{"id":4098,"date":"2016-02-22T08:50:14","date_gmt":"2016-02-22T14:50:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/?p=4098"},"modified":"2016-03-15T09:06:05","modified_gmt":"2016-03-15T15:06:05","slug":"the-passing-of-sonny-james-february-22-2016","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/the-passing-of-sonny-james-february-22-2016\/","title":{"rendered":"The Passing of Sonny James &#8211; February 22, 2016"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id='layer_slider_1'  class='avia-layerslider main_color avia-shadow  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_section  avia-builder-el-first  container_wrap sidebar_right'  style='height: 471px;'  ><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_section-ef42207446433a2f86b742eff905c2ba\">\n.avia-section.av-av_section-ef42207446433a2f86b742eff905c2ba{\nbackground-color:#020202;\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/bckgrnd-pattern2.jpg);\nbackground-repeat:repeat;\nbackground-position:0% 0%;\nbackground-attachment:scroll;\n}\n.avia-section.av-av_section-ef42207446433a2f86b742eff905c2ba .av-section-color-overlay{\nopacity:0.7;\nbackground-color:#212121;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_1'  class='avia-section av-av_section-ef42207446433a2f86b742eff905c2ba main_color avia-section-default avia-no-shadow  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_layerslider  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll av-section-color-overlay-active container_wrap sidebar_right'  data-section-bg-repeat='repeat'><div class=\"av-section-color-overlay-wrap\"><div class=\"av-section-color-overlay\"><\/div><a href='#next-section' title='' class='scroll-down-link ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue877' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/a><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-4098'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-be9d3c056e2304792709b5228b57929f\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-be9d3c056e2304792709b5228b57929f{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\nfont-size:38px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-be9d3c056e2304792709b5228b57929f .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-be9d3c056e2304792709b5228b57929f .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:38px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-be9d3c056e2304792709b5228b57929f .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-be9d3c056e2304792709b5228b57929f .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-be9d3c056e2304792709b5228b57929f .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-be9d3c056e2304792709b5228b57929f .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-be9d3c056e2304792709b5228b57929f av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote classic-quote  avia-builder-el-2  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  av-inherit-size'><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Sonny James, The Southern Gentleman<\/h1><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>Singer | Musician | Entertainer | Songwriter | Producer<br \/>\n16 Consecutive #1 Country | 26 Total #1 Country | 72 Charted Releases<br \/>\nRecording Artist of the 1950&#8217;s, &#8217;60&#8217;s, &#8217;70&#8217;s, and &#8217;80&#8217;s | Country Music Hall Of Fame Legend<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_section-c982e7f89e81d6c7ef09f17712d36b8e\">\n.avia-section.av-av_section-c982e7f89e81d6c7ef09f17712d36b8e{\nbackground-color:#f2f2f2;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_2'  class='avia-section av-av_section-c982e7f89e81d6c7ef09f17712d36b8e main_color avia-section-small avia-no-shadow  avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-4098'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_hr-a6de236e6c183bbbd700292deacd2b52\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-av_hr-a6de236e6c183bbbd700292deacd2b52{\nheight:20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-a6de236e6c183bbbd700292deacd2b52 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-4  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-6ee320d6f8ef90316cafc7f89d89a7f9\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-6ee320d6f8ef90316cafc7f89d89a7f9{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-6ee320d6f8ef90316cafc7f89d89a7f9 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-6ee320d6f8ef90316cafc7f89d89a7f9 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-6ee320d6f8ef90316cafc7f89d89a7f9 av-special-heading-h1  avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_one_third '><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >The Passing of Sonny James &#8211; February 22, 2016<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div  class='flex_column av-av_one_third-2a9015ff38129c418a3f2eafba3e9512 av_one_third  avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_two_third  first flex_column_div  '     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_hr-e8c293bc95976d5c6ff9d129b325da64\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-av_hr-e8c293bc95976d5c6ff9d129b325da64{\nheight:80px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-e8c293bc95976d5c6ff9d129b325da64 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-7  el_before_av_image  avia-builder-el-first '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_image-4167954e71a456e8b15e9c8b645084ed\">\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-4167954e71a456e8b15e9c8b645084ed img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-4167954e71a456e8b15e9c8b645084ed .