Brett James, GRAMMY-winning songwriter and member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, has tragically passed away at the age of 57 following a plane crash in North Carolina.
Reports confirm that a Cirrus SR22T plane (tail #N218VB) departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville at 12:41 PM on September 18. Just after 3 PM, the plane went down near Iotla Valley Elementary School, close to the Macon County Airport in Franklin, North Carolina. All three people onboard, including James, lost their lives. FAA records show the plane was registered to Brett Cornelius of Brentwood, Tennessee.
The FAA released a statement following the crash:
đŹ âA Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field in Franklin, North Carolina, around 3 p.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 18. Three people were on board. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide further updates.â
From Medicine to Music
Born June 5, 1968, in Columbia, Missouri, Brett James Cornelius didnât originally set out to be a songwriter. He first pursued a medical degree at the University of Oklahoma before following his heart into music. Halfway through medical school, he made the bold choice to leave and chase his passionâa decision that would eventually change the face of country music.
By 1995, he had signed with Arista Nashvilleâs Career Records and released his debut self-titled album. While his career as a solo artist showed promise, Jamesâ true gift was songwritingâa gift that would carry him to legendary status.
A Songwriting Legacy
Over the years, Brett James penned some of the most beloved songs in modern country music. His writing credits include:
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Carrie Underwoodâs âJesus, Take The Wheelâ and âCowboy Casanovaâ
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Kenny Chesneyâs âWhen The Sun Goes Downâ, âOut Last Nightâ, and âKeg in the Closetâ
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Dierks Bentleyâs âI Hold Onâ
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Jason Aldeanâs âThe Truthâ
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Rascal Flattsâ âSummer Nightsâ
His first chart-topper came in 2001 with Jessica Andrewsâ heartfelt ballad âWho I Am.â From there, his career soared. In total, more than 800 of his songs were recorded by artists across genres, from Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and Miranda Lambert to Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, Meghan Trainor, Nick Jonas, and even The Backstreet Boys.
Jamesâ work earned him a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Song (âJesus, Take The Wheelâ), multiple ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year honors, and over 25 No. 1 hits.
A Mentor, Producer, and Leader
Beyond songwriting, Brett James left his mark as a producer, working with artists like Taylor Swift, Kip Moore, Jessica Simpson, and Danielle Bradbery. He also dedicated nearly two decades to shaping the industry off-stage, serving 18 years on the Country Music Associationâs board, acting as a national trustee for The Recording Academy, and helping lead the Nashville Songwriters Association International.
Through his company, Cornman Music, he nurtured and mentored the next generation of songwriters, ensuring that Nashvilleâs creative spirit continues to thrive.
A Lasting Impact
Brett Jamesâ sudden passing leaves an irreplaceable hole in the heart of the music world. Known for his generosity, humility, and unmatched talent, he gave country music some of its most enduring songs while inspiring countless artists and songwriters along the way.
Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy will live on every time a fan sings along to the words he so passionately wrote.
⨠Brett James didnât just write songsâhe wrote memories, moments, and melodies that will echo for generations to come.
