Remembering Country Legend Brett James

Brett James, born Brett James Cornelius on June 5, 1968, in Columbia, Missouri, was a Grammy Award-winning American songwriter, producer, and music executive whose career was marked by remarkable commercial and critical success in country and popular music[6][7]. After initially pursuing a pre-medical degree at Baylor University, he abandoned medical school to chase a music career, moving to Nashville with nothing more than a guitar, a four-track recorder, and a bag of clothes[4][5]. Over a career spanning more than two decades, James wrote or co-wrote over 800 songs, with more than 500 recorded by artists across multiple genres and albums selling over 110 million copies worldwide[1][4]. His catalog includes 25 to 27 number-one singles, among them Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” (which earned him the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Country Song), Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down,” and Jessica Andrews’ “Who I Am”[1][4][5]. He was recognized as ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year in 2006 and 2010 and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020[1][6]. James’s songs have been recorded by a diverse array of artists, including Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Meghan Trainor, Nick Jonas, Miranda Lambert, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Leona Lewis, Daughtry, The Fray, Florida Georgia Line, Backstreet Boys, Chicago, and Will.i.am[1][4]. As a producer, he worked with Taylor Swift, Jessica Simpson, Danielle Bradbery, and Kip Moore, and he also released his own music, including the 2020 album I Am Now[1][6]. Beyond his creative work, James was a business leader, owning Cornman Music and Believer Artist Management, and he held leadership roles with the CMA Board of Directors, the Recording Academy, and the Nashville Songwriters Association International[1]. Tragically, Brett James died on September 18, 2025, in a small plane crash near Franklin, North Carolina, along with two others[5]. He was 57. His death was widely mourned in the music community, and he is remembered as one of Nashville’s most prolific and versatile songwriters, whose work continues to resonate across genres and generations[5].

Carrie Underwood is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to national fame as the winner of the fourth season of *American Idol* in 2005[1][4]. Born in 1983 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and raised in Checotah, she developed an early interest in music, performing in local events and even auditioning for Capitol Records in Nashville at age 14, though a deal did not materialize at that time[4][7]. After graduating from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Underwood’s career took a decisive turn with her *American Idol* victory, which launched her into the spotlight and earned her a loyal fan base[1][4]. Her debut single, “Inside Your Heaven,” made her the first country artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and her first album, *Some Hearts* (2005), became a multi-platinum success, establishing her as a leading figure in contemporary country music[1][3]. Underwood’s subsequent albums, including *Carnival Ride*, *Play On*, and *Blown Away*, all debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, a rare feat for a country artist[2][4]. She has recorded 28 number-one singles (14 co-written), sold over 85 million records worldwide, and earned more than 72 million RIAA certifications[3]. Underwood’s accolades include eight Grammy Awards, 16 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards (with three Entertainer of the Year wins—a record for female artists), 25 CMT Music Awards, seven CMA Awards, and 17 American Music Awards[3][4]. She was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2008 by Garth Brooks, becoming one of its youngest members at the time[2][6]. Beyond music, Underwood has acted in films such as *Soul Surfer* and *The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader*, and starred as Maria von Trapp in NBC’s *The Sound of Music Live!* in 2013[5][9]. She is also a New York Times bestselling author and has lent her voice to the theme of *Sunday Night Football* for multiple seasons[3][5]. In recent years, Underwood has maintained her prominence through sold-out tours, a Las Vegas residency, and high-profile television appearances. She returned to *American Idol* as a judge, marking a full-circle moment in her career[1]. In 2025, she is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut with a special vinyl release of *Some Hearts*, underscoring her enduring influence in the music industry[1]. Underwood continues to record, tour, and expand her brand, remaining one of the most successful and recognizable figures in country music today[1][3].

Samuel Timothy McGraw (born May 1, 1967) is a prominent American country music singer and actor known for his significant impact on the genre since the early 1990s. He has released 17 studio albums, with 10 reaching number one on the Top Country Albums charts. His breakthrough came with the 1994 album *Not a Moment Too Soon*, the top country album that year, which produced hits like "Indian Outlaw" and "Don't Take the Girl." Over his career, McGraw has produced 65 singles, with 25 reaching number one on country charts. Notable songs such as "It's Your Love," "Just to See You Smile," and "Live Like You Were Dying" were recognized as the top country songs in their respective years by *Billboard*.[1][4][5] McGraw's accolades include three Grammy Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music awards, 11 Country Music Association awards, 10 American Music Awards, and three People's Choice Awards. His Soul2Soul II Tour with his wife, Faith Hill, is one of the highest-grossing tours in country music history and ranks among the top five tours across all music genres. McGraw has sold over 80 million records worldwide, securing his status as one of the best-selling country artists of all time.[1][5] In addition to his music career, McGraw has acted in films and television, including notable roles in *Flicka* (2006), *Country Strong* (2010), and the TV series *1883* (2021). He has also appeared in supporting roles in movies such as *The Blind Side*, *Friday Night Lights*, and *The Shack*. Beyond entertainment, he was once a minority owner of the Arena Football League's Nashville Kats.[1][5][7] Currently, McGraw remains a relevant figure in country music, continuing to release new music and tour. In recent years, he collaborated with Faith Hill on the joint album *The Rest of Our Life* and continued their successful touring partnership, although he experienced a health incident on stage in 2018 due to dehydration.[2] McGraw is married to Faith Hill since 1996 and is the eldest son of former MLB pitcher Tug McGraw.[1][5]

