Jimmie Hugh Loden, known professionally as Sonny James, was an American country music singer and songwriter best known for his 1957 hit, "Young Love". Dubbed the "Southern Gentleman" for his congenial manner, his greatest success came from ballads about the trials of love. James had 72 country and pop charted releases from 1953 to 1983, including an unprecedented five-year streak of 16 straight Billboard #1 singles among his 26 #1 hits. Twenty-one of his albums reached the country top ten from 1964 to 1976. 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. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
| 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, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres: | Country music, pop music |
| Occupation(s): | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments: | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active: | 1953–1983 |
| Labels: | Capitol, Columbia, Dot, RCA, Monument, Dimension, Curb |
| IMDb: | Sonny James's IMDb |
| Spotify: | Sonny James's Spotify |
About Sonny James
American country music singer and songwriter who released the 1957 hit song "Young Love," as well as other top ten singles, including "For Rent (One Empty Heart)."
Before Fame
He was born to amateur musician parents and started playing mandolin when he was three years old. He later appeared on a regular radio spot with his family.
Achievement
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1971 and was inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
Family Life
He was married to Doris Loden from 1957 until his death.
Associations
He helped launch Marie Osmond's career by producing her first three albums.
Information related to Sonny James
- National Recording Corporation artists
- Groove Records artists
- Members of the Country Music Association
- Country musicians from Alabama
- Monument Records artists
- Dot Records artists
- Country Music Hall of Fame inductees
- Grand Ole Opry members
- Songwriters from Alabama
- RCA Victor artists
- Capitol Records artists
