‘Jesus Take the Wheel’ songwriter Brett James dies in N.C. plane crash

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Country music songwriter Brett James, known for writing songs for artists like Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, and Jason Aldean, tragically died in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday. He was 57 years old.

I’m reporting on a tragic plane crash that occurred Thursday afternoon in Franklin, North Carolina. The Federal Aviation Administration’s initial report states a Cirrus SR22T went down in a field around 3 p.m. local time. Sadly, authorities have confirmed there were three people on board, and none of them survived the impact. It’s a truly heartbreaking situation.

Entertainment & Arts

Okay, so Carrie Underwood’s fall last November was apparently much more serious than she let on. I’ve been hearing reports – and seeing photos – that she actually suffered a facial injury, and honestly, it’s noticeable. She’s said herself she doesn’t look exactly the same, and I can confirm that’s true. It’s a significant change, and while she’s incredibly brave to be so open about it, it’s definitely something fans will notice.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that songwriter Brett James Cornelius owned the plane that crashed. It’s currently unknown if he was flying the aircraft when the crash occurred, which the FAA is investigating. Authorities have also confirmed that Cornelius, along with his wife, Melody Carole, and Carole’s daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, were all on board. Wilson had recently celebrated her birthday, as shared in a post on Carole’s Instagram.

The plane departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, and authorities – the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board – are looking into the cause of the crash.

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame announced the passing of Brett James on Thursday. James, a member of the Hall of Fame known for co-writing hits like ‘Jesus Take The Wheel’ and ‘When the Sun Goes Down,’ died in a plane crash on September 18th. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.

James, born on June 5, 1968, is famous for co-writing Carrie Underwood’s 2005 hit song, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Along with Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson, he helped launch Underwood’s career with the ballad, which earned a Grammy Award in 2007 and was named ASCAP’s Country Song of the Year in 2006.

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Jason Aldean’s song ‘Try That in a Small Town’ reached the top of the charts even though it sparked controversy and accusations of racism. He’s now releasing a new album and remains defiant about the song.

Originally from Missouri, this musician started his career in the early 1990s when he decided to leave medical school. He initially signed a solo record deal with Career Records, which was part of Arista Nashville. However, he ultimately found success writing songs for popular country artists like Kenny Chesney, Billy Ray Cyrus, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts, and Tim McGraw.

Rascal Flatts shared on Instagram Friday that a talented songwriter and wonderful person had passed away. He wrote hits like ‘Summer Nights’ and ‘Love You Out Loud,’ as well as many other songs fans know and love. They said he would be deeply missed.

During his concert in Lincoln, Nebraska, Aldean honored James by performing their song, “The Truth.” He shared on social media that he had “nothing but love and respect” for James and credited him with positively impacting his life.

James is a successful songwriter behind hits for artists like Cheney and Uncle Kracker (“When the Sun Goes Down”), Underwood (“Cowboy Casanova”), and Rodney Atkins (“It’s America”). He also released his own music, including a 1995 album and a 2020 EP called “I Am Now.” He was recognized for his songwriting talent twice by ASCAP, winning their Country Songwriter of the Year award in both 2006 and 2010.

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2025-09-19 21:32