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A resolution honoring the life of Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James.
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WHEREAS, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Nashville and the country music industry lost one its most beloved and respected songwriters in the passing of Brett James, who perished at the age of 57 in a small-engine airplane crash near Franklin, North Carolina along with his wife, Melody Carole, and his stepdaughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson; and
WHEREAS, Mr. James was an accomplished American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer based in Nashville where he owned publishing company Cornman Music. He was a trusted collaborator to country’s greatest names and a true advocate for songwriters; and
WHEREAS, for more than two decades Mr. James was a leading figure in Nashville as a songwriter. He worked with many country stars, including Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Martina McBride, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, and Dierks Bentley. He also collaborated with Taylor Swift and Bon Jovi, expanding his influence beyond country music. Over his career, he wrote or co-wrote more than 500 songs, with total album sales exceeding 110 million copies; and
WHEREAS, Mr. James penned numerous memorable songs, including “Blessed,” “When The Sun Goes Down,” “True Believer,” and “The Truth,” but his most recognized success came with Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which earned a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 2006; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career, Mr. James received numerous accolades, including being named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 2006 and 2010, and Music Row Magazine’s Songwriter of the Year in 2015. In 2020 he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He also gave of his time and talent to serve on the boards of the Country Music Association and the Nashville Chapter of The Recording Academy; and
WHEREAS, Mr. James leaves behind an indelible legacy of integrity and immeasurable contributions to Nashville and the country music industry, and we mourn his untimely loss; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council honor the life of Brett James and hereby express and extend sincere sympathy to the James family.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as honoring the life of Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.