Music Legend Sonny James, a Man of Deep Faith, Has Passed Away

Country music legend Sonny James has passed away.  After being recently hospitalized James passed away on Monday, February 22.  He was 87 years of age.

Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006, James had a thriving career in 1950's, 60's, 70's, and 80's. His career began with his multi-million selling 1956 hit "Young Love". However, his legendary status was granted throughout the 1960's and 70's with his 26 #1 country hit singles, which includes his string of 16 consecutive #1 hit singles. To this day, Sonny James holds the record for the most consecutive #1's by any solo recording artist throughout all musical genres.

According to James' own website, he has been described as a man of deep faith. "Throughout his life he has stood always at the ready to share a funny story. Accompanied by his boyish smile, this man of deep faith never failed to cultivate his unique gift of making every friend feel as if they were his greatest friend every step of the way."

Born in the rural town of Hackleburg, Ala., James' his parents taught him how to play music on a homemade instrument built from an old molasses bucket. His family earned a spot on a local radio show, which soon became a household favorite. They took the show on the road performing throughout the south and regularly on radio shows in Knoxville and Raleigh.

His music career hit the back burner when James joined the National Guard and was shipped to Korea in late 1950 to help fight in the Korean War. But by 1952 he was back in the States and on his way to Nashville. James connected with former roommate Chet Atkins, who was starting his own career as a music producer. That connection led to the teaming up of James and Capitol Records producer Ken Nelson. Following James' first chart topper, his second No. 1 single "You're the Only World I Know" hit the top in 1965, the same year he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Between the years 1967 and 1971, James released 16 singles, all of reached No. 1 status. He released his final chart-topping single, "Is It Wrong (For Loving You)," in 1973.

 

 

 

 

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