Brett James, Grammy Award-Winning Songwriter and Carrie Underwood Collaborator, Dies at 57
Brett James, a Grammy-winning songwriter and 2020 Hall of Fame inductee, tragically died in a small-engine plane crash near a school in North Carolina on September 18, 2025. He was 57 years old. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame confirmed the news via Instagram on September 19, mourning the loss of a legendary figure in country music. The crash claimed the lives of three people, including James, who owned the plane. Flight data showed the single-engine aircraft had departed from Nashville.
Investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are ongoing. James was well-known for co-writing the hit song “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which earned him a Grammy for Best Country Song. His career spanned decades and genres, making him a respected figure in Nashville’s music scene. He also co-wrote hits like Kelly Clarkson’s “Mr. Know It All,” Rascal Flatts’ “Love You Out Loud,” Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down,” and Taylor Swift’s early song “A Perfectly Good Heart.”
These songs helped shape the country-pop crossover trend of the 2000s and 2010s. His collaboration with Carrie Underwood on “Jesus, Take the Wheel” marked a defining moment in both their careers. James recalled how shortly after writing the song, Carrie won “American Idol” and launched her career as a country artist. The song’s debut at the CMA Awards turned it into a lasting anthem. James and Underwood maintained a strong creative partnership for over a decade, with James describing her as both a blessing and a good friend.
Before his songwriting success, James initially pursued a career in medicine. After a few years in medical school, he received a record deal in Nashville but struggled as a recording artist for about seven years. Feeling defeated, he considered returning to medical school to support his family. However, his persistence in music ultimately paid off.
James often spoke about how fatherhood changed his perspective. He had four children—three sons and one daughter—and cherished his role as a father. Despite keeping his family life private, he shared moments of vulnerability, like a conversation with his daughter about imperfection and acceptance.
James was married to Melody Carole, with whom he tied the knot in August 2021. One of his last public posts was a joyful Father’s Day photo of his family, capturing a moment of love and happiness.
Brett James’s life was marked by talent, resilience, and dedication to his family and craft. Though he passed too soon, his legacy as a storyteller and songwriter will live on.
Brett James, a Grammy-winning songwriter and 2020 Hall of Fame inductee, tragically died in a small-engine plane crash near a school in North Carolina on September 18, 2025. He was 57 years old. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame confirmed the news via Instagram on September 19, mourning the loss of a legendary figure in country music. The crash claimed the lives of three people, including James, who owned the plane. Flight data showed the single-engine aircraft had departed from Nashville.
Investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are ongoing. James was well-known for co-writing the hit song “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which earned him a Grammy for Best Country Song. His career spanned decades and genres, making him a respected figure in Nashville’s music scene. He also co-wrote hits like Kelly Clarkson’s “Mr. Know It All,” Rascal Flatts’ “Love You Out Loud,” Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down,” and Taylor Swift’s early song “A Perfectly Good Heart.”
These songs helped shape the country-pop crossover trend of the 2000s and 2010s. His collaboration with Carrie Underwood on “Jesus, Take the Wheel” marked a defining moment in both their careers. James recalled how shortly after writing the song, Carrie won “American Idol” and launched her career as a country artist. The song’s debut at the CMA Awards turned it into a lasting anthem. James and Underwood maintained a strong creative partnership for over a decade, with James describing her as both a blessing and a good friend.
Before his songwriting success, James initially pursued a career in medicine. After a few years in medical school, he received a record deal in Nashville but struggled as a recording artist for about seven years. Feeling defeated, he considered returning to medical school to support his family. However, his persistence in music ultimately paid off.
James often spoke about how fatherhood changed his perspective. He had four children—three sons and one daughter—and cherished his role as a father. Despite keeping his family life private, he shared moments of vulnerability, like a conversation with his daughter about imperfection and acceptance.
James was married to Melody Carole, with whom he tied the knot in August 2021. One of his last public posts was a joyful Father’s Day photo of his family, capturing a moment of love and happiness.
Brett James’s life was marked by talent, resilience, and dedication to his family and craft. Though he passed too soon, his legacy as a storyteller and songwriter will live on.
