Jason Aldean Pays Tribute to Friend and Hitmaker Brett James After Tragic Passing

Jason Aldean delivered a touching musical tribute to the late GRAMMY-winning songwriter Brett James on Thursday during his concert at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Aldean explained that he just learned of James’ passing moments before taking the stage.  

“This next song is a song that was one of the songs that was early on in my career that I think was a really big song for my career and for kind of letting people know who we were and what we were about, you know what I mean? We got a little bit of some sad news tonight right before we came on stage. A longtime friend of ours, the guy that wrote this song, actually, we found out today died in a plane crash in North Carolina,” the Georgia native said. “This guy has written a lot of stuff for us over the years.”

Aldean referenced the songs “Two Night Town” from his 2014 album, Old Boots, New Dirt, as well as “Grown Woman,” which features Miranda Lambert and was included on his 2007 project, Relentless.  

“He also wrote this next song, which ended up being one of the biggest songs of my career,” Aldean pointed out. “So tonight we want to send this out to our friend that we lost tonight, our boy Mr. Brett James.” 

@jasonaldeanmusic

Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my friend Brett James tonight. I had nothing but love and respect for that guy and he helped change my life. Honored to have met him and worked with him. Thoughts and prayers going out to his family. 💔

♬ original sound – Jason Aldean

Then, he delivered a touching performance of his chart-topping song “The Truth,” which was written by Brett James with Ashley Monroe. The track is featured on Aldean’s Wide Open album. 

Alongside a video of his tribute performance, Aldean wrote, “Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my friend Brett James tonight. I had nothing but love and respect for that guy and he helped change my life. Honored to have met him and worked with him. Thoughts and prayers going out to his family.” 

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Brett James passed away on Thursday, September 18 following a small plane crash that took place in North Carolina. The 57-year-old was one of three people on board, and no one survived.

James was a GRAMMY winner and a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is credited for writing hundreds of hit country songs, including major cuts by Carrie Underwood (“Jesus, Take The Wheel”, “Cowboy Casanova”), “Kenny Chesney (“When The Sun Goes Down”, “Out Last Night,” “Keg In the Closet”), Dierks Bentley (“I Hold On”), Jason Aldean (“The Truth”), and Rascal Flatts (“Summer Nights”).   

His untimely passing shook the Nashville music community, with dozens of artists and fellow songwriters sharing touching tributes on social media. 

He will be greatly missed.