Brett James, Grammy-Winning Songwriter Behind “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” Dies in North Carolina Plane Crash at 57
The music world is mourning the loss of Brett James, one of Nashville’s most successful and beloved songwriters, who died in a tragic plane crash on September 18, 2025. He was 57.
James was piloting a small aircraft, a Cirrus SR22T, when it went down in a remote area near Franklin, North Carolina. Also on board were his wife, Melody Carole, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson. All three were killed in the crash. No one on the ground was injured. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the cause.
Born Brett James Cornelius in Oklahoma, he originally pursued a career in medicine before shifting gears toward songwriting and the music industry. What followed was a decades-long career that would leave an indelible mark on country and pop music alike.
James rose to prominence in the early 2000s and achieved widespread acclaim for co-writing “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” Carrie Underwood’s 2005 breakout hit. The song became a cultural touchstone, earned Underwood her first Grammy Award, and secured James a place among Nashville’s songwriting elite. Over the years, he wrote or co-wrote more than 500 recorded songs, with over 25 No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts.
His songwriting credits read like a who’s who of country music: Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and many more have all recorded his work. Beyond country, James also worked with pop and rock artists, further showcasing his versatile lyrical voice and melodic sensibility.
Throughout his career, James was recognized not just for his immense talent, but for his warmth, generosity, and collaborative spirit. He was known among peers as a “songwriter’s songwriter,” someone who brought out the best in others while staying grounded in his love for music and storytelling.
News of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the music industry. Carrie Underwood, who worked closely with James on several projects, posted an emotional tribute on social media, writing: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Brett. ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ changed both of our lives. Love you, man.”
Others echoed her sentiment, remembering James not just for his chart-topping success, but for the deep emotional resonance of his songs. Fans shared stories of how his lyrics served as the soundtrack to weddings, breakups, road trips, and life’s most meaningful moments.
In addition to his songwriting, James was also active in mentoring young artists and writers, and he served on the board of the Country Music Association. He believed deeply in nurturing the next generation of storytellers.
Brett James leaves behind a legacy of music that will endure for decades to come — a body of work defined by heart, honesty, and humanity. He is survived by his two sons from a previous marriage.
His voice may be gone, but his words live on in the songs we sing.
