After the plane crash that killed legendary songwriter Brett James and two of his family members in September of 2025, Kip Moore admits he has never really been the same, and is taking the loss especially hard.
Moore was a guest on Taste of Country Nights, where he talked about songs on his upcoming album, Reason to Believe, due out May 29, that were co-written by James, as well as the inseparable bond they shared.
Moore said, “Brett was larger than life in so many ways. Brett was so crucial to me at the time he came into my life because I don’t know if I’ve ever had that kind of believer in my corner.”
As he delivered that line, Moore looked visibly shaken, and his voice quivered. It was clear that James’ death is still an open wound for him.
“The life talks we had — we were inseparable for four years. We were together every single day, and every weekend we would go down to his lake house, where we’d write and hang out. He was just the best of us.”
Read More: New Details About Brett James’ Fatal Plane Crash: Aircraft Went Into a ‘Spiral’
What Was It About Brett James That Musicians Loved Most?
Moore said, “The way he made the newbies in the room feel like seasoned veterans and how he made everyone feel valid — he was the King Tut, you know? That guy has more hits than almost anyone in this town.”
How Many No. 1 Songs Did Brett James Write?
According to MusicRow, James wrote 27 No. 1 songs.
Some of his most notable hits include:
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