Yesterday, we reported that the Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, who penned hits like “Jesus Take The Wheel,” died last Thursday in a plane crash. Now, the country music star Carrie Underwood, who sang “Jesus Take The Wheel,” is speaking out to pay a powerful tribute to James.
James Killed In Plane Crash
James, 57, was one of three people onboard a single-engine Cirrus SR22T. The plane tragically crashed “under unknown circumstances in a wooded area.” The other two people onboard were reportedly his wife, Melody Carole, and his stepdaughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson. Sadly, Wilson had just celebrated her 28th birthday last week. All three of them were killed.
“A Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field in Franklin, North Carolina, around 3 p.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 18,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told Fox News. “Three people were on board.”
The FAA later confirmed that the plane was registered to James under his legal name, Brett James Cornelius.
Underwood Pays Tribute To James
James earned a Grammy Award for Best Country Song for the 2005 hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Underwood, 42, took to Instagram the day after James’ death to pay tribute to the songwriter.
“Some things are just unfathomable. The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words,” Underwood began. “Brett was the epitome of cool. I see him in my mind riding up to my cabins to write on his motorcycle. His hair somehow perfectly coiffed despite being under a helmet for however long. I always loved hearing him sing ‘Cowboy Casanova’ because a sassy girl anthem should’ve sounded ridiculous coming from a macho dude like him, but somehow, he even made that cool.”
“He was a good guy,” she continued. “I remember writing with him on a song that he basically wrote 75% of and had ready when he walked in the room. We filled in the blanks and added a little melody and I told him after that I didn’t feel right splitting the credit evenly when he did most of the work. He wouldn’t have it. He insisted that everything be equal, he was just that kind of guy.”
‘Brett Loved The Lord…’
Meanwhile, Underwood went on to talk about James’ strong Christian faith.
“Brett loved the Lord. Which is the only comfort we can hold on to now,” she stated. “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. I won’t ever sing one note of them again without thinking of him.”
“Brett’s passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear won’t ever go away,” Underwood added. “It will forever be a reminder that this life is but a moment…we have to make the most of each day we’re given here on earth. Each day is a gift.”
“I’m asking all of you to pray for his family, friends and all of us that were blessed enough to know Brett,” Underwood concluded. “Love you, man. I’ll see you again someday.”
This plane crash is currently being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. Please join us in saying a prayer for Underwood, and for James’ other loved ones as they continue to mourn him.
Rest in peace, Brett James.