It was an evening filled with emotion, memories, and heartfelt storytelling — the kind that defines country music. At the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala, Kenny Chesney honored the memory of his late friend and longtime collaborator, Brett James, with a moving performance of their hit song When The Sun Goes Down. A Tribute From the Heart. The lights in the venue dimmed as Chesney took the stage with his guitar. Without saying a word, he began playing the familiar chords of the 2004 hit they had written together. What had once been a fun, beach-inspired anthem now held a deeper meaning — a message of gratitude and farewell.

Chesney’s voice shook with emotion as he sang, and the lyrics — “When the sun goes down, we’ll be groovin’…” — became more than just a song. It was a personal tribute to a dear friend. As he finished the final chorus, Chesney looked upward and said quietly, “Love you forever, Brett James.” Remembering Brett James. Brett James passed away earlier this year and was considered one of Nashville’s most talented and respected songwriters. Over his career, he wrote more than 25 No. 1 hits for artists including Carrie Underwood (Jesus, Take the Wheel), Jason Aldean (The Truth), and Martina McBride (Blessed), as well as many successful songs with Chesney.

Known for his kindness and emotional depth, James brought heart and honesty to every lyric he wrote. His work stood out for its simplicity, clarity, and lasting impact. A Longstanding Friendship. Chesney and James had worked together for more than 20 years. Their song When The Sun Goes Down not only became a chart-topping success, but also helped shape Chesney’s laid-back, island-inspired sound. Attendees at the Gala described Chesney’s performance as emotional and sincere — a powerful reflection of the bond the two men shared.

“It wasn’t just a tribute to a songwriter,” one guest said. “It was about honoring a friend who helped define country music’s heart and soul.”

Chesney Reflects on James’s Legacy

After the performance, Chesney shared a short statement to remember James: “Brett had a way of making people feel understood. Every song he wrote carried a piece of his heart, and I’ll miss that — I’ll miss him.”

As the final notes echoed through the Ryman Auditorium, the audience stood in quiet applause. It was a moment of respect for a man whose words and melodies had touched millions. Through his tribute, Kenny Chesney reminded everyone of a truth Brett James lived by: that when love and music come from the heart, they never truly fade.

It was an evening filled with emotion, memories, and heartfelt storytelling — the kind that defines country music. At the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala, Kenny Chesney honored the memory of his late friend and longtime collaborator, Brett James, with a moving performance of their hit song When The Sun Goes Down. A Tribute From the Heart. The lights in the venue dimmed as Chesney took the stage with his guitar. Without saying a word, he began playing the familiar chords of the 2004 hit they had written together. What had once been a fun, beach-inspired anthem now held a deeper meaning — a message of gratitude and farewell.

Chesney’s voice shook with emotion as he sang, and the lyrics — “When the sun goes down, we’ll be groovin’…” — became more than just a song. It was a personal tribute to a dear friend. As he finished the final chorus, Chesney looked upward and said quietly, “Love you forever, Brett James.” Remembering Brett James. Brett James passed away earlier this year and was considered one of Nashville’s most talented and respected songwriters. Over his career, he wrote more than 25 No. 1 hits for artists including Carrie Underwood (Jesus, Take the Wheel), Jason Aldean (The Truth), and Martina McBride (Blessed), as well as many successful songs with Chesney.

Known for his kindness and emotional depth, James brought heart and honesty to every lyric he wrote. His work stood out for its simplicity, clarity, and lasting impact. A Longstanding Friendship. Chesney and James had worked together for more than 20 years. Their song When The Sun Goes Down not only became a chart-topping success, but also helped shape Chesney’s laid-back, island-inspired sound. Attendees at the Gala described Chesney’s performance as emotional and sincere — a powerful reflection of the bond the two men shared.

“It wasn’t just a tribute to a songwriter,” one guest said. “It was about honoring a friend who helped define country music’s heart and soul.”

Chesney Reflects on James’s Legacy

After the performance, Chesney shared a short statement to remember James: “Brett had a way of making people feel understood. Every song he wrote carried a piece of his heart, and I’ll miss that — I’ll miss him.”

As the final notes echoed through the Ryman Auditorium, the audience stood in quiet applause. It was a moment of respect for a man whose words and melodies had touched millions. Through his tribute, Kenny Chesney reminded everyone of a truth Brett James lived by: that when love and music come from the heart, they never truly fade.