When I was a little girl, I used to watch Sonny James on Hee Haw. My entire family enjoyed his music very much. My mother told me of the time when she lived in Dallas, Texas, she had the opportunity to meet him at church (the old Peak & East Side church of Christ) when he came to visit. She said that Sonny truly was \"The Southern Gentleman.\" <\/p>\n
Today, I learned that his dear wife, Doris has joined him in Paradise. May they rest in peace. My condolences to his family and close friends.<\/p>\nDiane Milligan<\/b>October 2017<\/span><\/footer><\/article>This site is a tribute worthy of our man. My compliments. There's bound to be more secret wonders about The Southern Gentlemen and the Man that can eventually be added to honor all. Tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to pull up evidence of Sonny's impromptu and momentous appearance on the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddler's Convention but so far no luck. Yet.<\/p>\n
Best of luck for the future growth of our man's memorial tribute, As they say in Paris, \"Vive la Sonny James and The Southern Gentlemen!\"<\/p>\nMark Ray<\/b>May 2017<\/span><\/footer><\/article>I am so sorry to hear of Sonny's passing. My mother, Bea Rhodes Hitt, knew Sonny and the entire Loden family back in the early 1940s when they were all playing on KLCN in Blytheville, Arkansas. Mom's brothers, Slim, Speck and Dusty Rhodes, later had a TV program that aired on WMCT-TV in Memphis, and Sonny was on their show from time to time. Some of the Loden family member may also remember the younger two Rhodes girls, Ruby and Jeffie. Ruby is the only one still living. I last talked to Sonny and Doris on March 20, 2000 at my Uncle Speck Rhodes' funeral. All members of the Rhodes family will greatly miss him. We wish those left behind, peace and comfort.<\/p>\nCarl Paul "Buster" Hitt<\/b>March 2017<\/span><\/footer><\/article>I want to thank Gary Robble and Milo Liggett for the time they took to visit with me a couple of weeks ago. The stories of Sonny and the Southern Gentlemen is a story that cannot be lost to time.<\/p>\nBrad Carter<\/b>March 2017<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Someone should make a tribute album for Sonny.<\/p>\nDalton<\/b>February 2017<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Sonny James, al van 1960 mijn grote favoriet. Wordt altijd vrolijk van zijn liedjes, al zijn ze soms droevig. Heerlijke duidelijke zuivere stem, die ik nooit zat wordt. Ik heb ca. 400 nummers, waarvan er ik er 180 vaak draai. Jammer dar er weinig video's zijn, ik heb e toch wel meer dan twintig. Sonny, THE sounther gentleman thans. R.I.P. (Nederland)<\/p>\n
Dutch to English Translation:Richard<\/b>January 2017<\/span><\/footer><\/article>What a performer and friend. I first met Sonny in July 1979 when he played The South Carolina Peach Festival in Gaffney. Every year after that up until 2014 I always received a Christmas card from he and Doris. Particularly this time of year I miss him. A true Southern Gentlemen, Sonny James.Dennis Fowler<\/b>December 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Mr. Roberson's comment on meeting Sonny at the Peak and Eastside Church of Christ in Dallas so many years ago brings back memories that my parents would talk about when they attended church there. I remember that they would talk about the singing in the service and the voice that always seemed to stand out. They had fond memories of that congregation when they were a young married couple. My condolences on your loss.<\/p>\nBobby nix<\/b>November 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Sonny James\u2019 songs touched people around the globe in a very special way, and they also reached me in Germany for the very first time through AFN back in 1971. His unique, beautiful voice and the great lyrics of his songs were \u201cright\u201d for people all around the world and in every situation life has to offer.
