By Joyce Nzomo
Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, whose work helped shape the careers of artists such as Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, and Rascal Flatts, died Thursday in a small plane crash in western North Carolina. He was 57.
Authorities said James was one of three people killed when a Cirrus SR22T aircraft registered in his name went down near Macon County Airport in Franklin, shortly after 3 p.m.
The crash site was close to Iotla Valley Elementary School, though no one on the ground was injured. James’s wife, Melody Carole Wilson, 59, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, 28, also perished in the accident.
The Country Music Association (CMA) expressed its grief in a statement Friday, describing James as a “beloved songwriter and cherished member of the CMA family.” The statement added: “A multiple-time CMA Triple Play Award winner, Brett’s contributions to Country Music and his 17 years of service on the CMA Board will always be remembered.
His talent, generosity, and kindness touched countless lives. Our thoughts are with his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
James, born Brett James Cornelius, won a Grammy for co-writing Carrie Underwood’s 2005 breakout hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Over his career, he penned more than two dozen No. 1 country songs for stars including Martina McBride, Dierks
