Update: Authorities say Brett James’ wife, Melody Carole, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, were the other passengers on the plane. No one on-board survived.
The music community is mourning the loss of Brett James, a celebrated songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, who died in a small-engine airplane crash. He was 57.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame announced James' death, confirming he was killed in the aircraft accident. Details about the crash remain limited as authorities continue their investigation.
James was renowned for penning some of country music's biggest hits, including Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel" and Kenny Chesney's "When the Sun Goes Down." His songwriting prowess earned him recognition as one of Nashville's most talented writers.
"Jesus Take the Wheel" became a defining moment in Underwood's career, earning multiple Grammy nominations and becoming a crossover hit that resonated with audiences beyond country music. The song's success helped establish James as a premier songwriter in the industry.
"Truly one of the best guys I've ever had the pleasure of knowing," said a good friend, Storme Warren. "Brett personified what this music community is all about. He personified grace, he personified expertise, he personified humanity."
Another friend, Nashville Songwriters Association International Director Bart Herbison, says Brett was more than just a songwriter. He was a patient mentor to up-and-coming artists, and he fought admirably on behalf of all songwriters for musician rights and fair pay.
"He was one of the greatest songwriters anywhere — ever, any language, in any era. One of the best songwriter advocates. The most interesting man in the world, we called him," said Herbison.
James said in previous interviews that his goal was always to write songs that connected with people on an emotional level.
The songwriter's career spanned decades, during which he crafted numerous chart-topping hits for various artists. His induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame recognized his significant contributions to American music.
The investigation into the airplane crash is ongoing. Additional details about the circumstances surrounding the accident have not been released.
James' death represents a significant loss for the songwriting community, where he was respected for his ability to craft memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics that touched millions of listeners.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International has issued a statement:
"Today we mourn the tragic loss of a Music Row giant. Brett James has been a consistent powerhouse songwriter, publisher, and producer for over 30 years. He achieved heights that few songwriters in our town have ever seen. He was a star himself in every way a star can be defined, racking up dozens of hits for the who's who of music. He represented the Nashville songwriting community all over the world, performing his hits as well as educating fans and lawmakers about the threats to intellectual property. He was a longtime board member and officer for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), serving in any role he was asked. NSAI and country music are better because of Brett. He will be missed more than I can even begin to say.”
Lee Thomas Miller, NSAI Board President
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
“I’ve never met anyone like Tennie.”
That’s how one neighbor at Stones River Manor in Murfreesboro describes Tennie Fitzpatrick, who has mastered as many as seven different musical instruments. Each day, Tennie shares those talents with residents, workers and visitors. It’s an ability Tennie herself believes is “a gift from God.” That’s because Tennie is blind, and overcame a difficult, abusive childhood. Forrest Sanders shares this truly inspirational story.
- Rhori Johnston
