History of Brett James in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 25, 2025

Brett James is an American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer based in Nashville. He started his music career in 1995, releasing a self-titled album under Arista Nashville's Career Records division, which produced three singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. He later re-signed with Arista Nashville in the early 2000s, releasing two more singles that were not part of an album.

Sections (1)

Full Timeline

June 5, 1968: Brett James Born

On June 5, 1968, Brett James Cornelius was born. He became an American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer based in Nashville.

Others born on this day/year

1995: Debut Album Release

In 1995, Brett James began his music career with his self-titled debut album on Arista Nashville's Career Records division.

2004: Number One Hit with Kenny Chesney

In 2004, Brett James had another number-one single with "When the Sun Goes Down" by Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker.

Loading Video...

September 2025: Underwood Reveals James' Role in "Jesus, Take the Wheel"

In September 2025, Carrie Underwood revealed that Brett James wrote 75% of "Jesus, Take the Wheel."

Loading Video...

September 18, 2025: Death of Brett James

On September 18, 2025, Brett James died in a plane crash near Franklin, North Carolina at age 57.

September 18, 2025: Brett James Killed in Plane Crash

On September 18, 2025, Brett James was killed in a Cirrus SR22T airplane crash near Franklin, North Carolina, at the age of 57. His second wife, Melody Wilson, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, also died in the accident.