NASHVILLE, Tenn. The music community is mourning the loss of Brett James, a celebrated songwriter and National Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, who died in a small-engine airplane crash. He was 57.

The National Songwriters Hall of Fame announced James' death, confirming he was killed in the aircraft accident. Details about the crash remain limited as authorities continue their investigation.

James was renowned for penning some of country music's biggest hits, including Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel" and Kenny Chesney's "When the Sun Goes Down." His songwriting prowess earned him recognition as one of Nashville's most talented writers.

"Jesus Take the Wheel" became a defining moment in Underwood's career, earning multiple Grammy nominations and becoming a crossover hit that

See Full Page