Only a few years later I became a professional translator for English and German\u2026 thanks to my wonderful \u201cteacher\u201d, Mr. Sonny James. RIP, Sonny. You will always be remembered.<\/p>\nThayenga<\/b>October 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Sonny James love songs were such an integral part of my husband and my relationship in 1958 when I was his Young Love. Circumstances parted us but we found each other again in 1973 and Sonny's music was still part of our love story with I Love You More and More Everyday. It is ironic that we listened to You're the Reason in 1958 and then That's Why I Love You Like I Do in 1973. Same song just different title and tempo and arrangement. I would never have dreamed when my husband and I heard the news of his passing in February 2016 that in June, 2016 I would be saying good bye to the love of my life. My book AGAINST ALL ODDS (We Found The Perfect Love) parallels how country music love songs defined our unique love story.<\/p>\nSuzie Tyler<\/b>June 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Thank you for this website. A wonderful tribute to a wonderful singer, we'll miss him, but his music will live forever.<\/p>\nRon Grenier<\/b>May 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Sonny James was my father's favorite singer. He owned almost every LP or CD from him, even 'The complete recordings 1952-1962\". At his funeral in April 2015 we had two tracks running from Sonny: \"Young Love\" and \"A closer walk with Thee\"<\/p>\n
May they both rest in peace.<\/p>\nHenk Haledo<\/b>May 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>I think someone should produce a tribute album with some of Sonny's greatest hits it would be a great way to honor him and some good ole country music from the good old days.<\/p>\nDalton<\/b>May 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>I met Sonny in 1953 in Dallas, Texas where he was performing on the Shindig Show. I was 14. I became a super fan of Sonny. He was always kind and never said no when I wanted a picture. We did get to become friends over the years. In later years I took my two children to see him and he remembered me. Always asked about my mother. About six years ago I came across some pictures and I sent them to him. He replied with a very nice letter and still remembered some funny stories from the \"Shindig\" days. He was truly a great person and of course a great singer. I had all his early recordings and his albums, etc. until the tornado in December. It took everything. No more records, pictures, etc. Thank goodness for places where I can get and listen to his wonderful voices. So on this birthday I know he is in a better place.<\/p>\nShirley Ann Sherrill Brinegar<\/b>May 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>I was sorry to hear of the passing of Sonny. I used to run the SONNY JAMES APPRECIATION SOCIETY in England in the 1980,s.Dave McKenzie<\/b>April 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Thank you Mr. James for making my grandmother's dream come true by meeting you and getting a picture with you at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Coliseum in the 1970s. I really appreciate you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to make her wish come true.<\/p>\nMichael Taft<\/b>March 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Sonny was my 2nd cousin and 3 things you may not know:
He mentioned these things on his bus when he went to see my mom at the nursing home in Peoria. I was \"Tony Boy\" to him and truly a gentleman so loved his Doris. Truly a man who was full of love.<\/p>\nTony Frederick<\/b>March 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>I have been a fan of Sonny since i was in high school in the 1960's. I was so moved by the beautiful Memorial Service. Sonny will always be in my heart. Thank you to his wife and family for sharing this wonderful caring man and christian thru his entire career. He will be forever missed. But heaven has welcomed someone very special. God bless his family as they grieve and may our heavenly Father give them peace and comfort.<\/p>\n
A huge fan.<\/p>\n
Rosie Herdman in CT<\/p>\nRosie Herdman<\/b>March 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>The World Lost a GREAT ENTERTAINER, Hackleburg lost their native son, one who lived the title to the end, a TRUE GENTLEMAN \" SONNY JAMES \". I am now 60, I was introduced to Sonny's music in 1965 I was only 10yrs old, back then there was no tapes only records, every time I was able to save some money I would search for Sonny's records in music stores, I resided in Chicago. There was a friend that I had known that was into country music, and knew I was so impressed with Sonny's songs, the friend came by and said to me, Roland there is a show coming soon called shower of stars and guess who will be one of the artists ? When he told me Sonny James will appear I begged him to take me, I was not even 11yrs old, the friend was about 17, by the way he became my best man at my wedding when I was 20. This magical moment came and I first saw this tall gentleman outside the theater, it was on Wabash Street by his bus that read on top, SONNY JAMES, and my friend Tony said to me this is the star, it was SONNY, young no beard back then, he was speaking to fans, other stars were there like Ferlin Husky, Johnny Paycheck, Tanya Tucker, Jerry Lee Lewis, and quite a few others. But I was there to see SONNY, not to prolong SONNY was incredible on stage, I fell in love with his voice , in his choice of songs, and the music to say the least.<\/p>\nROLAND MICHALAK<\/b>March 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Remembering Doris and Sonny in my prayers.<\/p>\n
A TRIBUTE TO THE SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN<\/strong>When I was growing up and took a hankering to country music, the big three in my book (in alphabetical order) were Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Sonny James. You can see this by the amount of each artist\u2019s vinyl in my record cabinet. Of course with technology there is much less vinyl today. Yet on any given day while I am doing my morning jog, my Ipod is stocked with Sonny James\u2019 hits. Especially the up-tempo ones, like That\u2019s Why I Love You Like I Do. (Try it\u2014it\u2019s great workout music.)<\/p>\n