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-av_image-4167954e71a456e8b15e9c8b645084ed av-styling- av-hover-grow av-img-linked avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_textblock '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sonny-James-Portrait.png\" class='avia_image '  target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label='Sonny James'><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-3184 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-3184 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sonny-James-235x300.jpg\" alt='' title='Sonny James'  height=\"300\" width=\"235\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sonny-James-235x300.jpg 235w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sonny-James.jpg 805w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 235px) 100vw, 235px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-0366cc7376be6c9e82a3e9cc8987b64f '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p style=\"text-align: center;\">VIEW LARGE IMAGE<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-bad5bc90bcef2f12297bff634a297b07 hr-short  avia-builder-el-10  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_button  hr-center'><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<div  class='avia-button-wrap av-av_button-7e99a4d56b35c2c5331f6c7df5e8e1e1-wrap avia-button-center  avia-builder-el-11  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_button '><a href='http:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/memorial-service-nashville-tn-february-25-2016\/'  class='avia-button av-av_button-7e99a4d56b35c2c5331f6c7df5e8e1e1 av-link-btn avia-icon_select-yes-left-icon avia-size-large avia-position-center avia-color-theme-color'   aria-label=\"MEMORIAL SERVICE VIDEO\"><span class='avia_button_icon avia_button_icon_left' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue89b' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >MEMORIAL SERVICE VIDEO<\/span><\/a><\/div><br \/>\n<div  class='avia-button-wrap av-av_button-d7714232f1b87a24fa0f0fe774b2de02-wrap avia-button-center  avia-builder-el-12  el_after_av_button  el_before_av_hr '><a href='http:\/\/www.legacy.com\/obituaries\/tennessean\/obituary.aspx?n=sonny-james&amp;pid=177821832' class='avia-button av-av_button-d7714232f1b87a24fa0f0fe774b2de02 av-link-btn avia-icon_select-yes-left-icon avia-size-large avia-position-center avia-color-theme-color' target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"VIEW OFFICIAL OBITUARY\"><span class='avia_button_icon avia_button_icon_left' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue836' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >VIEW OFFICIAL OBITUARY<\/span><\/a><\/div><br \/>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-bad5bc90bcef2f12297bff634a297b07 hr-short  avia-builder-el-13  el_after_av_button  el_before_av_textblock  hr-center'><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-0366cc7376be6c9e82a3e9cc8987b64f '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>&#8220;Sonny James opened the doors of Nashville to me. He was the first person to invite me into a recording session at The Quonset Hut in 1964, and it started a friendship that lasted our whole life time. When I became Billboard Producer of the Year in the early 1970s, I realized that I needed to find someone better than me to produce Marie Osmond. I called Sonny who produced \u201cPaper Roses\u201d which went all the way to #1. I also got to witness Sonny\u2019s first #1 country record \u201cYou\u2019re The Only World I Know\u201d. More important than all of that was a lifetime of friendship with Sonny and Doris; even seeing him the last two days of his life will have eternal meaning for me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8212; <em>Mike Curb<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-av_two_third-b51168870d26eac9084c0e2dc495efe0 av_two_third  avia-builder-el-15  el_after_av_one_third  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div  '     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_hr-5ea7596238ed9f191e6b5e662093052f\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-av_hr-5ea7596238ed9f191e6b5e662093052f{\nheight:30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-5ea7596238ed9f191e6b5e662093052f hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-16  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-3253e9036a34fa9b03d7bae786105d50\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-3253e9036a34fa9b03d7bae786105d50{\npadding-bottom:3px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-3253e9036a34fa9b03d7bae786105d50 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-3253e9036a34fa9b03d7bae786105d50 .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:26px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-3253e9036a34fa9b03d7bae786105d50 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-3253e9036a34fa9b03d7bae786105d50 av-special-heading-h3  avia-builder-el-17  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_textblock '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >MEDIA STATEMENT<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_textblock-fae8699d538200a543ba402659dba9b0\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-av_textblock-fae8699d538200a543ba402659dba9b0 .avia_textblock{\nfont-size:16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-fae8699d538200a543ba402659dba9b0 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Sonny James was 87 years of age. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006, this country music legend of the 1950\u2019s, 60\u2019s, 70\u2019s, and 80\u2019s began his meteoric rise to fame with his multi-million selling 1956 hit \u201cYoung Love\u201d. However, his legendary status was granted throughout the 1960\u2019s and 70\u2019s with his 26 #1 country hit singles, which includes his string of 16 consecutive #1 hit singles. To this day, Sonny James is recognized for his decades of holding the record for the most consecutive #1\u2019s by any solo recording artist throughout all musical genres.