Nashville Community Remembers Brett James

Brett James performing at the 2022 Nashville Songwriter Awards. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Yesterday (Sept. 18), Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member Brett James tragically died in a private plane crash in North Carolina. The news sent shockwaves through the Nashville music community.

With more than 500 songs recorded throughout his career, James celebrated 27 No. 1s, a Grammy win for his mega Carrie Underwood hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” and was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 2006 and 2010. His songs have been cut by artists like Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts to Bon Jovi, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis.

James also served as Owner/CEO of Cornman Music, a successful music publishing company in Nashville. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, James was a fixture in the Nashville music community. He frequently played songwriter rounds, mentored younger writers, educated the public about the challenges facing professional songwriters and devoted his time to industry organizations and charity events. Friends and colleagues often described him as generous with his talent and knowledge, always eager to lift up the next generation.

“Today we mourn the tragic loss of a Music Row giant. Brett James has been a consistent powerhouse songwriter, publisher, and producer for over 30 years,” said Lee Thomas Miller, NSAI Board President in a statement. “He achieved heights that few songwriters in our town have ever seen. He was a star himself in every way a star can be defined, racking up dozens of hits for the who’s who of music. He represented the Nashville songwriting community all over the world, performing his hits as well as educating fans and lawmakers about the threats to intellectual property. He was a longtime board member and officer for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), serving in any role he was asked. NSAI and country music are better because of Brett. He will be missed more than I can even begin to say.”

Below are just some of the numerous social media tributes made to James in his honor.

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Madison Hahnen

Madison Hahnen is Project Manager at MusicRow Magazine, where she helps carry out operational objectives and large-scale projects for the company. She also manages the company's subscriptions. Hahnen graduated from Bryant University in May of 2020 with a B.S. in Team & Project Management and a minor in communication studies. Prior to MusicRow, she held internship roles with Make Wake Artists and Song Suffragettes.

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