A plane crash has claimed the life of a celebrated Grammy Award-winning singer. Brett James, aged 57, was one of the three individuals aboard a plane that tragically crashed into a field in North Carolina.
Renowned for his work as a songwriter collaborating with artists such as Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, and Bon Jovi, Brett earned a Grammy Award in 2007 for his contribution to Carrie’s hit song “Jesus Take The Wheel.”
The aircraft involved in the crash, a Cirrus SR22T, was registered under Brett’s name and had departed from Nashville, Tennessee. The incident occurred in Macon County at approximately 3 pm local time on Thursday, resulting in the loss of all passengers. The crash site was located in an open field near Iotla Valley Elementary School, with no injuries reported among the school’s students or staff.
The cause of the tragic crash remains unknown, prompting National Transportation Safety Board officials to initiate an investigation. Brett had a successful music career and was honored as a member of the National Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Initially starting as a solo artist with his debut album released in 1995, Brett transitioned to songwriting and notably contributed to Jessica Andrews’ chart-topping track “Who I Am” in 2001.
Throughout his career, he penned songs for various groups including The Backstreet Boys and The Fray, achieving 26 number one hits and several top 10 country tracks. Brett’s work on “Jesus Take The Wheel” garnered critical acclaim and accolades, including the SOCAN Song of the Year at the 2006 Canadian Country Music Awards and two Grammys for Carrie Underwood in 2007.
The song achieved chart-topping success on Billboard’s US Hot Country Songs and played a significant role in Carrie’s post-American Idol triumph. Tributes have flooded in for Brett following the devastating incident.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International expressed their shock, stating: “The NSAI family is deeply saddened by the loss of board member and legendary songwriter Brett James. The impact of this loss is profound.”
Among his notable works was Dierks Bentley’s hit song “I Hold On” in 2013, for which Dierks himself paid homage, recalling Brett’s talent and influence on their musical collaboration.
As the music community mourns the loss of a remarkable talent, Brett’s legacy as a gifted songwriter and musician continues to resonate within the industry.
