FRANKLIN, N.C. — Grammy Award-winning country music songwriter Brett James dies in a tragic plane crash in North Carolina, authorities confirmed Thursday. The accident claimed the lives of three people when a single-engine aircraft went down near an elementary school in Franklin around 3 p.m.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there were no survivors. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame later identified 57-year-old Brett James as one of the victims. James, whose full name was Brett James Cornelius, was a Columbia, Missouri, native who rose to fame as one of Nashville’s most respected and accomplished songwriters.
James was best known for penning major country hits such as “Jesus, Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood, which earned the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Country Song, and “When the Sun Goes Down” by Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker. His catalog included more than 300 major-label recordings, with additional chart-toppers like Rascal Flatts’ “Summer Nights.” He also collaborated with global superstars, including Taylor Swift and Bon Jovi.
Songwriter Brett James Dies
Brett James’ career accolades were numerous. He was twice named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year (2006 and 2010) and inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in the music industry.
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the small plane was registered to Brett Cornelius of Brentwood, Tennessee. Billboard noted that Brett James Cornelius and songwriter Brett James were the same person. The identities of the other two victims have not yet been released.
Investigators from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are now working to determine the cause of the fatal crash.
Brett James leaves behind not only an extraordinary musical legacy but also a profound influence on country music that spanned decades.
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Source: myfox8
Written by: Daniel Olafamoye, Greensboro NC News.
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