Sonny James, 87, legendary singer of No. 1 country hits . NASHVILLE -
Country singer Sonny James, who recorded romantic ballads such as
"Young Love" and turned pop songs into country hits, died Monday at a
Nashville hospice. He was 87. The singer, born James Loden in
Hackleburg, Ala., 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 in 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
Mr. James started a solo career, a Capitol producer suggested he use a
combination of his nickname, "Sonny Boy," with his first name as his
professional name. In 1956, Mr. 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 No. 1 songs between 1967 and 1971.
Other hits included "It's the Little Things," "You're the Only World I
Know," "I'll Never Find Another You," "Empty Arms," "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
favorites," singer Dolly Parton said. "Sonny made country music more
commercial," said Gary Robble, lead singer of Mr. James's backing band,
the Southern Gentlemen. "He wasn't trying to. He was singing what he
enjoyed singing.
