Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James died in a plane crash Thursday near Franklin, North Carolina, authorities said. The Cirrus SR22T went down in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School at about 3 p.m. local time. The FAA confirmed there were three people aboard and that there were no survivors. The National Transportation Safety Board will open an investigation into the incident. The Macon County Sheriff's Office said nearby students and staff were safe after the crash.
James, 57, was traveling with his partner Melody Wilson, 59, and her daughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson, when the aircraft went down, according to the incident report. The songwriter had a hand in writing a string of country hits and is credited with songs such as Carrie Underwood's Jesus, Take The Wheel; Jason Aldean's The Truth; Rascal Flatts' Summer Nights; and Kenny Chesney's When The Sun Goes Down. James often noted in his social media bio that he had 27 number one songs.
Dierks Bentley posted on social media calling James a friend and fellow aviator and a legend in town, noting that James helped shape the chorus of I Hold On after Bentley's father died. Jason Aldean wrote that he was heartbroken and that James helped change his life through their collaboration, sending thoughts and prayers to his family. Josh Gracin recalled meeting James early in his career and said the songwriter produced and co-wrote much of his debut album, attributing much of his early success to James.
Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town paid tribute in an Instagram Story, saying Rest in peace friend you left us too soon and sharing a note James had written about telling loved ones that you love them. Sara Evans also posted devotion to James, saying she was devastated by the loss and praying for his loved ones. Fellow artist Gavin DeGraw commented on Gracin's post, asking how the crash happened and underscoring James as one of the greats.
Authorities have not released a cause for the crash. The FAA said the Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field and that three people were on board, with no survivors. The NTSB will conduct the investigation into the cause of the crash. The Macon County Sheriff's Office reminded the public that students and staff at Iotla Valley Elementary were safe in the wake of the incident. The incident underscores the aviation risks that exist for some in the country music community, which relies on travel between tour stops and recording sessions.
James was a fixture in Nashville for more than two decades, writing for artists across the genre and fostering a network among guitar players, producers and fellow writers. His catalog includes songs performed by Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts and Kenny Chesney, among others, and his Instagram bio noted 27 number one hits. In the wake of his death, colleagues said the songwriter mentored younger writers and helped shape the modern country sound, leaving an industry in mourning.