Kenny Chesney, born Kenneth Arnold Chesney on March 26, 1968, in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a prominent American country music singer and songwriter. Raised in the nearby small town of Luttrell, he developed an early interest in music, influenced by country and rock & roll. Chesney attended East Tennessee State University, where he studied marketing and was involved in the college bluegrass band, beginning to write songs and perform locally. After graduation in 1991, he moved to Nashville to pursue a music career, initially signing a songwriter contract in 1992 and releasing his debut album, *In My Wildest Dreams*, in 1994[1][2][3][5]. Chesney's breakthrough came with his second album, *All I Need to Know* (1995), which produced his first top ten hits and was certified gold. He steadily rose to country stardom with subsequent albums such as *Everywhere We Go*, *No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems*, and *When the Sun Goes Down*, leading to widespread commercial success and critical acclaim. Known for his emotionally honest romantic ballads and a blend of traditional and contemporary country styles, Chesney has sold over 30 million albums worldwide[1][3][5]. His accolades include multiple Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, notably winning the coveted Entertainer of the Year four consecutive times, as well as numerous CMT Awards. Chesney is recognized for his extensive touring and strong connection with fans, often performing in large outdoor venues and festivals[1][5]. In his personal life, Chesney was briefly married to actress Renée Zellweger in 2005; the marriage was annulled within months. He is known for his trademark cowboy hat or baseball cap and maintains a residence in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he often retreats between tours[2][4][6]. As of recent years, Chesney remains a relevant figure in country music, continuing to chart on Billboard's Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts and actively touring[2].

Brad Paisley, born Brad Douglas Paisley on October 28, 1972, in Glen Dale, West Virginia, is an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has become one of the genre’s most celebrated figures of the early 21st century[1][2][3]. He developed his passion for music as a child, encouraged by his grandfather, who gave him his first guitar at age eight and introduced him to country and bluegrass[1][2][6]. By age 12, Paisley was performing locally and soon joined the *Jamboree USA* radio show in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he became the youngest regular cast member and performed alongside established country acts[2][3]. Paisley’s formal music education began at West Liberty State College before he transferred to Belmont University in Nashville, earning a degree in music business in 1995[2][5]. Shortly after graduation, he signed a songwriting contract with EMI and penned his first major hit, “Another You,” for David Kersh in 1997[1][7]. His debut album, *Who Needs Pictures* (1999), quickly went platinum, launching his solo career with chart-topping singles like “He Didn’t Have to Be” and “We Danced”[1][3][8]. Throughout his career, Paisley has achieved remarkable commercial and critical success. He has released over a dozen studio albums, written 21 of his 24 No. 1 country hits, and became the first artist to score 10 consecutive Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 singles in 2008[4]. His accolades include three Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards, and 15 Academy of Country Music Awards[4]. He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2001 and named CMA Entertainer of the Year in 2010[1][4]. Beyond music, Paisley is known for his collaborations, such as the multi-year Nationwide insurance campaign with Peyton Manning and his exclusive clothing line with Boot Barn[4]. He and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, co-founded The Store, a nonprofit grocery in Nashville that supports low-income families[4]. Paisley remains a relevant figure in country music, consistently touring and releasing new material. His 2019 ABC special, *Brad Paisley Thinks He’s Special*, attracted over 18 million viewers, and his catalog has surpassed 3.9 billion on-demand streams[4]. While recent major releases are not detailed in available sources, Paisley’s influence and activity in both music and philanthropy continue to sustain his prominence in the industry.

Keith Urban is a New Zealand-born, Australian-raised country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has become one of the genre’s most influential and internationally recognized artists[2]. Born in 1967, Urban moved with his family to Queensland, Australia, as a toddler, and began playing music at a young age, showing early promise by winning local talent competitions and performing in clubs throughout his teens[2]. He left school at 15 to pursue music full-time, forming his first band in 1988 and signing with EMI Music Australia in 1990, which led to the release of his self-titled debut album in 1991[2]. Urban’s early career included touring with Australian country legend Slim Dusty and providing backing vocals for INXS[1]. In 1992, Urban relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of American country music, where he initially worked as a session guitarist for artists like Garth Brooks and the Dixie Chicks[2]. He later formed the band The Ranch, releasing one album before pursuing a solo career[1]. Urban’s breakthrough came with his 1999 self-titled American solo album, which included his first U.S. number one hit, "But for the Grace of God"[1][5]. This success was followed by a string of hit albums and singles, including Golden Road (2002) and Be Here (2004), which produced chart-toppers like "Somebody Like You" and "Days Go By"[1][2][7]. Urban’s career is marked by significant accolades: four Grammy Awards, 13 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, and recognition as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2020 for his contributions to music and charity[1][3]. He is the only country artist to have served as a judge on American Idol[3][4]. Urban is also known for his dynamic live performances, having toured globally and performed for millions[3]. His 2017 album Fuse made history as the first by a male country artist to debut at number one on the all-genre charts in the U.S., Canada, and Australia simultaneously[4]. Urban married actress Nicole Kidman in 2006, and their relationship has occasionally been referenced in his music[5]. In 2023, Rolling Stone named him one of the 241 greatest guitarists of all time[1]. His most recent studio album, High, was released in September 2024, demonstrating his continued relevance in the country music scene[5]. Urban remains active as a performer, collaborator, and occasional television personality, maintaining a prominent place in both country and popular music.