Home / Arts and Entertainment / Nashville Songwriter Brett James Dies in Plane Crash
Nashville Songwriter Brett James Dies in Plane Crash
20 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Brett James died in a plane crash on September 18th.
- He co-wrote hits like 'Jesus, Take the Wheel' and 'When the Sun Goes Down'.
- The crash also claimed the lives of his wife and stepdaughter.
Grammy Award-winning songwriter Brett James, a celebrated figure in country music, tragically lost his life in a plane crash on September 18th. The accident, which occurred in Franklin, North Carolina, also claimed the lives of his wife, Melody Carole, and her daughter, Meryl Wilson. James, a native of Columbia, Missouri, was the creative force behind numerous hit songs.
His songwriting credits include major hits for artists like Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, and Dierks Bentley. Notable songs he co-wrote include Carrie Underwood's "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and "Cowboy Casanova," as well as Kenny Chesney's "Out Last Night." The music community mourned his loss, with Carrie Underwood calling his passing "unfathomable."
Preliminary reports indicate that James was piloting the small aircraft when he appeared to lose control while attempting to land at Macon Country Airport. The plane reportedly spiraled out of the air near the runway, witnessed by individuals near the crash site. Kenny Chesney honored James's legacy with a performance and tribute at the 59th annual CMA Awards.
