Songwriter known for writing or co-writing hundreds of songs dies in plane crash
- Lori Lee WGOLV
- Sep 19
- 4 min read
FRANKLIN, N.C. - Brett James, a songwriter known for writing or co-writing hundreds of songs, including Carrie Underwood's "Jesus, Take the Wheel," was among three individuals who died in a small plane crash in North Carolina, as reported by several people close to him.
A Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field in Franklin around 3 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the field was adjacent to the Macon County Airport.
Two women were also killed in the crash (Melody Carole and Meryl Maxwell Wilson), both from Tennessee, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Officials say no one else was on board.
The crash happened on a property neighboring the Iotla Valley Elementary School.
Students and staff were all reported safe, according to the Macon County Sheriff's Office.
Officials said they are still trying to figure out what caused the plane crash - The NTSB is leading the investigation.
On Friday, an NTSB investigator was documenting the scene and examining the aircraft, which is expected to be removed by Saturday and taken to a facility for further evaluation, the agency said.
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About Brett James and his music career:
James has written songs for many artists, including Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean. He was born in Columbia, Missouri.
For more than 20 years, James was known primarily as a songwriter for other country and pop music artists, including Carrie Underwood, whose hit song, "Jesus, Take the Wheel," won Grammy Awards for best country song and best female country vocal performance.
He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.
"We are devastated by the loss of our longtime friend, Brett James," Songwriter City founder and CEO Mike Severson said in a statement. "For more than 30 years, we had the privilege of knowing Brett not only as one of the most accomplished songwriters of our time, but as a kind, genuine, and joyful human being."
James was 57 years old.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones of Brett James, and all those in the music industry, as well as the family and loved ones of the two women killed.
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