Songwriter Brett James, 57, his wife Melody Carole, and her daughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson died in a private plane crash in a wooded area in Franklin, North Carolina, around 3 p.m. on 18/9, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The aircraft involved was a Cirrus SR22T registered under James' full name, Brett James Cornelius. The plane took off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville. It's unclear whether James was piloting the plane or the circumstances leading to the crash. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. The songwriter is survived by four children, three sons and a daughter, with his former wife, Sandra Cornelius-Little.
 |
Brett James. Photo: Jay Gilbert |
Brett James. Photo: Jay Gilbert
Born in 1968 in Oklahoma, James studied medicine before pursuing a music career. He debuted as a solo artist in 1995, releasing his first album through Career Records. In 2001, he achieved recognition with the hit song "Who I am" for singer Jessica Andrews. He went on to collaborate with artists like Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Nick Jonas, and Meghan Trainor.
One of his most notable songs, "Jesus, Take the Wheel," performed by American Idol season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, won the Grammy for Best Country Song in 2006. According to Fox News, the song not only earned Underwood a Grammy but also became "an anthem of modern country music."
"Jesus, Take the Wheel" music video (2005). Video: YouTube/ Carrie Underwood
His other well-known works include "When the sun goes down" and "Out Last Night" (performed by Kenny Chesney), "Cowboy Casanova" (Carrie Underwood), and "Summer Nights" (Rascal Flatts).
According to his online biography on Grand Ole Orpy, James has over 500 recorded songs featured on albums by various artists, with total sales exceeding 110 million copies. In 2020, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
 |
Brett James and his wife Melody Carole in 2022. Photo: Instagram/ Melody Carole |
Brett James and his wife Melody Carole in 2022. Photo: Instagram/ Melody Carole
James' death sparked an outpouring of grief within the entertainment industry. Many singers, including Jason Aldean, Sara Evans, Karen Fairchild, and Josh Gracin, posted tributes on social media. On Instagram, Carrie Underwood wrote, "The loss of Brett James is immeasurable and words simply cannot express the sadness his family, his fans, and our music community are feeling."
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) also paid tribute to James on Instagram: "Brett was a trusted collaborator to some of country music's biggest names and a staunch supporter of his fellow songwriters. Brett, you will be deeply missed by your ASCAP family. Thank you for leaving an unforgettable legacy of music."
Phuong Thao (according to AP, People)
