Brett James, best known as a songwriter on Carrie Underwood‘s Grammy-winning single “Jesus Take the Wheel,” died in a plane crash in North Carolina. He was 57. We’re remembering the late singer-songwriter’s life and career below.
Known for his work in country music, James was an accomplished songwriter, singer and musician. Born in Columbia, Missouri, he later moved to Oklahoma and went to high school there. After attending Baylor University, James graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, which led him to temporarily pursue medical school. However, he dropped out to chase his dreams for a music career.
James’ success didn’t happen overnight. Like most struggling artists, he waited tables and went to open mic nights, but it took years until he became an acclaimed songwriter. After going after his dreams in Nashville for seven years, James returned home and re-entered medical school, according to his bio on Baylor University’s website. Upon finishing his second year, James met with the dean — who allowed him to re-enroll in the first place — to tell her he was leaving again.
“I had a list of all the songs I’d had recorded on a sheet of paper and slid it to her,” James said about his last meeting with the dean. “She ended up being a big country music fan, and she knew some of the songs. She said, ‘This is awesome. You have to go do this, but you can never come back to medical school.’”
One of James’ most famous composition credits was for Underwood’s famous song “Jesus Take the Wheel,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song. He collaborated with Underwood again by co-writing “Cowboy Casanova.”
James also co-wrote Kenny Chesney‘s “Out Last Night.”
