Carrie Underwood has had plenty of hits since winning Season 4 of American Idol in 2005. But it’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” the debut single from her freshman Some Hearts album, which Underwood says has had the most impact on her life and career.
Underwood opens up about the song, as she celebrates a milestone anniversary of its release.
“Today marks the 20th Anniversary of releasing ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel,’ written by the most amazingly talented songwriters – Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, and Gordie Sampson, and produced by the incredible Mark Bright,” Underwood writes. “This song changed my life and has meant so much to me over the years. I’m truly blessed to be able to continue singing this beautiful song.”
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The Story Behind Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel”
When the three writers wrote “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” they could have never predicted that they were writing the song that would ultimately define Underwood’s career.
“We wrote that in a little room on a given Thursday in Hillary’s house, not knowing who Carrie Underwood was,” James recalls (via Parade). “American Idol had just started [the fourth] season, I think. And so we never heard of Carrie Underwood, and we didn’t know we were writing it for her or anybody else. We were just trying to write something we thought was a good song that day.”
The three writers had an idea they had written something special when “Jesus, Take the Wheel” was completed. But they had no idea how far that song would reach, let alone what it would do for Underwood’s career.
“Once in a while, you write a song in a given living room on a Thursday, “James says. “And through the power of radio and the universe and the right singer, the right artist recording that song, it just becomes bigger than all of you. And that song is one of those.”
“I’ve played that song on five different continents, and all around the world,” he continues. “And every time I play it, someone comes up and says, ‘I had a similar story in my life with this car accident.’ Or, ‘That happened to a friend of mine.’ Or, ‘I needed to hear that at that time of my life.'”
The song might be 20 years old, but Underwood still performs it during all of her live shows. Perhaps even more surprising, she never tires of it either.
“I just love that song so much,” Underwood says on The Ty Bentli Show. “I’ll come off stage and I’ll text my band. I’ll be like, ‘I felt Jesus in the room tonight.’ It’s just a constant reminder of how I need to do more of that in my life. Because I feel like my whole life is always … not worrying, but I stress myself out about things. And a lot of times it’s just because I want to do a good job at things. So I’m always thinking ahead.
“I’m always thinking about writing and what the next thing is, what the next project is, and that’s a great reminder to me constantly to just stop worrying,” she adds. “The doors are going to open, opportunities are going to come. Keep your eyes and ears open, and just let Jesus handle it.”
Carrie Underwood Speaks Out About the Loss of Brett James
James was tragically killed in an airplane crash last month. The loss is devastating for the entire music community, including Underwood, who had become a close friend to James over the year.
“Some things are just unfathomable,” Underwood writes on social media. “The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words.
“Brett was the epitome of ‘cool,’” she continues. “I see him in my mind riding up to my cabins to write on his motorcycle…his hair somehow perfectly coiffed despite being under a helmet for however long. I always loved hearing him sing ‘Cowboy Casanov’ because a sassy girl anthem should’ve sounded ridiculous coming from a macho dude like him, but somehow, he even made that cool.”
Underwood goes on to share memories of her times with James, including numerous songwriting sessions, before closing by reflecting on their shared Christian faith.
“Brett’s passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear won’t ever go away,” she concludes. “It will forever be a reminder that this life is but a moment…we have to make the most of each day we’re given here on earth. Each day is a gift. I’m asking all of you to pray for his family, friends and all of us that were blessed enough to know Brett. Love you, man. I’ll see you again someday.”
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