Tragic Plane Crash Claims Life of Brett James
Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, a 2020 Hall of Fame inductee, died in a small-engine plane crash near a school in North Carolina on September 18, 2025. James, 57, was one of three victims. Flight data shows the single-engine plane had departed from Nashville.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame confirmed the news on Instagram:
“We mourn the untimely loss of Hall of Fame member Brett James (‘Jesus, Take The Wheel’ / ‘When The Sun Goes Down’).”
Authorities, including the FAA and NTSB, are investigating the incident. The Macon County Sheriff’s Office reassured the public: students and staff at nearby Iotla School were unharmed.
A Legendary Songwriting Career
James carved a place among Nashville’s giants with a career spanning decades and genres. He co-wrote hits like “Mr. Know It All” for Kelly Clarkson, “Love You Out Loud” for Rascal Flatts, and “When the Sun Goes Down” for Kenny Chesney. He even collaborated with a young Taylor Swift on “A Perfectly Good Heart,” helping pioneer the country-pop crossover of the 2000s and 2010s.
But his defining work came with Carrie Underwood. The 2005 hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel” won a Grammy for Best Country Song and launched Underwood’s post–American Idol superstardom.
“She debuted it on the CMA Awards and it turned into something special for all of us,” James recalled.
Brett James at the Grammy U Fall Kick-Off event on October 8, 2013, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images
From Setbacks to Success
Before success, James pursued medicine. He attended med school but left when offered a record deal in Nashville. He struggled as a recording artist for seven years, facing career setbacks and lost record deals.
Fatherhood changed his perspective. “At some point, you look at your babies and go, ‘I got to feed these kids. It doesn’t matter how,’” James said. Returning to med school at 30 gave him security, but music eventually called him back—and success followed.
A Life Beyond Music
James is survived by four children—three sons and one daughter—and his wife, Melody Carole, whom he married in August 2021. In one of his last Instagram posts, he celebrated Father’s Day with his family:
“Such an amazing Father’s Day!!”
He protected their privacy but occasionally shared lessons learned from fatherhood.
Legacy of a Songwriter
Brett James’ life was more than hits and awards. Behind every lyric was a father, a husband, and a dreamer who refused to give up. His music shaped the careers of some of country music’s biggest stars.
Rest in peace, Brett James. The world may have lost a songwriter, but heaven gained a storyteller.