Country singer Sonny James dies

James, whose given name was James Loden, died Monday in a Nashville hospice facility, according to a family friend, Gary Robble, who was the lead singer of James' backing band, the Southern Gentlemen.

Country singer Sonny James, who recorded romantic ballads like Young Love and turned pop songs into country hits, has died. He was 87.
James, whose given name was James Loden, died Monday in a Nashville hospice facility, according to a family friend, Gary Robble, who was the lead singer of James' backing band, the Southern Gentlemen.
The singer born in Hackleburg, Alabama, was known as the 'Southern Gentleman' because of his gentle, respectable demeanor. He was also a songwriter as well as a guitarist and fiddler. He started his music career with his family's band with his parents and his sister, Thelma. Before he reached high school age, he already had performed on several country music radio shows.
As he started his own musical career, Capitol producer Ken Nelson suggested he use a combination of his nickname, "Sonny Boy," with his first name as his professional name.
In 1956, James scored his biggest hit, Young Love, which sold 3 million copies and became a No. 1 hit on the country and pop charts. A decade later, he started an impressive run on top of the country charts with 16 consecutive No. 1 songs between 1967 and 1971.
His other hits included It's the Little Things, You're the Only World I Know, I'll Never Find Another You, Empty Arms, Behind the Tear, Take Good Care of Her, When the Snow Is on the Roses, That's Why I Love You Like I Do and Here Comes Honey Again.
"Sonny James was one of country music's greatest. He was a true gentleman and made some of the greatest country music records of all times, certainly some of my favourites," singer Dolly Parton said in a statement.