Sonny James | |
|---|---|
 James in 1967 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Hugh Loden |
| Also known as | Sonny James The Southern Gentleman |
| Born | May 1, 1928 |
| Origin | Hackleburg, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | February 22, 2016 (aged 87) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | Country, pop |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1953–1983 |
| Labels | |
Jimmie Hugh Loden (May 1, 1928 – February 22, 2016), known professionally as Sonny James, was an American country music singer and songwriter best known for his 1957 hit, "Young Love", topping both the Billboard Hot Country and Billboard's Disk Jockey singles charts. Dubbed the "Southern Gentleman" for his congenial manner, his greatest success came from ballads about the trials of love.[1] James had 72 country and pop charted releases from 1953 to 1983, including an unprecedented five-year streak of 16 straight Billboard Hot Country No. 1 singles among his 26 Billboard Hot Country No. 1 hits. From 1964 to 1976, James placed 21 of his albums in the Top 10 of Billboard Top Country Albums. James was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1961 and co-hosted the first Country Music Association Awards Show in 1967.[2] He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007.[1]
- ^ a b "Sonny James". countrymusichalloffame.org. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on July 2, 2014. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
- ^ Friskics-Warren, Bill (February 23, 2016). "Sonny James, Country Singer Known for 'Young Love,' Dies at 87". The New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2016.