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Ex-room mate and
good friend Chet Atkins was instrumental in Sonny’s first recording
contract. |
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Ken Nelson
directed James’s entire successful career at Capitol Records. |
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Sonny in recording
studio.
Click Here to
download and listen to "For Rent", a popular recording released in
1956. |
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WFAA Saturday
Night Shindig, Dallas, Texas. With touring artists Harland Powell
and Neal Jones. |
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Shindig Cast. |
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The Ozark Jubilee - ABC’s live television show every
Saturday night gave national exposure for both Brenda Lee and Sonny. |
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A familiar scene
for Ozark Jubilee viewers. Pictured to his left nearest to Sonny is
friend Jean Graham and other members of the L.D. Keller Promenaders.
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Jubilee host Red
Foley presenting James with leading male vocalist award. |
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Transportation for
some of the first tours. |
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One of the most
powerful packages to hit the road were Sonny James and Marty
Robbins. Pictured here with radio station owner, Gaylon Christie. |
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Sonny’s first
managers were Ed McLemore and Ed Watt, Dallas, Texas. Both were
actively involved in guiding his early career until Mr. McLemore
passed away. |
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In 1961 he became
the first country artist (recording division) to be honored with a
star in the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame (located across from
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (6628-6636). |
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Another powerhouse
tour for the United States and Canada were Johnny Cash and Sonny
James. Dave Stone a friend is here with the duo. |
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Publisher and
personal friend Bill Lowery points to photo honoring Sonny in the
famous Brown Derby in Hollywood. This is the man who brought the
song “Young Love” to Ken Nelson for James to record. After adding
his vocal style, his guitar and counter-rhythm male voices, the song
came alive and would eventually be known as Sonny James signature
song. |
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Sonny James and his Southern Gentleman at the famous
Palace Theatre on Broadway, New York City. Dude Kahn, drums – Sonny
– Harland Powell, Bass – Gene Stewart on guitar. 1957 |
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Young Love Photo |
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