US country songwriter Brett James has died in a small plane crash, industry officials have confirmed. He was 57.
Although he released a solo album in the 1990s, James was best recognised for his prolific songwriting, penning hundreds of country hits. His most acclaimed work was Jesus, Take The Wheel for Carrie Underwood, which earned him two Grammy awards in 2007 for best country song and best female country vocal performance
Tributes From the Country Music World
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame said James was on board a single-engine plane when it went down on September 18.
«We mourn the untimely loss of Hall of Fame member Brett James, a 2020 inductee who was killed in a small-engine airplane crash on September 18,» the organisation wrote on Facebook.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International described him as a «legendary songwriter and board member,» adding that «the loss is profound.»
Legacy of Hits and Accolades
Flight records indicate the aircraft was registered to James. Three people were aboard when it crashed near Franklin, North Carolina. The US National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation.
James collaborated with leading country stars including Billy Ray Cyrus, Kenny Chesney and Martina McBride. His first number one single came in 2001 with Jessica Andrews’s Who I Am. He later received honours including the Academy of Country Music’s single of the year, ASCAP country song of the year, and NSAI song of the year.
ASCAP paid tribute on X, calling him «a trusted collaborator to country’s greatest names and a true advocate for songwriters.»
Singer Sara Evans also expressed her grief on Instagram, writing:
«I am absolutely devastated at the loss of one of the best writers I’ve ever written with and recorded several of his songs. Brett James. I’m praying for his loved ones. What a tragic and sad day. He will be so missed.»
Kursiv also reports that Jay Wynne, a former BBC Weather presenter, has died aged 56 after a long illness.
