#brett james

Brett James Cornelius (June 5, 1968 – September 18, 2025) was an American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer based in Nashville. James’ compositions have been credited on 494 recordings by a wide variety of artists. Signed to Career Records (a division of Arista Nashville) as a solo artist in 1995, James charted three singles and released a self-titled debut album that year. He…

Quarter Notes: Blurbs & Briefs from Sound Bites

SOUTH CAROLINA AMPHITHEATER NAMED FOR HOMETOWN GIRL: A new outdoor concert venue in North Augusta, S.C., will be christened the Sharon Jones Amphitheater, after the hometown girl who made good with the Dap-Kings.

“This is so cool,” Daptone label head Gabe Roth told Rolling Stone. “No one was able to lift the room like she could. It’s great to have a place where people will hit the stage and think of her. She would have been thrilled.”

Jones died in 2016

PLAY AMERICAN BEAUTY: D’Angeilco Guitars announced production of its special-edition Premier Grateful Dead SS model to mark the 50th anniversary of the band’s American Beauty LP.

NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME 2020 CLASS NAMED: Steve Earle, Bobbie Gentry, Spooner Oldham, Kent Blazy and Brett James have been named to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The class of 2020 will be inducted at the 2021 ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SYD BARRETT BOOK COMING OUT IN PAPERBACK: The 2011 book “Barrett: The Definitive Visual Companion,” featuring more than 350 photographs from the life of Pink Floyd co-founder Syd Barrett, will be released in paperback Nov. 24.

When it comes to country music, the voices we hear are often backed by songwriters whose names remain lesser-known. Brett James was one such talent, crafting songs that touched millions worldwide. Born on June 5, 1968, in Columbia, Missouri, James initially pursued a career in medicine, studying at Baylor University. Yet, the pull of music proved irresistible, leading him to leave medical school and follow his passion.

In 1995, he released his debut album under Career Records, but true stardom came through songwriting. Over the years, Brett’s compositions were recorded by more than 500 artists, including hits like Carrie Underwood’s Jesus, Take the Wheel, Kenny Chesney’s When the Sun Goes Down, Martina McBride’s Blessed, and Jason Aldean’s The Truth. His songs were known for their honesty, simplicity, and emotional resonance, connecting directly with listeners’ hearts.

Recognition followed, with Brett winning ASCAP Songwriter of the Year in 2006 and 2010, earning a Grammy, and being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Beyond accolades, he mentored emerging writers and remained a respected, grounded figure in the Nashville music scene.

Tragically, Brett James’ life ended in a plane crash in North Carolina on September 18, 2025, at age 57. Fans, artists, and peers mourned a man whose influence extended far beyond his name.

Brett’s journey reminds us to follow our passions, persevere through challenges, and collaborate with others. Though not always in the spotlight, his songs continue to inspire, comfort, and uplift, leaving a legacy that will resonate for generations.

Grammy Award-winning country music songwriter Brett James was flying on his private jet with his new wife and her 28-year-old daughter, who had just celebrated her birthday, when the plane crashed and killed them, officials said Friday. James, 57 — who co-wrote and wrote songs for Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley and Carrie Underwood  — was with wife Melody Wilson, 59, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell…

This is why you don't want Jesus to take the wheel.