Brett James, finest often called a songwriter on Carrie Underwood‘s Grammy-winning single “Jesus Take the Wheel,” died in a airplane crash in North Carolina. He was 57. We’re remembering the late singer-songwriter’s life and profession under.
Brett James Was a Songwriter & Musician
Recognized for his work in nation music, James was an completed songwriter, singer and musician. Born in Columbia, Missouri, he later moved to Oklahoma and went to highschool there. After attending Baylor College, James graduated with a Bachelor of Science diploma, which led him to quickly pursue medical college. Nevertheless, he dropped out to chase his goals for a music profession.
Brett James Went to Medical Faculty
James’ success didn’t occur in a single day. Like most struggling artists, he waited tables and went to open mic nights, however it took years till he turned an acclaimed songwriter. After going after his goals in Nashville for seven years, James returned dwelling and re-entered medical college, in line with his bio on Baylor College’s web site. Upon ending his second yr, James met with the dean — who allowed him to re-enroll within the first place — to inform her he was leaving once more.
“I had an inventory of all of the songs I’d had recorded on a sheet of paper and slid it to her,” James mentioned about his final assembly with the dean. “She ended up being a giant nation music fan, and she or he knew a few of the songs. She mentioned, ‘That is superior. You must go do that, however you’ll be able to by no means come again to medical college.’”
Brett James Composed Carrie Underwood’s ‘Jesus Take the Wheel’ Hit
Certainly one of James’ most well-known composition credit was for Underwood’s well-known music “Jesus Take the Wheel,” which received the Grammy Award for Greatest Feminine Nation Vocal Efficiency and Greatest Nation Track. He collaborated with Underwood once more by co-writing “Cowboy Casanova.”
James additionally co-wrote Kenny Chesney‘s “Out Final Evening.”
Brett James Additionally Labored as a File Producer
James started working as a file producer in 2008. He’s credited with contributing to the re-release of Taylor Swift‘s debut album along with Jessica Simpson‘s Do You Know album.
Brett James’ Airplane Crash Dying: What Occurred to Him
On September 18, 2025, James and two different individuals died after his airplane crashed close to an elementary college in North Carolina, close to the Macon County Airport’s runway, within the afternoon. The Cirrus SR22T, which was reportedly registered underneath James’ identify, took off from Tennessee’s John C. Tune Airport and crashed in a area in North Carolina.
The Nationwide Transportation and Security Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash.
