In Memoriam: Brett James, ASCAP Songwriter and Advocate

ASCAP songwriter Brett James sadly passed away on September 18, 2025, at age 57. Over a storied career centered in Nashville, he emerged as one of country music’s most prolific songwriters and a respected record producer, leaving a legacy that shaped the sound of not only country music but pop music as well throughout his decades-long career.

In a statement, ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams said: “Brett James was a songwriting force of nature, having written more than 500 songs for and with artists across the musical spectrum and earning numerous accolades and awards for his incredible creative gifts. He was also a passionate and eloquent advocate for songwriter rights and generously devoted his time in support of his fellow music creators. He wrote big hits but had an even bigger heart. And his passing is a big loss for our ASCAP family. He will be missed.

Although born on June 5, 1968, in Columbia, Missouri, Brett James grew up in Oklahoma. As a young man, he developed deep ties to music and achieved a strong academic background – including study in the sciences at Baylor University and a brief stint in medical school. But his intense passion for songwriting eventually won out and he relocated to Nashville and dedicated himself to his craft.

Over the following two decades, James wrote or co-wrote dozens of chart-topping country hits for many leading artists. Among his best-known works is Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which won him a Grammy for Best Country Song (as well as other honors) and became one of the defining anthems of modern country. He also penned Number One songs for Jessica Andrews (“Who I Am”), Martina McBride (“Blessed”), Kenny Chesney (“When the Sun Goes Down”) and Jason Aldean (“The Truth”), among others. In 2012, he co-wrote “Somethin' Bad” with Priscilla Renea (Muni Long) and Chris DeStefano at an ASCAP Song Camp in France. The song became a #1 hit for Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, and was later retooled into the Sunday Night Football theme song.

 

In addition to songwriting, James worked as a record producer, helping bring to life projects for artists like Josh Gracin, Kristy Lee Cook, Kip Moore, and contributing to major label productions.

James won ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in both 2006 and 2010, and in 2020, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, cementing his place among songwriting’s elite.