The music industry is mourning the loss of a talented songwriter, Brett James. He was 57. The news of James’ death has created an outpouring of love from musicians and fans, and among the tributes is one from Tim McGraw.
Tim McGraw Pays Tribute to Brett James
McGraw posted a photo of James holding a guitar on Instagram on Friday, September 19. In the caption, he shared his heartbreak. “So heartbroken to hear about the passing of Brett James,” he wrote. “Brett was one of the most talented and most respected songwriters in Nashville and wrote some of my personal favorite songs I ever recorded, ‘Telluride and Drugs or Jesus.’ Our family’s hearts go out to his family, friends and everyone who loved him.”
The post is only a few hours old, but has already been flooded with comments from fans who are sharing their condolences. “Telluride is one of my favorites, when it comes on my playlist I listen to it over and over,” a comment reads. “Beautiful lyrics and melody. Rest peacefully Brett.”
“So tragic. Prayers for his family and friends,” another fan shared.
Other reactions include, “Ahh Drugs or Jesus was always a favorite! I forgot he wrote that one. So sad to see this news!,” “Heartbreaking news,” and “So much sadness….prayers for all of you.”
What Happened to Brett James?
The news of James’ death was reported on Friday, September 19. He was involved in a fatal plane crash that claimed his life and that of the two passengers on board the private aircraft. The plane was registered under Brett Cornelius, James’ legal name, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shared, FOX41 reports. The plane crashed into a field in Franklin, North Carolina.
More details about the crash, which is under FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board investigation, have been shared. “James was scheduled to take off for the 250-mile flight at 1:15 p.m., but didn’t depart Nashville until after 1:40 p.m. The plane crashed in the field just before 3 p.m.,” the New York Post reports. The other people onboard were Melody Carole and Meryl Maxwell Wilson, The Guardian reports. Carole is James’ wife, and Wilson is his stepdaughter.
James was responsible for several beautiful songs, including his contributions to Carrie Underwood’s hit track, “Jesus Take the Wheel,” and Dierks Bentley’s song “I Hold On.” He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020, the New York Post reports.
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Heartbroken Tim McGraw Pours Out His Emotions After Brett James’ Passing