Songwriter Brett James Dies in North Carolina Plane Crash

Brett James, a Grammy Award-winning songwriter known for his work with major country artists such as Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, and Rascal Flatts, tragically died in a plane crash in North Carolina. The crash involved a Cirrus SR22T aircraft registered to James, which went down near Iotla Valley Elementary School, killing all three people on board while sparing the school community. Recognized for penning hits like "Jesus, Take the Wheel"—which won Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance—James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020 and wrote over 300 songs across genres. His death has prompted widespread tributes from fellow musicians and industry organizations, highlighting his influence as a prolific songwriter and advocate for the music community. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash. James is survived by his wife and four children, and his legacy endures through his extensive contributions to American music.