Few songwriters have left as indelible a mark on country music as Brett James, whose pen has crafted over 800 songs across multiple genres during his more than two-decade career. With over 110 million combined album sales featuring his work, James has established himself as one of Nashville’s most prolific and successful songwriters, consistently delivering chart-topping hits that resonate with audiences worldwide.
The watershed moment in James’s illustrious career came in 2006 when “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” recorded by Carrie Underwood, not only topped the country charts but also earned him a Grammy Award for Best Country Song. This emotional ballad about faith and surrender during life’s challenging moments showcased James’s storytelling prowess and his ability to capture universal themes that connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Capturing life’s moments of surrender and faith transformed James’s career, defining his gift for universal storytelling.
Following this breakthrough success, James’s career accelerated dramatically. He went on to pen 26 more number one country hits, including “Blessed” for Martina McBride, “Bottoms Up” for Brantley Gilbert, and “Cowboy Casanova” for Carrie Underwood. His versatility has been recognized with over 40 ASCAP awards across various musical genres. His versatility allowed him to collaborate with artists across genres, from country stalwarts like Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney to pop acts including Bon Jovi and Taylor Swift.
The industry has repeatedly recognized James’s exceptional talent, naming him ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year twice (2006 and 2010) and bestowing upon him the prestigious Music Row Magazine’s Songwriter of the Year award in 2015. His contributions to music earned him induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020, cementing his legacy in country music history. His remarkable achievements have also made him a sought-after talent for corporate events and performances, where he shares the stories behind his biggest hits with enthusiastic audiences. James frequently emphasizes the importance of consistent writing as the foundation of his success, often producing multiple songs per week throughout his career.
Beyond his creative output, James has been a tireless advocate for songwriters’ rights, serving 18 years on the Country Music Association Board of Directors and as a national trustee for the Recording Academy. Beyond standard royalties, he has expertly leveraged sync deals to maximize his earnings by licensing his compositions for use in television shows, commercials, and films.
As owner of Cornman Music publishing and Believer Artist Management, he continues to nurture emerging talent while maintaining his own remarkable output of emotionally resonant, commercially successful songs that define the modern country landscape.
