The music world is mourning the sudden loss of Brett James, the award-winning songwriter behind the beloved Christian-themed hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” James, 57, died Thursday along with two others when a small plane crashed in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Authorities confirmed that James was aboard a Cirrus SR22T single-engine plane when it went down near Lotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, about an hour west of Asheville. Also killed in the crash were Melody Carole and Meryl Maxwell Wilson.

The plane had taken off earlier from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, and though it was registered under James’s legal name, Brett James Cornelius, it was not immediately clear if he was the pilot. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the cause of the crash.

James was one of Nashville’s most accomplished and respected songwriters. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020, he penned more than 500 songs that were recorded by some of the biggest names in country and pop music.

His co-written classic “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” recorded by Carrie Underwood, became a worldwide anthem of faith and surrender. The song earned a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 2006, along with multiple other accolades. His first No. 1 hit came in 2001 with Jessica Andrews’ “Who I Am,” setting the stage for a career that would influence generations of artists.

Among his other chart-topping hits were Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down” and “Out Last Night,” Rascal Flatts’ “Summer Nights,” and Underwood’s “Cowboy Casanova.” His songs were also recorded by Faith Hill, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, and Meghan Trainor. Collectively, albums containing his work have sold more than 110 million copies worldwide.

Born in Oklahoma City, James originally pursued medicine, enrolling in medical school before deciding to leave that path to chase his passion for music in Nashville. It was a leap of faith that paid off, shaping a career marked not only by commercial success but also by songs that touched hearts and carried messages of hope.

He also recorded and released his own album in 2020, explaining at the time that his music reflected his stage in life: “At my stage in life, I’m not going to write about driving around in pickup trucks, chasing girls. It needed to feel more classic, lyrically. They all wound up being love songs, but hopefully love songs with a twist, that haven’t all been written before.”

The news of his passing drew an outpouring of grief and respect from the country music community.

“Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my friend Brett James tonight,” country star Jason Aldean shared on X. “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.”

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame also issued a statement of mourning, remembering James not only as a gifted songwriter but as a beloved friend and colleague.

Though James wrote for a wide variety of artists, it is perhaps “Jesus, Take the Wheel” that most deeply captured his heart and left an enduring spiritual legacy. The song continues to inspire listeners to turn to Christ in times of fear and uncertainty—a message made all the more poignant by his sudden passing.

As family, friends, and fans grieve, Brett James will be remembered as a man whose songs reached millions and whose faith-filled lyrics pointed people back to God.