Mark James dead at 83: Legendary songwriter behind Elvis hits Suspicious Minds and Always On My Mind passes away in Nashville-ZoomTech News

Legendary songwriter Mark James has died on the age of 83.

James, who wrote Elvis Presley’s megahit Suspicious Minds, died on June 8 in his Nashville residence, his household stated.

The Grammy winner’s explanation for demise has not been revealed. 

James’ household advised the Houston Chronicle: ‘his larger-than-life character stuffed any room he was in, and his smile lit it up. 

‘He was a fascinating storyteller who had the sweetest smile, essentially the most infectious chortle and a twinkle in his eye that by no means dimmed.’

One of the crucial profitable songwriters of the twentieth century, James’s songs have been featured in movies similar to Reservoir Canines and Guardians of the Galaxy. 

He was inducted into the Songwriters Corridor of Fame in 2014.

James was additionally behind the songs At all times on My Thoughts and Hooked on a Feeling – each cited as on BMI’s record of the 100 biggest songs of the twentieth century, alongside Suspicious Minds.

BMI additionally named him one of many high songwriters of the twentieth century in 2000, alongside Elton John and Paul McCartney.

The musician gained the Grammy twice in 1983 for At all times on My thoughts, taking residence the Tune of the 12 months and Nation Tune of the 12 months awards after being recorded by Willie Nelson, as reported by Selection.

James was additionally behind the songs At all times on My Thoughts and Hooked on a Feeling – each cited as on BMI’s record of the 100 biggest songs of the twentieth century, alongside Suspicious Minds

One of the crucial profitable songwriters of the twentieth century, James’s songs have been featured in movies like Guardians of the Galaxy. He’s seen in 2014 together with his spouse Karen

The music was beforehand recorded by Elvis in 1972 however that model was not a significant hit till a lot later. 

Born Francis Rodney Cambon, James was initially from Houston, Texas, the place he launched his music profession. 

He relocated to Memphis after coming back from serving in Vietnam and his first hit in 1968, The Eyes of a New York Girl, which was adopted the subsequent 12 months by Hooked on a Feeling and ‘It is Solely Love in 1969.

James labored as a singer as he grew his songwriter profession, and recorded Suspicious Minds in 1968. 

Nevertheless it wasn’t till 1969, when Presley recorded the music that it grew to become a primary hit.

James is survived by his spouse of 53 years, Karen Zambon, his daughters Sammie and Dana Zambon and his grandchildren.