**Grammy-Winning Singer-Songwriter Brett James Dies in Plane Crash**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 19, 2025, 1:37 PM*
Brett James, the celebrated American country music singer-songwriter and record producer, tragically died in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday (US time). He was 57. The news of his untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with fans and fellow musicians expressing their grief and paying tribute to the late artist.
### Details of the Incident
James was one of three people on board a Cirrus SR22T that crashed in a field in Franklin, North Carolina, around 3:00 PM local time on Thursday. The plane had departed from Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport and went down near Iotla Valley Elementary School, close to Macon County Airport, surrounded by open fields.
### A Prolific Songwriter’s Legacy
Brett James was a prolific songwriter, known for penning some of the biggest hits for artists such as Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Kelly Clarkson, Brantley Gilbert, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Bon Jovi, and Kenny Chesney.
One of his most acclaimed works is Carrie Underwood’s 2006 chart-topper *Jesus Take the Wheel*. The song earned Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance and was nominated for Song of the Year at the 49th Grammy Awards in 2007.
### Tributes from the Music Community
Among those mourning James’ death is country star Dierks Bentley, who worked closely with him on the 2013 hit *I Hold On*. Bentley called James “a total legend” and shared how the songwriter helped him refine the song’s concept following the death of his father.
“The chorus is all him. Our friendship and that song changed my life. Prayers for his family,” Bentley wrote on social media, expressing heartfelt condolences.
### Career Overview
Born in Columbia, Missouri, Brett James attended music school in the early 1990s but dropped out to pursue a career in music. He released his self-titled debut album in 1995, which featured charting singles like *Female Bonding*, *If I Could See Love*, and *Worth the Fall*.
Since the early 2000s, James was best known as a songwriter for other country and pop artists, crafting timeless hits that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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Brett James’ extraordinary talent and contributions to the music industry leave behind a lasting legacy. He will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and friends alike.
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