Left: Sonny James Loden Right: Gary Wayne Mays, Jr. of 49 County News, is so proud to be having his photograph made with “Sonny James”! “Sonny” was truly the epitome of the “Southern Gentleman “! http://www.49countynews.net
Nashville, TN – James Hugh Loden, professionally known as “Sonny James” age 87, of Nashville Tennessee, and formerly of Hackleburg, Alabama, passed away Monday February 22nd, 2016 in Hospice Care in Tennessee.
There will be a memorial service Thursday February 25th, 2016 at 1:30 P.M. from the Brentwood Hills Church of Christ in Tennessee.
Funeral Service will be Saturday, February 27th, 2016, at 1:00 P.M., from the Hackleburg High School Gymnasium in Hackleburg Alabama. Interment will be in Cedar Tree Cemetery in Hackleburg, Marion County, Alabama (Map). In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hackleburg Church of Christ.
From 1960 to 1979, he spent 57 weeks at the top of the charts, according to Billboard and the Country Music Hall of Fame. James was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
James was born James Hugh Loden in Hackleburg, Alabama, and was already singing for an audience at age four with other members of his family. This led to the family hosting a radio show in Alabama.
Music was a large part of his life, as he took part in fiddle competitions as a teenager.
After serving in the military, and already a local celebrity, he signed with Capitol Records, taking the stage name Sonny James.
His biggest hit, “Young Love,” hit the top of the country and Disk Jockey charts in 1957. (Oddly enough, a second version of that song recorded by Tab Hunter also found success, and both recordings were among Billboard’s top 10 singles of 1957.)
James would hit No. 1 on the country chart a staggering 23 times in all.
He also had a streak of 16 straight No. 1 country hits from 1967 to 1971, including “Need You” and “Here Comes Honey Again.” That record stood until 1985, when the band Alabama broke it.
Billboard called him “one of the first artists in the (country) format to consistently see his records cross over to the pop charts.”
“Throughout his life he has stood always at the ready to share a funny story,” read the official statement.
“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.”*
He is survived in life by his beloved wife of 58 years Doris Shrode Loden; sister-in-law, Sally Ribble; niece, Donna and husband “Joe” Mora; nephew, Chuck Holcombe, Terry, Pam and Trent Holcombe.
Preceded in death by his father, Archey Loden, mother, Della Loden, and sister, Thelma Lee Holcombe.
*Hamilton Funeral Home, Hamilton, AL.
MEDIA STATEMENT (www.sonnyjames.com)
Sonny James was 87 years of age. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006, this country music legend of the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s began his meteoric rise to fame 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.
Recently hospitalized, James passed away on Monday, February 22, 2016 from natural causes while surrounded by family and friends at Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN.
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.
With immense admiration we say thanks to this dear and beloved friend to so many. No words exist to express our loss and sorrow at this time.**
**www.sonnyjames.com
http://www.49countynews.net jmays@49countynews.net
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