Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley & More Pay Tribute to Late Songwriter Brett James
The country music community is mourning the loss of Brett James, the GRAMMY-winning songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member who died in a plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina, on Thursday (Sept. 18). He was 57.
The Tragic Accident
According to reports from WPDE-TV, James’ Cirrus SR22T went down around 3 p.m. local time near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin. Thankfully, no children or staff were harmed. The crash claimed the lives of James, his wife Melody, and Melody’s daughter, Meryl.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame confirmed his passing that evening in a heartfelt social media post.
Jason Aldean’s Onstage Tribute
Just hours after learning of James’ death, Jason Aldean took the stage in Lincoln, Nebraska, and paused his show to honor his friend.
“Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my friend Brett James tonight,” Aldean later wrote on social media. “Honored to have met him and worked with him.”
Aldean then performed “The Truth”, one of James’ most well-known co-writes. Written with Ashley Monroe and released by Aldean in 2009, the song became a fan favorite and remains a cornerstone of his career.
James contributed at least ten songs to Aldean’s first eight albums, including “Gonna Know We Were Here” and “Grown Woman,” a duet with Miranda Lambert.
Other Stars Share Their Memories
Aldean wasn’t alone in his grief. By nightfall, tributes poured in from across Nashville:
Dierks Bentley recalled one of their first writing sessions:
“It was one of the first times we wrote and I decided to drop the most meaningful and necessary idea of a song I had on him, because I felt like God was telling me to do so. Our friendship and that song changed my life.”
Josh Gracin honored James’ generosity and guidance during his early career.
Gary LeVox (Rascal Flatts) shared how much James’ songwriting shaped their sound.
Sara Evans remembered his kindness and faith, calling him “one of the true greats.”
A Legacy Beyond Charts
Brett James leaves behind four children and a catalog of more than 800 recorded songs, including Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down.”
His pen not only defined careers but also gave fans the soundtrack to life’s most tender, painful, and joyful moments.
As Jason Aldean’s performance proved, the songs James left behind will continue to echo — carrying his voice, his spirit, and his faith far beyond the tragedy of September 18.
