BRETT JAMES : GRAMMY WINNING SONGWRITER, PRODUCER, PERFORMER DIES IN PLANE CRASH AT 57

-

 Brett James: Grammy-winning songwriter dies in plane crash at 57

Brett James: The Hitmaker Behind the Music

Brett James, born Brett James Cornelius on June 5, 1968, in Columbia, Missouri, is one of the most accomplished and respected songwriters in modern country music. While he’s not always in the spotlight, his words and melodies have shaped the careers of some of the biggest stars in Nashville and beyond. With a career spanning more than two decades, James has built a legacy as a Grammy Award-winning songwriter, producer, and performer, penning chart-topping hits that resonate with both country fans and mainstream audiences.

What Happened

  • Brett James (real name Brett James Cornelius), aged 57, died in a plane crash on September 18, 2025, in western North Carolina. 

  • The aircraft was a Cirrus SR22T small plane that crashed into a field in Franklin, North Carolina, in the Iotla Valley area, adjacent to Iotla Valley Elementary School. 

  • There were three people on board; none survived. 

  • The plane had departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee. 

  • The crash occurred around 3 p.m. local time. 

  • Thankfully, although the crash was very near the elementary school, no students or staff were harmed. 

  • Authorities including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause. 

Reactions & Impact

  • The music community has been deeply shaken. Many country artists and peers have expressed grief. 

  • ASCAP said Brett was “a trusted collaborator to country’s greatest names” and “a true advocate for his fellow songwriters.” 

  • Dierks Bentley, among others, gave personal tributes, recalling their collaborations and the influence James had. 

What Is Still Unknown / Being Investigated

  • The precise cause of the crash has not yet been determined. The NTSB and FAA are looking into it. 

  • The identities of the other two individuals on board have not been publicly released yet. 

  • Why the plane crashed near the school (weather conditions, mechanical issue, human error, etc.) is under investigation. 

Breakthrough as aSongwriter

Brett James found his true calling in songwriting, and by the early 2000s, his songs were climbing the charts. His breakthrough came with “Jesus, Take the Wheel”, recorded by Carrie Underwood in 2005. The song was a massive hit, spending six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning him a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 2007.

This hit cemented James’ place as one of Nashville’s top songwriters, and from there, his career flourished.

Notable Hits Written by Brett James

Brett James has written more than 500 recorded songs and over 25 No. 1 singles. Some of his most famous works include:


  • “Jesus, Take the Wheel” – Carrie Underwood (Grammy-winning)

  • “Out Last Night” – Kenny Chesney

  • “When the Sun Goes Down” – Kenny Chesney & Uncle Kracker

  • “Cowboy Casanova” – Carrie Underwood

  • “The Truth” – Jason Aldean

  • “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck” – Kip Moore

  • “Who I Am” – Jessica Andrews

  • “Blessed” – Martina McBride

  • “It’s America” – Rodney Atkins

These songs showcase James’ versatility—he can write heartfelt ballads, uplifting anthems, and catchy party songs with equal mastery.

Collaborations and Influence

James has collaborated with an impressive list of artists, including Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Jason Aldean, and Rascal Flatts. His ability to connect with different voices and genres has made him one of the most sought-after songwriters in the industry.

Beyond writing, he has also worked as a producer and mentor, shaping the sound of modern country music and helping younger artists find their creative direction.

Awards and Recognition

Brett James’ contributions have not gone unnoticed. Among his many accolades:

  • Grammy Award for Best Country Song (“Jesus, Take the Wheel,” 2007)

  • Multiple ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards

  • Induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2020)

  • Over 500 songs recorded by major artists

  • More than 25 No. 1 Billboard country singles

Legacy and Impact

Brett James is often described as a songwriter’s songwriter—someone who understands not just how to write a hit, but how to tell a story that listeners feel in their bones. His ability to capture universal emotions with simple yet powerful lyrics has made him a cornerstone of country songwriting.

Even after decades in the business, James continues to inspire with his work ethic, creativity, and dedication to the craft. He represents the heartbeat of Nashville’s songwriting community, proving that even if you’re not always on stage, you can still be one of the most important voices in music.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HENRY GRAHAM GREENE (GRAHAM GREENE)

-
Image
Graham Greene : A Literary Master of Moral Complexity Introduction GRAHAM GREENE Few authors of the 20th century combined storytelling, moral inquiry, and political awareness as powerfully as Graham Greene . An English novelist, short story writer, journalist, critic, and screenwriter, Greene created works that transcended genres, blurring the boundaries between popular fiction and literary art. He wrote thrillers infused with suspense, but unlike typical detective novels, Greene’s stories grappled with profound issues of faith, doubt, betrayal, and human frailty . Over a career spanning six decades, Greene produced more than 25 novels, as well as plays, short stories, memoirs, and essays. His works ranged from Catholic-themed explorations of sin and redemption—dubbed his “Catholic novels”—to politically charged thrillers that dissected espionage, imperialism, and corruption. Novels such as The Power and the Glory , The Heart of the Matter , The End of the Affair , and Our Man in Ha...
Read more

BLACKPINK

-
Image
  BLACKPINK: The Global Queens of K-Pop BLACKPINK is one of the most iconic and influential girl groups in the world today. Known for their powerful performances, catchy music, and stylish visuals, BLACKPINK has broken countless records and has become a symbol of the global rise of K-pop. ~Who Is BLACKPINK? BLACKPINK is a South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment in 2016. The group consists of four talented members: Jisoo (Kim Ji-soo) – vocalist and visual Jennie (Kim Jennie) – rapper and vocalist Rosé (Park Chaeyoung) – main vocalist Lisa (Lalisa Manoban) – main dancer and rapper They officially debuted on August 8, 2016 with their single album Square One , which included the hit songs BOOMBAYAH and Whistle . Since then, BLACKPINK has skyrocketed to international fame. ~Musical Style and Success BLACKPINK’s music blends pop, hip-hop, EDM, and trap , creating a unique and energetic sound. Their songs are known for their bold lyrics, girl-crush ...
Read more

KRISTEN JAYMES STEWART

-
Image
Kristen Stewart : A Journey from Child Actress to Global Icon KRISTEN JAYMES STEWART ~ Introduction Kristen Stewart is one of the most versatile and talked-about actresses of the 21st century. From her early days as a child actress in Hollywood to becoming a household name through The Twilight Saga , Stewart has carved her own unique path in the entertainment industry. Over the years, she has shifted away from blockbuster franchises into more experimental and indie cinema, earning critical acclaim and even an Academy Award nomination. Beyond acting, she has also emerged as a cultural icon, celebrated for her bold fashion sense, candid personality, and unfiltered authenticity. In this article, we will explore Kristen Stewart’s remarkable journey, her struggles, her triumphs, and the way she has influenced the modern perception of celebrity. ~ Early Life and Career Beginnings AT AGE EIGHT - FIRST ROLE "THE THIRTEEN YEAR"(1999)   Kristen Jaymes Stewart was born on April 9,...
Read more