Singer Carrie Underwood discusses the tragic passing of Brett James, writer of her hit single 'Take the Wheel', following a devastating plane crash
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Brett James, a renowned songwriter who co-wrote Carrie Underwood's Grammy-winning song "Jesus, Take the Wheel", was tragically killed in a plane crash on Thursday at the age of 57.
Underwood, who described James as someone who loved the Lord and with whom she had the pleasure of singing together at church, paid tribute to him on social media, expressing her grief and sharing memories of their collaborations. She also shared a message of faith, stating that his passing is a reminder that this life is but a moment.
James was onboard a Cirrus SR22T when it crashed near a school in Franklin, North Carolina. The passengers on the plane were James, his girlfriend Melody Wilson (59), and her daughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson (28). They were all pronounced dead at the scene.
Underwood recalled one of their songwriting sessions where James wrote 75% of the song and had it ready when he walked in the room. She felt that she didn't deserve equal credit for the song, but James insisted that everything be equal. His humility was evident in this act, a trait that Underwood remembered him for.
James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020, a testament to his significant contributions to the music industry. Underwood stated that she will never sing one note of their songs about Jesus without thinking of Brett James. His faith, she added, was the only comfort they can hold on to now.
Apart from the tragic news of James' passing, another notable event occurred this week. Denise Richards, an actress and reality TV star, was involved in a nine-hour deposition as part of her ongoing divorce from Aaron Phypers. Details of the deposition were not further discussed in the article. Richards was later seen leaving a law office in LA, looking exhausted.
Underwood ended her Instagram tribute with a message that says she will see Brett again someday. The loss of James leaves a hole that won't ever go away, she shared, expressing her deep sorrow for the tragic event.
Rest in peace, Brett James. Your music and legacy will live on.