The best indicator of my affinity for Sonny occurred many years ago. In April 1972 while Sonny was in the midst of his incredible string of number 1 hits, he was scheduled to perform at the Shady Grove Music Fair in Gaithersburg, Maryland. I was a student at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. at the time. Being a student, I had no car and minimal funds, but was able to scrounge up bus fare and ticket money.<\/p>\n
Sonny appeared along with Ray Price, who was riding the crest of the recently released For the Good Times, and Faron Young, who had issued It\u2019s Four in the Morning. As much as I enjoyed Ray and Faron, I was there for the Sonny segment of the show. And Sonny was every bit as spectacular as I\u2019d imagined.<\/p>\n
The problem was when the show let out, it being a Sunday, the inter-city buses had stopped running. As noted above, I did not have cab fare and was dutiful to Mom who had inculcated in me the dangers of hitchhiking (confession, I did try to thumb a ride but apparently looked too seedy). So with no alternative I walked back to my dorm, at least until I got to the nearest D.C. Metro bus stop\u2014all 18 miles of it! (Go ahead, Mapquest it, if you like). I am a big walker, but that was a bit much. It took me three and a half hours, some nasty blisters on my feet, and considerable scuffing of my dress shoes. But you know what? I would gladly do it again, to see the Southern Gentleman.<\/p>\n
God Bless Sonny James.<\/p>\nKen Zemsky<\/b>March 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Dear Sonny and Doris, We were a young married couple... you all were a decade or two our senior, but that didn't seem to matter at all. <\/p>\n
We played cards with Edsel and Jo, Clyde and Al, and just had a barrel of laughs. You know, all that while I knew you were in entertainment but didn't grasp, until the last several years, all of the contributions you made to people's lives through your music. We certainly had no idea that some day you would be inducted into the Hall of Fame. It didn't matter... you and Doris were the everyday, wonderful people you were. No pretense... never. When our little boy died your reach was immediate----filled with love!!!! When Ross came, it was there again----we still have the silver cup, brush, and comb you gave him engraved with his name. We love you both.<\/p>\nAlan and Beth Powell<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Thanks for this opportunity to send our condolances.<\/p>\nFayrene Whitman<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Doris, our love and prayers go out to you and your family. We pray that God will comfort you in only the way that he can. We lived close to the Loden family in Hackleburg, and we shopped in their store, and as a small girl, when we went in the store, Pop would let me sit on his knee and he would give me candy and bubble gum. My brother in law was in Korea with Sonny. (His son David Yielding) has shared some pictures of Bruce and Sonny on the Fans of Sonny James page. Love to you always and God Bless!<\/p>\nFayrene Whitman<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Thank you for sharing this, Ted. There are many tributes coming in for Sonny. That Gary Robble and Milo Liggett took that final walk with Sonny is without doubt the greatest tribute of all that could be paid to him.\u2665<\/p>\nSuzanne Cummings<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Today, as the funeral service was in its final moments in Hackleburg Alabama, as an instrumental from \"The Guitars of Sonny James\" filled the high school gym, the funeral directors rolled away the flag draped casket containing Sonny's earthly remains. Two of the original remaining members of the Southern Gentlemen in attendance immediately strolled along behind the casket as it was rolled down a long hallway. It was a subtle reminder that they had backed him up for many years and were taking the final walk with him. They went as far as they could go; as far as any of us could go. What a powerful image seeing those dedicated friends of Sonny James, the Southern Gentleman.<\/p>\nTed Burleson<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Thank you for sharing the memorial service to all of us that could not attend in person... RIP Sonny James.<\/p>\nVicki<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>May he visit all the wonderful places he's been...once in his free roamin mind. Goodbye Sonny<\/p>\nJesse Phillips<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Doris, my sincere condolences to you on the passing of your husband Mr. Sonny James. Sonny was a great entertainer.His voice is and will always be that makes a person feel every mood, happy or sad the past and the future of every feeling their heart has ever felt. I hope you take this as a tribute to Sonny because I always wished I could sing and play the guitar like Sonny. I have always known that wish would never come true no matter how hard I tried to make my voice sound like his. I know that there will never be another Sonny James, the man, the talent the music. I guess my favorite song is A World of or Own, he really makes those guitar strings smoke. It is hard to think about losing the person you loved for years, I wonder sometimes what I would do if I lost my wife and I guess the answer is love them till you see them again and relive the time and memories when we had them for awhile.<\/p>\nTommy Barnes<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Doris, my deepest sympathy goes out to you. Sonny was first a Christian, a great singer and entertainer and a faithful husband. When I first met him in Sunday school class at Peak & Eastside in Dallas I knew he would be successful. Best wishes to you and all the Shrode family. And may God richly bless and comfort you. From an old 87 year old friend in East Texas.<\/p>\nLamar Roberson<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Sonny was truly a southern gentlemen and someone I will always admire. We first met in 1966 during a show in Pittsburgh and our paths crossed many times over the past half century in Nashville and when he came to the Carolinas. His annual Christmas cards with his lovely Doris were highly anticipated every December at the Miller household..<\/p>\n
