Listen to "I'll Never Find Another You".

By the mid 1960’s the career of Sonny James would reach new heights. Starting with his hit recordings "The Minute You’re Gone" and "Baltimore", "You’re The Only World I Know" climbed to Number One country in 1964 spending four weeks in that position.

JOHN BUSH
(All Music Guide)
“That began one of the greatest tears country music has ever known: 21 of Sonny James’ next 25 singles hit Number One (and the other four were near-misses with three reaching No. 2 and the other
No. 3)” --- During this streak of hits, James scored an incredible five year run of 16 Consecutive Number One Singles… a feat never before accomplished in country music, pop or rock ‘n roll. If we use the same criteria used today for determining #1 singles, James would have had an unbelievable 25 number ones in a row.
(Billboard, Cashbox, Gavin, Radio & Records)

According to Billboard statistics, for nineteen years (1960-1979) he spent more time in the Number One chart position than any other artist in country music --- a total of 57 weeks.
(Record Research, Inc. Joel Whitburn’s Top Country Singles 1944-2001)

On August 30th of 2006, the day it was announced that Sonny James was to be an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Kix Brooks (Brooks And Dunn) probably said it best, "This is an artist who really dominated his time in history."

The foundation for this success was laid years before when in late 1956 this Alabama native took his guitar, a simple musical arrangement and sang what would become his signature song "Young Love".

Capitol Records discovered radio stations of all formats were programming “Young Love” and was taking country music to scores of fans it had never reached before. The record soared to top all charts (classical being the exception) to become one of the most recognizable hits ever. It was the first traditional country teen crossover hit. (Followed by fellow Capitol artist Ferlin Husky’s “Gone” ...and a few months later Marty Robbins’ “White Sport Coat”). Over forty years later “Young Love” is still programmed around the world.

TELEVISION
The importance of television no doubt played a key role in James’ recording career. His years as a cast member with The Ozark Jubilee (ABC-TV) and his frequent appearances on the nationally televised Ed Sullivan Show introduced his new releases to millions of viewers, while creating additional interest for guest appearances on other television programs, notably Bob Hope, Andy Williams. Variety Specials also gave valuable exposure.  Listen to "A World Of Our Own".

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). He joined the world famous Grand Ole Opry in 1962 where he regularly appeared until touring schedules would not permit him time to both tour and return to Nashville for the required Opry programs.

In 1967 the honors continued when James would host the first CMA Award Show - Country Music Association’s recognition of country’s top writers and performers. With Bobbie Gentry as his co-host, the two no doubt played a major role in what has become an annual event, and one of television’s highest rated programs.
In the 60s and 70s he received numerous awards from Billboard magazine and other publications for his hit recordings and personal appearances. Was named Male Artist of The Decade by Record World.

On January 31, 1971 Sonny James took a trip to the moon! By special request James was honored to be the first country artist to record a program exclusively for a moon flight. In appreciation, the crew of Apollo 14, Stuart Roosa, Edqar Mitchell, Commander Alan Shepard, presented him with a flag they carried to the moon ... one of James’ prized possessions.

In 1987 James was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame- the Lifework Award for Performing Achievement.

Honors received 2001-2002:

June, 2001
MALE GOLDEN VOICE AWARD
-Golden Voice Awards

November, 2001
MASTER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
R.O.P.E. AWARDS

June, 2002
CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
-The Country Music DJ Hall of Fame
and Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.