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Country music fans mourn the loss of Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, who died in a plane crash in North Carolina, confirmed officials on Friday. He was 57.
James’ long songwriting credits include Carrie Underwood’s hit “Jesus, take the steering wheel.”
The small aircraft with three people on board crashed Thursday afternoon “Under unknown circumstances” in the forest near Franklin, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a preliminary report. There were no survivors, said North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
James was on a Cirrus SR22T, which was registered with him under his legal name Brett James Cornelius, according to information from FAA. It was not known if he was the pilot. North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed his death.
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Brett James performs on stage at the Music City Center on October 14, 2019 in Nashville. (Danielle Part Valle/Getty Images)
Long -term ESPN College Football Lead analyst Kirk Herbstreit was among those who paid tribute to James. Herbstreit described James as an incredible person.
“Called a game last night when I got the news of a text that Brett was in a plane crash and didn’t do it. Living in Nashville, I’ve been very lucky to meet a lot of incredible people … Brett was definitely it – one of the most talented and yet humble and down -to -earth guys I’ve met,” wrote the former Ohio State Quarterback on X.
The plane was taken off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville. FAA and National Transportation Safety Board said they will investigate the crash.
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James was introduced to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. The organization published a statement online and mourned over his death.
Songwriter Brett James appears on stage in 2016 Ascap “I Creat Music” Expo Center scene on April 28, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images to ASCAP)
Herbstreit added that James appeared a few years ago during his birthday feuding. He said he was left the heart bridge of the tragic events that led to James’ death.
“He was a legend as a songwriter and one of the most respected people in that city. He sang at my 50. Together with Casey Beathard – such a good man. Just heartbreaking – my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends when they tackle this unthinkable reality,” Herbstreit wrote.
Kirk Herbstreit looks at from the sidelines ahead of football “Thursday night football” on Amazon Prime at FedEx Field on October 5, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
James had more than 500 of his songs recorded for albums with a total sale of more than 110 million copies, according to Hans Grand Ole Opry biography online.
Other artists who sang his songs include Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban and Meghan Trainor.
Country singer Jason Aldean also honored James and credited him with having a profound influence on his life. “The Heart to hear about the loss of my friend Brett James tonight,” Aldean published on X. “I had nothing but love and respect for that guy, and he helped change my life. Keeping to have met him and worked with him.”
James recorded his own album in 2020.