He knows how proud I was to nominate and advocate his hall of fame candidacy in 2005 and he gave me much more credit that I deserved when he was inducted. <\/p>\n
Doris, please accept our condolences and deep sympathy on your great loss. I will think of Sonny and you together every time I play or hear one of his great songs. You are in my prayers.<\/p>\n
Godspeed Sonny...we will never forget you.<\/p>\n
Allan \"Mitch\" Miller & RoveniaAllan Mitch Miller<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>My dad was also born in 1928 and he absolutely loved Sonny James. He had several of his albums and I heard them over and over growing up. Dad got me hooked on Sonny James and traditional country music. I lost my dad 10 years ago and I still play Sonny's vinyl albums from time to time. All the good ones are gone and we just lost a legend. Rip Mr. James.<\/p>\nMike Mathews<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Thank you Art, your words are perfect, and my thoughts too.<\/p>\nEllen<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>When I was young Program Director back in the 70's and 80's at Country 680 WCAW, Charleston,WV, Sonny never failed to send me personally autographed albums, Christmas cards with a picture of his home in Tennessee, and would give me a call out of the blue many times. He was one of the nicest people I have ever known. Not to mention one of the greatest musical talents of all time. Rest in eternal peace, Sonny. God Bless.<\/p>\nRick Johnson<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Sonny will be missed very much. RIP. Prayers to the family.<\/p>\nJohnny Talltrees<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>So sorry to hear of Sonny James passing. Prayers go out to the family.<\/p>\nWayne Ray Lance<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>My heart goes out to the family, You will be missed I enjoyed your music so much.<\/p>\nPatsy<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>So saddened to hear of this passing. I did everything in my power to see him in concert throughout most of my young life. I loved this man's stage presence, heartfelt renditions, and musical abilities. How I wish I could have known him as a person as well.<\/p>\n
Rest easy, young man.<\/p>\nTess Ailshire<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Our condolences to the James family.<\/p>\n
As a side note for Sonny James, my father was Col. Stuart Roosa, Command Module Pilot of Apollo 14. As a special tribute to my father\u2019s love of country music, Sonny James recorded a personal message and songs for my father\u2019s mission. My father would often speak about the time that the crew was first arriving at the moon, they were setting up for a command module burn to go into trans lunar orbit. Alan Shepard said, \u201cStu, play a song.\u201d My father grabbed a cassette tape and turned it on, it was Sonny James singing \u201cHow Great Thou Art\u201d as they conducted burn. He recalls looking at the lunar surface, listening to the first verse and thinking, \u201chow prophetic.\u201d My father later presented a flow flag to Sonny James at the Astrodome rodeo telling this story in 1971.<\/p>\nChristopher Roosa<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Having learnt the passing of Sonny, I want to remember him and my dear late friend Carol Ann Eviosic from Gary, Indiana, who was Prez of the \"Sonny James & Friends Association\" in the early 60's. She was born in August 1, 1941 and graduated from Lew Wallace High School, Gary, Class of 1959. She was a close friend of Faron Young, Darrell McCall, Doris and Sonny James, The Wilburn Brothers. She liked Hummingbird ... In 2010, Carol has sent me all the Sonny James' pictures and postcards she had kept. She sadly passed away on May 2013 but being unable to contact her daughter Michelle I don't even know the exact date. It hurts! She was a lovely Lady and a precious friend. Now she's reunited with Sonny and I am glad to remember her with you. My sincere condolences went to Doris and family. Friends never die they just move in another world waiting for us. Sonny will be remember long after we will all have left that old world. He was a real Southern Cuntry Gentleman.<\/p>\nImperial<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>I visited with Sonny 3 times during my C&W DJ days at KMOR-Salt Lake City and WSLR-Akron\/Cleveland. He truly was a warm and gracious gentlemen, easy to chat with. He really enjoyed performing for the fans and put on a very solid performance every time. As a DJ, I liked it that his records were very 'radio friendly', they always seemed to be perfectly suited to the sound I was trying to establish during my shows. Thank you, Sonny. R.I.P.<\/p>\nJim Southern<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Him and his band were so kind to me on my 13th birthday. That meant a lot to this isolated country girl. So glad that my mom understood and took me to see concert.<\/p>\ncornfield girl<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>Sister Bonnie Smith now has Elvis, Marty, James Dean, AND Sonny... and plenty of time in Heaven to enjoy.Tom Lowman<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>One of the greatest voices has left us, and the world is sad this evening. However, his contributions to country music will live forever. As with the recently-departed Glenn Frey of the Eagles, we can enjoy Mr. James' work forever. May he rest in peace.<\/p>\nArt Miller<\/b>February 2016<\/span><\/footer><\/article>