New Delhi, Sept. 19 -- Brett James, the Grammy-winning songwriter who helped shape the sound of modern country music, died on Thursday, 18 September, at the age of 57. He was killed when the small plane he was piloting crashed in Franklin, North Carolina. Two others on board also died.

Brett James was born Brett James Cornelius in Oklahoma City and went on to become one of Nashville's most respected figures behind the scenes. His career as a songwriter spanned decades, with credits on hundreds of tracks recorded by some of the biggest names in country and pop.

He penned 'Jesus, Take the Wheel', the breakthrough hit for Carrie Underwood that went on to win a Grammy. He also wrote Kenny Chesney's 'When the Sun Goes Down' and Jessica Andre...