Grammy-Winning Songwriter Brett James Dies in Plane Crash at 57

Brett James, acclaimed country songwriter known for hits like “Jesus, Take the Wheel”, has died in a small-plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina..

He was 57 years old, and three people in total were on board; there were no survivors. The aircraft, a Cirrus SR22T registered to James, crashed near Iotla Valley Elementary School. Authorities, including the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board, have launched an investigation into what caused the crash.

  James was a two-time Country Songwriter of the Year, inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. The music world is mourning the loss of a legendary collaborator and beloved figure in country songwriting.