Carrie Underwood has paid a moving tribute to her longtime friend and collaborator Brett James, following his sudden and tragic passing. The country music world is mourning the loss of one of its most gifted songwriters, who died in a plane crash on September 18, 2024, in Macon County near Franklin, North Carolina. He was just 57 years old.
James, a celebrated Grammy Award-winning songwriter, penned countless chart-topping hits across country and pop music. Among his most iconic works are Underwood’s breakout hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and the fiery anthem “Cowboy Casanova.” His sudden death has left a profound void in the music community, and Underwood’s emotional words reflected just how deeply he will be missed.
Carrie Underwood’s Emotional Instagram Tribute
Soon after the heartbreaking news became public, Underwood, 42, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram alongside three photos of her and James through the years.
“Some things are just unfathomable,” she began. “The loss of Brett James to his family, friends, and our music community is too great to put into words.”
The country superstar described James as the very definition of “cool” — a man whose charisma, humility, and talent inspired everyone around him.
Special Memories with Brett James
Underwood went on to recall some of her fondest memories with James, highlighting both his humor and his generosity as a collaborator.
One story that stood out was the time she heard James perform “Cowboy Casanova.” She explained that, despite the song being a bold and playful “sassy girl anthem,” James’ confident delivery somehow made it work:
“A sassy girl anthem should’ve sounded ridiculous coming from a macho dude like him, but somehow, he even made that cool.”
She also reflected on a songwriting session where James came in with the majority of a song already completed. Underwood admitted that she only added small melodic ideas and finishing touches, and didn’t feel right taking equal credit. But James insisted they split the song evenly, showing the kindness and humility that defined his character.
His Faith and Spiritual Legacy
For Underwood, one of the most powerful things about James was his unwavering faith. She spoke about the comfort she finds knowing his strong relationship with God will continue to inspire others.
“Brett loved the Lord. Which is the only comfort we can hold on to now,” she wrote. “My favorite songs to sing of ours are the ones that he or we wrote about Jesus because the thoughts and feelings behind them are so genuine and pure. I won’t ever sing one note of them again without thinking of him.”
Her tribute ended with a message that perfectly summed up the grief felt not just by her, but by fans and the entire country music community:
“Brett’s passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear won’t ever go away. Love you, man. I’ll see you again someday.”
A Lasting Impact on Country Music
Brett James leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. His songwriting credits span multiple decades and genres, from heartfelt ballads to energetic anthems. With hits like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” — which helped launch Carrie Underwood’s career and earned her a Grammy — James cemented his place as one of Nashville’s most influential songwriters.
Beyond his accolades, his peers remember him as someone who always lifted others up, whether through his generosity in the studio or his genuine love for storytelling through music.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Brett James has left the country music world heartbroken, but his influence will continue to live on through the songs he wrote and the lives he touched. For Carrie Underwood, his legacy is deeply personal, woven into the very fabric of her career and her faith.
As fans and fellow artists reflect on his life, one thing is clear: Brett James was more than just a songwriter. He was a friend, a mentor, a man of faith, and an irreplaceable force in the music industry.
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