Remembering Brett James: Celebrated Grammy-Winning Songwriter Passes Away at 57

Brett James, the Grammy-winning songwriter behind hits like Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel” and Taylor Swift’s “A Perfectly Good Heart,” has tragically died in a plane crash in North Carolina.

Over his prolific career, James wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs spanning multiple genres. His work includes “Blessed” by Martina McBride, arena anthems for Bon Jovi, and more hits for pop artists like Kelly Clarkson.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA ) via WZTV Nashville, James was one of three people aboard a Cirrus SR22T that crashed near Franklin, North Carolina, on Thursday afternoon. The plane that was registered in James’ name had left from Nashville earlier that day. No students or staff were injured at the nearby Iotla Valley Elementary School, authorities confirmed.

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame announced James’ passing on Thursday night in an Instagram post writing, “We mourn the untimely loss of Hall of Fame member Brett James (“Jesus Take The Wheel” / “When The Sun Goes Down”), a 2020 inductee who was killed in a small-engine airplane crash on Sept. 18. He was 57.”

Carrie Underwood also took to Instagram to share a tribute to James.

She shared with her fans pictures of the two of them throughout the years, along with the heartfelt caption, “Brett’s passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear won’t ever go away. It will forever be a reminder that this life is but a moment…we have to make the most of each day we’re given here on earth. Each day is a gift.”

“I’m asking all of you to pray for his family, friends and all of us that were blessed enough to know Brett,” the singer continued. “Love you, man. I’ll see you again someday.”