The country music world is heartbroken this week following the death of hit songwriter Brett James, who passed away in a plane crash near Franklin, North Carolina. He was 57.
James was one of Nashville’s most celebrated songwriters, penning some of country’s biggest hits — including “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Cowboy Casanova,” and “Something in the Water” for Carrie Underwood, along with hits for Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, and Taylor Swift.
Carrie Underwood led the tributes on social media, calling James “a light in every room he entered” and praising him not just for his talent, but for his humility and kindness. “He changed my life with his words and melodies,” she wrote.
The crash, which occurred Thursday afternoon, involved a single-engine Cirrus SR22T. Authorities confirmed that all three people on board were killed. The incident is under investigation by the FAA and NTSB.
Fans and fellow artists have flooded social media with memories and gratitude for James’ work, reflecting on how his songs became the soundtrack for so many milestones in their lives.
