Tributes Pour In for Beloved Nashville Songwriter Brett James: ‘Music Row Will Never Be the Same’
James was just 57 when he died in a plane crash.
Brett James; Photo Courtesy NSAI
The country music community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of songwriter Brett James, who tragically passed away on Thursday (September 18) in a small plane crash in North Carolina.
Throughout his celebrated career, James had more than 500 songs recorded by artists such as Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, and many others. His work earned him ACM nominations, multiple CMA Triple Play Awards, a GRAMMY win, and induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
A cherished figure in Nashville, James was not only a hitmaker but also a mentor who often took chances on new songwriters. Friends and colleagues remember him as a true legend, a loyal friend, and a creative force whose impact on the genre is immeasurable.
Carrie Underwood penned a lengthy remembrance post, admitting, “Brett’s passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear won’t ever go away.”
His sudden passing has left the music community shaken, and tributes have poured in from artists and fellow songwriters across social media. See their heartfelt messages below.
Dierks Bentley
Rest in peace pal. Total stud. Fellow aviator. One of the best singer-songwriters in our town….total legend.
I brought a couple of roughly sketched verse ideas of I Hold On to Brett after my dad died and he just did his thing. The chorus is all him. When I sing that song live, I’m always thinking of my dad, but I also think about that day we wrote it. He just got it, just lit into it. It was one of the first times we wrote and I decided to drop the most meaningful and necessary idea of a song I had on him, because I felt like God was telling me to do so. Our friendship and that song changed my life.
Rodney Atkins
Heartbroken to hear about my friend Brett James. He and Angelo Petraglia wrote “It’s America,” a song that’s been such a big part of my journey. Brett had a gift for putting hope and heart into words, and his songs will keep singing long after. I’m grateful for his life and his music and will be keeping his family in my prayers.
Chris Young
So sad you’re gone… Nashville is less without you, Brett James.
Jake Owen
This is heartbreaking. Wow. I’m shocked and saddened for our entire Nashville community and Brett’s family.
Caitlyn Smith
My heart is so broken. I can’t believe he’s gone. I wish I could tell him one more time how much he meant to me… to all of us. I signed my first publishing deal with Brett James in 2010 and was part of the Cornman family for 9 years…It’s impossible to sum up in a tidy little paragraph all that he was to me. My mentor, champion and big brother, he taught me so much… and him and @natetarpon introduced me to the whole damn music community. We dreamed together, wrote so many songs together, made a record together, played dozens of rounds together, spent countless nights out laughing and singing and having fun… I’ll forever picture him dancing with a rum in his hand. We had so many great talks. He loved the Lord. He loved his kids. He loved adventure. He gave the best hugs. Such a passionate, bright and beautiful light – I have so many sweet memories with him in it… and I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today without him. Go rest high, my friend. I love you so much.
Luke Laird
The first time I heard Brett James was when I bought his album (on cassette) when I was in high school. The first time we met was in 2002, shortly after I signed my first publishing deal. By this point, Brett was one of the biggest hit makers in Nashville. He was a force in the writing room. Lyrics, melody, incredible singer…the total package. The thing I remember was him treating me so kindly and encouraging me. I told him I had his tape, and he just laughed. I brought it to our next write and showed him. He got a kick out of it.
We had a few cuts together and we played several writer rounds together over the years and he always asked, not “what do you have going on?”..or “what cuts have you had recently?”…but “How’s your family?” I always liked to joke with him before shows we played together. I’d ask him “You gonna hit the crowd with some “Female Bonding” or “Wake Up and Smell The Whiskey”? He’d always get a good laugh out of that. The writing community in Nashville is a brotherhood and sisterhood I’m so honored to be a part of. Brett has been a part of that fabric for a long time and he will be deeply missed. My prayers go out to some of his closest longtime collaborators like Hillary Lindsey and Troy Verges as well as his family.
Lee Thomas Miller
Today we mourn the tragic loss of a Music Row giant. Brett James has been a consistent powerhouse songwriter, publisher, and producer for over 30 years. He achieved heights that few songwriters in our town have ever seen. He was a star himself in every way a star can be defined, racking up dozens of hits for the who’s who of music. He represented the Nashville songwriting community all over the world, performing his hits as well as educating fans and lawmakers about the threats to intellectual property. He was a longtime board member and officer for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), serving in any role he was asked. NSAI and country music are better because of Brett. He will be missed more than I can even begin to say.
Mitchell Tenpenny
It’s hard to find the words to put in a damn caption after losing someone that inspired the dream you chase. Thank you for your songs and your impact on country music but more importantly thank you for being my friend. You gave me so much of your time and wisdom when I had nothing to offer you. You always made me feel like I belonged in the same room as you even when I didn’t. You were cool as shit and just always making me feel cool. You were one of a kind and will be deeply missed. Thank you for everything Brett. What a legend.
Sara Evans
I am absolutely devastated at the loss of one of the best writers I’ve ever written with and recorded several of his songs. Brett James. I’m praying for his loved ones. What a tragic and sad day. He will be so missed.
Charles Kelley
This is just heartbreaking. Can’t believe you’re gone buddy. Gonna miss seeing your face in the gym every week. Brett James was the coolest cat Nashville ever had.
Jessi Alexander
So many fun nights on stage we shared and memories we made traveling around making music together. He lived large and always made me feel special. Music Row will never be the same.
Trannie Anderson
My heart is so broken. Brett made such an impact on music row and the world with his songs & friendship. What a legacy!
Ryan Tedder
RIP. Got to know this talented fellow Oklahoman and writer and speak with him on different occasions. God bless his family.
Karen Fairchild
Rest in peace friend. You left us too soon. Our hearts are broken and our prayers are with your family.
Rascal Flatts
Sending our heartfelt condolences to the family of our dear friend Brett James. A brilliant songwriter and amazing man. He was the pen behind “Summer Nights”, “Love You out Loud”, and countless songs we’ve all sang along too. He will be greatly missed.
Bobby Bones
Really sad to see that Brett James died. He was always extremely kind, and exceptionally generous with his time and stories. We had worked together a couple of times, and he had been on my podcast as well. And all were a joy. So sorry to hear the news and terribly sad for his family.
Hillary Scott
Every interaction I had with Brett James was warm and kind. He was so gifted and leaves a giant hole in the musical tapestry of this town that will never be repaired or replaced. Jesus, be near and bring his family and all who love him comfort.
Lauren Alaina
Devastated to hear this. The first song I wrote after being on American Idol and signing my deal was with Brett James and Luke Laird. I felt like I was big time because of working with them. It was the perfect introduction to my songwriting story in Nashville. Brett was such a light and talent. He will be missed.
Jason Aldean
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.
Tim McGraw
So heartbroken to hear about the passing of Brett James. Brett was one of the most talented and most respected songwriters in Nashville and wrote some of my personal favorite songs I ever recorded, Telluride and Drugs or Jesus. Our family’s hearts go out to his family, friends and everyone who loved him.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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