million copies.
Recognition: He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020 and owned Cornman Music, a publishing company. He also served on the board of the Country Music Association and as a national trustee of The Recording Academy.

Personal Background

Early Life and Education: Initially on a pre-med track at Baylor University, James began playing guitar and later attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma. Despite early struggles in Nashville, he eventually found success as a songwriter.
Breakthrough: His significant breakthrough came in 2005 with “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which became Carrie Underwood’s first number one country single and won Grammy Awards for both Underwood and the songwriters.

Industry Impact and Tributes

Influence Beyond Country Music: James also contributed to Chicago’s 30th studio album, marking the band’s return after a long hiatus.
Tributes: Many in the music industry expressed their sorrow over his passing. Sara Evans, Dierks Bentley, and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers all shared heartfelt messages honoring his legacy and contributions.

Conclusion

Brett James’ untimely death marks a significant loss for the music community, where he was not only celebrated for his songwriting talent but also respected as a collaborator and advocate for fellow songwriters. The investigation into the plane crash is ongoing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.