Grammy-Winning Songwriter Brett James Dies in North Carolina Plane Crash

Grammy-winning country songwriter Brett James, whose remarkable career included 27 No. 1 singles and dozens of other chart-topping hits, tragically died this afternoon in a plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina.

Authorities in Macon County confirmed that the Cirrus SR22T with tail number N218VB departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville shortly after noon on Thursday before going down near Iotla Valley Elementary School. Fortunately, all students and staff at the school were unharmed, but all three passengers aboard the plane — including James — were killed. Records show that the aircraft was registered to James, whose full name was Brett James Cornelius.

From Medical School to Music

James’s journey into country music was anything but typical. He began as a medical student at the University of Oklahoma before pursuing his dream as an artist. In 1995, he released his self-titled debut album and later signed with Arista Nashville in the early 2000s, charting two singles including “Chasing Amy” and “After All.”

When his career as a recording artist didn’t take off, James briefly returned to medical school — but fate had other plans. Having signed with a new songwriting company before stepping away from music, he kept writing to honor his contract. To his surprise, his songs quickly gained traction. By the time he left medical school for good, more than 30 of his songs had already been recorded by major artists.

A Legacy in Country Music

That decision cemented Brett James’s place in Nashville’s songwriting elite. Over the course of his career, he penned 27 No. 1 hits and countless other fan favorites. Some of his biggest songs include:

🎶 Jesus, Take the Wheel — Carrie Underwood
🎶 Out Last Night — Kenny Chesney
🎶 Reality — Kenny Chesney
🎶 Blessed — Martina McBride
🎶 Cheatin’ — Sara Evans

These songs, and many more, helped define the sound of modern country music and showcased James’s gift for storytelling through melody and lyrics.

A Sudden, Irreplaceable Loss

Brett James’s sudden passing is a devastating loss for country music — but his words, melodies, and influence will continue to echo through the voices of the artists he wrote for, and in the hearts of millions who found comfort and joy in his songs.