Mark James, an important songwriter who worked with Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson, died at the age of 83.
The real name of James was Francis Zambon. He died on Saturday at his home in Nashville, Tennessee.
He wrote a lot of big hits during his lifetime, such as “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Always on My Mind,” and more.
James was born in Houston, Texas, in 1940. Specifics of his death have not yet been made public.
James was inducted into the Songwriter Hall of Fame in 2014 because he is thought to be one of the best songwriters of all time.
BMI also named him one of the Songwriters of the Century in 2000.
James’s family wrote a tribute to him to remember how fun and talented he was.
His 53-year-old wife Karen Zambon will miss him.
He has three children and grandchildren. His daughters’ names are Sammie and Dana Zambon.
In a statement, Mark’s family said, “Mark’s legacy and zest for life will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and through his timeless lyrics and melodies that have been the soundtrack of lovers for generations.”
“His big personality lit up any room he was in, and his smile made everyone feel good.”
He had the cutest smile, the funniest laugh, and a twinkle in his eye that never went away. He told great stories.
WORLD-FAMOUS JOB
In the beginning, James changed his name because he wanted to be a singer.
The owners of clubs in Houston told him to change it so it sounded better.
They wrote the well-known song “Always on My Mind” with Wayne Carson and Johnny Christopher.
The song won both Song of the Year and Country Song of the Year. It was first written for Elvis Presley.
Another version that got a lot of attention was by Willie Nelson and the Pet Shop Boys.
This is why, in 2008, Always On Mind was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame.
James also wrote the hit song “Suspicious Minds,” which Elvis Presley also sang.
James recorded Suspicious Minds at first, but it didn’t do well on the charts.
Before Elvis ever sang it, he fell in love with it and made it his own. In 1969, it was the number one song in the country.
A lot of movies, like Reservoir Dogs and Guardians of the Galaxy, used the song “Hooked on a Feeling.”