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Songwriter Brett James, known for penning the hit 'Jesus, Take The Wheel,' sadly passed away in a fatal plane crash, according to confirmations.

Country music and pop music hitmaker Brett James, renowned for his iconic piece "Jesus, Take the Wheel," perished in a fatal airplane accident, according to official statements made publicly on Friday morning.

Songwriter Brett James, known for composing the hit 'Jesus, Take The Wheel,' officially declared...
Songwriter Brett James, known for composing the hit 'Jesus, Take The Wheel,' officially declared deceased in a tragic plane accident

Songwriter Brett James, known for penning the hit 'Jesus, Take The Wheel,' sadly passed away in a fatal plane crash, according to confirmations.

In a tragic turn of events, Brett James Cornelius, a renowned figure in the music industry, has passed away in a plane crash. The incident occurred near the town of Franklin, Macon County.

Originally from Oklahoma City, Brett James dropped out of medical school to pursue his passion for music. His journey began in earnest when Faith Hill recorded his song 'Love is a Sweet Thing.' This marked the start of a successful career that saw his songs being recorded by a glittering roster of country stars, including Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, and Tim McGraw.

Brett James is best known for penning the number one hit "Jesus, Take The Wheel" for Carrie Underwood in 2006. His wildest dream would have been for ten versions of his songs to be recorded, but that year he had thirty-three.

The dean of the medical school encouraged Brett James to follow his dream, but added, "you can't ever come back." True to his words, Brett James never looked back. His first song to top the country charts was "Who I Am" by Jessica Andrews in 2001.

In 2020, Brett James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters' Hall of Fame, a testament to his significant contributions to the industry. He also won a Grammy for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Jesus, Take The Wheel."

Brett James' songs were also recorded by mainstream pop and rock acts, including Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, and the Backstreet Boys. In an interview with the website of music equipment company, Yamaha, he shared his experiences and insights into the music industry.

The National Transport Safety Board is investigating the plane crash. The plane with registration number N218VB, which was owned by Brett Cornelius, was involved in the crash. Tragically, three people died in the incident: Brett James Cornelius, Melody Carole, and Meryl Maxwell Wilson.

Brett James told the PBS series "The Songwriters" earlier this year, reflecting on his journey and the impact of his music. His songs will continue to resonate with audiences, serving as a testament to his talent and passion.

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