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Country Music Officials confirmed Friday that fans are mourning songwriter Brett James, who died in a plane crash in North Carolina. He is 57 years old.
James’s lengthy songwriting credits include Carrie Underwood’s hit song “Jesus, Take the Wheel”.
The small plane crashed “in an unknown situation” in the woods near Franklin Thursday afternoon, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a preliminary report. The North Carolina Highway Patrol said there were no survivors.
James is using information provided by the FAA to register him in his legal name under his legal name Brett James Cornelius. I don’t know if he is a pilot. North Carolina Highway Patrol Confirmed his death.
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Brett James performed in music downtown in Nashville on October 14, 2019. (Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images)
ESPN University Football Chief Analyst Kirk Herbstreit It’s those who pay tribute to James. Herbstreit describes James as an incredible person.
“Last night I received a message in text that Brett was having a plane crash without encountering it. Living in Nashville, I was lucky enough to meet a lot of incredible people… Brett was certainly the one that certainly was- one of the most talented, humble people I’ve ever met, I met me,” former Ohio State quarterback, Written on X.
The plane took off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Commission said they will investigate the crash.
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James was selected Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame 2020. The organization issued a statement online mourning his death.
Songwriter Brett James performed on the 2016 ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo Center stage in Los Angeles on April 28, 2016. (tommaso bodydi/getty image ASCAP)
Herbstreit added that James performed at his birthday celebration a few years ago. He said the tragic incident that led to James’ death left him heartbroken.
“He is a songwriter and one of the most respected people in that town. He sang on my 50th with Casey Beathard – what a good guy. Just heartbreaking – my thoughts and prayers are working with his family and friends to deal with this incredible reality,” Herbstreit wrote.
Kirk Herbstreit watches from the sidelines ahead of the Thursday Night Football game in Landover, Maryland on October 5, 2023. (Cooper Neil/Getty Image)
According to his online biography of “Ole Opry”, more than 500 songs in James’ songs have recorded albums sold over 110 million.
Other artists who sang the song include Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban and Meghan Trainor.
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Country singer Jason Aldean also paid tribute to James and praised him for having a profound impact on his life. Aldean posted on X: “Heard my friend Brett James lost my friend tonight. My love and respect for that guy, he helped change my life. It’s an honor to know him and work with him.”
James recorded his own album in 2020.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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