Image Credit: Getty Images Brett James, best known as a songwriter on Carrie Underwood's Grammy-winning single "Jesus Take the Wheel," died in a plane crash in North Carolina. He was 57. We're remembering the late singer-songwriter's life and career below. Brett James Was a Songwriter & Musician Known for his work in country music, James was an accomplished songwriter, singer and musician. Born in Columbia, Missouri, he later moved to Oklahoma and went to high school there.