Brett James Bio (1968–2025): Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Songs, Career & Death
Brett James (born Brett James Cornelius; June 5, 1968 – September 18, 2025) was an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Known for penning more than two dozen No. 1 country hits, including Carrie Underwood’s Grammy-winning “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” he left an indelible mark on modern country and pop music.
His unexpected death in a plane crash in September 2025 shocked the music industry, with tributes pouring in from stars like Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, and Carrie Underwood.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Brett James Cornelius |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Brett James |
| Profession | Singer-Songwriter, Record Producer |
| Birth Date | June 5, 1968 |
| Age (at death) | 57 years |
| Birth Place | Columbia, Missouri, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Writing Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel”; 27+ No. 1 hits |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height & Weight | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm), approx. 78 kg (172 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Qualification | Attended Baylor University (pre-med); pursued music career in Nashville |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Sandra Cornelius (died 2025) |
| Children | 2 (including stepdaughter, died 2025) |
| Family Tree | Parents not widely publicized |
| Hobbies | Flying, producing music, songwriting, mentoring young artists |
| Current Work (till 2025) | Songwriting, producing, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member |
| Years Active | 1995–2025 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20–25 million |
Early Life & Education
Brett James was born on June 5, 1968, in Columbia, Missouri. He grew up with a passion for both academics and music, initially enrolling at Baylor University as a pre-med student. However, his love for music eventually outweighed his plans for medicine. After moving to Nashville in the early 1990s, he pursued a career as a performer and songwriter, quickly establishing himself in the heart of country music.
Career Journey
Early Career & Breakthrough
Brett James started his music career as a recording artist, releasing a self-titled debut album in 1995. Though the album didn’t gain mainstream success, it opened doors for him in Nashville.
Rise as a Hit Songwriter
By the 2000s, James had fully transitioned into songwriting and production, penning songs that dominated country and pop charts. His most notable success came in 2005 with Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Country Song.
Other artists who recorded his songs include:
- Tim McGraw
- Kenny Chesney
- Martina McBride
- Jason Aldean
- Kelly Clarkson
- Bon Jovi
He went on to score 27 No. 1 hits, securing his place among the most successful songwriters of his generation.
Recent Activity (2020–2025)
In recent years, Brett James released his own music, including the EP I Am Now (2020). He continued writing for film soundtracks (Then Came You) and remained active in Nashville’s creative scene.
In 2022, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, a crowning achievement in his decades-long career.
Death in 2025
On September 18, 2025, Brett James tragically died in a small plane crash in North Carolina, along with his wife, Sandra, and stepdaughter. The Cirrus SR22T they were flying in went down shortly after takeoff. His passing was widely mourned in the country music world, with Carrie Underwood calling the loss “unfathomable.”
Personal Life
Brett James was married to Sandra Cornelius, and the couple shared a close family life in Nashville. His hobbies included flying private aircraft, songwriting, and mentoring younger musicians. Sadly, both his wife and stepdaughter perished in the same plane crash that claimed his life.
Awards & Achievements
- Grammy Award (2007) – Best Country Song for “Jesus, Take the Wheel”
- 27+ No. 1 singles on country radio
- Inducted (2022) into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame
- Multiple BMI and ASCAP songwriting awards
- Contributions to over 490 recorded tracks across genres
Physical Statistics
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 78 kg (172 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
Quotes
“Songwriting is about telling the truth in a way that people can sing along to.”
“The best songs are the ones that come from a place of honesty and vulnerability.”
Controversies
Brett James maintained a clean image throughout his career. He was respected across the industry and had no major public controversies.
Favorites
- Favorite Hobby: Flying planes
- Favorite Music Style: Country & Americana
- Favorite Artist to Collaborate With: Carrie Underwood
- Favorite Quote: “Music heals in ways words cannot.”
Salary & Net Worth
At the time of his passing in 2025, Brett James’ net worth was estimated between $17-20 million, primarily from songwriting royalties, production credits, and publishing rights. Top artists frequently recorded his songs, ensuring steady revenue over decades.
Interesting Facts
- Brett James was once a pre-med student before switching to music.
- He penned over 500 songs recorded by major artists.
- He was a licensed pilot, which tragically played into his 2025 death.
- His songs spanned genres, from country to pop-rock.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @brettjamessongs
- Twitter/X: @brettjamessongs
- Facebook: Brett James Official
- YouTube: Brett James Official Channel
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What was Brett James most famous for?
He was best known for writing Carrie Underwood’s Grammy-winning hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and over 27 other No. 1 country songs.
Q2. How did Brett James die?
He died in a plane crash on September 18, 2025, along with his wife and stepdaughter.
Q3. Was Brett James also a singer?
Yes, he released solo music, including his self-titled 1995 album and the I Am Now EP in 2020.
Q4. What awards did Brett James win?
He won a Grammy Award, multiple BMI/ASCAP honors, and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022.
Q5. How many songs did Brett James write?
His songwriting credits appeared on over 500 recordings across multiple genres.
Q6: What caused Brett James’ death?
A: He died in a small plane crash (Cirrus SR22T) near Franklin, North Carolina, on September 18, 2025. Authorities (FAA, NTSB) are investigating.
Q7: Who were on the plane with him?
A: His wife (Melody Carole Wilson/Sandra Cornelius per varying reports) and his stepdaughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, were aboard; all three died in the crash.
Q8: What are some of Brett James’ most famous songs?
A: “Jesus, Take the Wheel” (Carrie Underwood), “When the Sun Goes Down” (Kenny Chesney), “Out Last Night,” “Cowboy Casanova,” “The Truth” (Jason Aldean), etc.
Q9: How many songs has he written?
A: Over 500 songs have been recorded from his writing. Wikipedia+1
Q10: Did Brett James have any formal education?
A: Yes. He attended Christian Heritage Academy (high school), then Baylor University. He had started medical school at the University of Oklahoma but left to pursue music.
Q11: What is Brett James’ net worth?
A: Estimated between $17-20 million USD as of 2025, based on multiple news sources.
Conclusion
Brett James’ life story is one of passion, talent, and immense influence on country music. From his early days in Missouri to writing timeless hits in Nashville, his career touched millions. His tragic passing in 2025 cut short a remarkable journey, but his music will continue to inspire generations.
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