Christian singer, songwriter, and producer Brett James’ work, which includes “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” has been credited on nearly 500 artist recordings. He was arguably one of the most beloved and successful songwriters. Tragically, James died last week, along with his wife and stepdaughter, in a plane crash in North Carolina.
‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ Writer Brett James Dies in a Small Plane Crash
James (57), his wife, Melody Carole Wilson, and his stepdaughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, all died in the crash this past Thursday. James owned the plane and was said to be piloting it when the crash occurred, reported Fox4 News.
The plane took off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee, and went down in North Carolina. The circumstances surrounding the crash are still under review.
While James wrote hundreds of songs, his most notable creation was “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” recorded by Carrie Underwood.
Underwood was overcome with emotion at the news of James’ death. She said in an Instagram post, “Some things are just unfathomable.” Underwood continued, “The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words.”
“He was the epitome of ‘cool,'” Underwood said. “Brett loved the Lord. Which is the only comfort we can hold on to now. We even had the pleasure of singing together at church.”
“My favorite songs to sing of ours are the ones that he or we wrote about Jesus because the thoughts and feelings behind them are so genuine and pure,” said Underwood. “I won’t ever sing one note of them again without thinking of him.”
Country band Rascal Flatts said James was “a brilliant songwriter and amazing man,” according to Christian Post. James “will be greatly missed.”
The plane crash occurred just days after Meryl’s 28th birthday.
James’ Instagram account contained posts full of friends, family, and fun. Just months ago, he posted a family photo celebrating Father’s Day.
And, years ago, James displayed his own intention to focus on relationships. He said, “Now More Than Ever—Tell the People You Love, That You Love Em.”
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