Country Music Hall of Fame · Inducted 2006

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Photo Gallery · The Early Years

Sonny’s Youth

From the family farm in Hackleburg, Alabama, Sonny’s earliest years shaped his rich musical style as the youngest performing member of the Loden Family. Just as his career began to take shape, Uncle Sam called him to Korea. These photographs and their stories trace the beginnings of the man who would become a country music legend.

15 photographs · select any image to view it full size

Hackleburg, Alabama: Since Nashville is the center of the country music industry Sonny James was advised
Hackleburg, Alabama: Since Nashville is the center of the country music industry Sonny James was advised to make his home in the beautiful hills of Tennessee. However, his hometown that he’s so proud of is Hackleburg, Alabama, his birthplace. This sign welcomes visitors to this friendly town.
Two of Sonny’s closest friends – Hackleburg Mayor Whitey Cochran & former Mayor Barney Shackelford.
Two of Sonny’s closest friends – Hackleburg Mayor Whitey Cochran & former Mayor Barney Shackelford.
Hometown friend and former Mayor Douglas Gunnin.
Hometown friend and former Mayor Douglas Gunnin.
The country birthplace of Sonny James.
The country birthplace of Sonny James.
Sonny as a baby.
Sonny as a baby.
Sonny at age four. Hear the very first recording of Sonny at age 4. Recorded in
Sonny at age four.Hear the very first recording of Sonny at age 4. Recorded in 1933, Sonny sings and plays the mandolin as his sister Thelma plays the guitar. This song was an "on the air" performance recorded at WMSD Radio as shown below.
Radio Station WMSD (presently WLAY) Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Sonny made his singing debut on this station
Radio Station WMSD (presently WLAY) Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Sonny made his singing debut on this station when he was four years old, with sis Thelma.
James’s first instrument made by his father from the bottom of a molasses bucket and tuned
James’s first instrument made by his father from the bottom of a molasses bucket and tuned like a mandolin as displayed in the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum.
The Loden Family – Sonny, "MOM" Loden – "POP" Loden and sister, Thelma.
The Loden Family – Sonny, "MOM" Loden – "POP" Loden and sister, Thelma.
The Loden Family (Southerners) enjoyed their greatest success when they were affiliated with WPTF and WNOX,
The Loden Family (Southerners) enjoyed their greatest success when they were affiliated with WPTF and WNOX, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Songs and Ballads songbook cover: Sonny Boy and the Loden Family, WJDX Jackson, Mississippi
Songs and Ballads, as sung by Sonny Boy and the Loden Family — featured 8:15 a.m. daily on W.J.D.X., “Mississippi’s Largest Radio Station,” Jackson, Mississippi.
Sonny Loden And His Southerners. Performing in Birmingham, Alabama 1947.
Sonny Loden And His Southerners. Performing in Birmingham, Alabama 1947.
The cast of WPTF’s Saturday night show with friends and fellow entertainers Johnny and Jack and
The cast of WPTF’s Saturday night show with friends and fellow entertainers Johnny and Jack and others. Sonny's position in this larger photo has been highlighted.
The 252nd National Guard Unit departing Guin, Alabama on September 9, 1950. Pictured here preparing to
The 252nd National Guard Unit departing Guin, Alabama on September 9, 1950. Pictured here preparing to board troop train. Sonny's position in this larger photo has been highlighted.
Sonny's Guard Unit. The 252nd, 2nd Platoon. Sonny's position in this larger photo has been highlighted.
Sonny's Guard Unit. The 252nd, 2nd Platoon. Sonny's position in this larger photo has been highlighted.

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