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_textblock-a46e63d3243520f360b66d40f943954f\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-av_textblock-a46e63d3243520f360b66d40f943954f .avia_textblock{\nfont-size:14px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-a46e63d3243520f360b66d40f943954f '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><hr align=\"left\" size=\"1\" width=\"50%\" \/>\n<h5>TOP COUNTRY HITMAKERS 1960-1979<\/h5>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-3924\" src=\"http:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/hit-makers.jpg\" alt=\"HITMAKERS 1960-1979\" width=\"182\" height=\"206\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Weeks at #1: Ranked 1st<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10px;\">(Sonny James | Buck Owens | Merle Haggard)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Total #1 HITS: Ranked 3rd<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10px;\">(Conway Twitty | Merle Haggard | Sonny James)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Billboard Point Rankings: Ranked 5th<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10px;\">(George Jones | Buck Owens | Johnny Cash | Merle Haggard | Sonny James)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Top 10 Hits: Ranked 7th<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10px;\">(Loretta Lynn | George Jones | Buck Owens | Merle Haggard | Conway Twitty | Charley Pride | Sonny James)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_hr-a07f7596b1fca85f6595a75d593069df\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-av_hr-a07f7596b1fca85f6595a75d593069df{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-a07f7596b1fca85f6595a75d593069df hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-20  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_button '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<div  class='avia-button-wrap av-av_button-0b5bba6bed3f75a46b50fcf7ca8525e6-wrap avia-button-center  avia-builder-el-21  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_hr '>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_button-0b5bba6bed3f75a46b50fcf7ca8525e6\">\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-av_button-0b5bba6bed3f75a46b50fcf7ca8525e6{\nbackground-color:#3a8ee8;\nborder-color:#3a8ee8;\ncolor:#ffffff;\ntransition:all 0.4s ease-in-out;\n}\n<\/style>\n<a href='http:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/#tab-id-6'  class='avia-button av-av_button-0b5bba6bed3f75a46b50fcf7ca8525e6 av-link-btn avia-icon_select-yes-left-icon avia-size-x-large avia-position-center'  target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"  aria-label=\"CAREER HIGHLIGHTS OF SONNY JAMES\"><span class='avia_button_icon avia_button_icon_left' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue81f' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >CAREER HIGHLIGHTS OF SONNY JAMES<\/span><\/a><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_hr-a07f7596b1fca85f6595a75d593069df\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-av_hr-a07f7596b1fca85f6595a75d593069df{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-a07f7596b1fca85f6595a75d593069df hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-22  el_after_av_button  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_textblock-b15ce38063d45fd523a4e8046fa8a914\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-av_textblock-b15ce38063d45fd523a4e8046fa8a914 .avia_textblock{\nfont-size:12px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-b15ce38063d45fd523a4e8046fa8a914 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h3>NEWS ANNOUNCEMENTS:<\/h3>\n<p><strong>CMT.COM:<\/strong> &#8220;James was that rarest of artists, one who moved fluidly for years between country and pop music with equal authenticity and acceptance.&#8221; &#8211; <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cmt.com\/news\/1762949\/hitmaker-sonny-james-dead-at-87\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">READ MORE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>MUSICROW.COM:<\/strong> &#8220;Between 1953 and 1983, James sent 72 singles to the country chart.&#8221; &#8211; <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.musicrow.com\/2016\/02\/lifenotes-country-legend-sonny-james-passes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">READ MORE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>BILLBOARD.COM:<\/strong> &#8220;His streak of 16 consecutive No. 1 hits on Billboard&#8217;s Hot Country Songs chart from 1967 through 1971 established a success level that went unsurpassed for close to two decades&#8230;&#8221; &#8211; <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.billboard.com\/articles\/columns\/country\/6882948\/sonny-james-country-singer-obituary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">READ MORE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>NYTIMES.COM:<\/strong> &#8220;But unlike other exponents of the Nashville Sound, who were drawn to material written exprerssly for the country market, Mr. James often recorded versions of recent pop and rhythm and blues hits&#8230;&#8221; &#8211; <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2016\/02\/24\/arts\/music\/sonny-james-country-singer-known-for-young-love-dies-at-87.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">READ MORE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>FOXNEWS.COM:<\/strong> &#8220;His hits included &#8220;It&#8217;s the Little Things,&#8221; &#8221;You&#8217;re the Only World I Know,&#8221; &#8221;I&#8217;ll Never Find Another You,&#8221; &#8221;Empty Arms,&#8221; &#8221;Behind the Tear,&#8221; &#8221;Take Good Care of Her,&#8221; &#8221;When the Snow Is on the Roses,&#8221; &#8221;That&#8217;s Why I Love You Like I Do&#8221; and &#8220;Here Comes Honey Again.&#8221;&#8221; &#8211; <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/entertainment\/2016\/02\/22\/country-singer-sonny-james-dies-at-age-87\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">READ MORE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>ABCNEWS.GO.COM:<\/strong> &#8220;Sonny made country music more commercial. He wasn&#8217;t trying to. He was singing what he enjoyed singing.&#8221; &#8211; <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/abcnews.go.com\/Entertainment\/wireStory\/country-singer-sonny-james-dies-age-87-37123870\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">READ MORE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>CNN.COM:<\/strong> &#8220;Sonny James, who ruled the country charts for nearly 20 years&#8230;&#8221; &#8211; <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2016\/02\/22\/entertainment\/sonny-james-obit-feat\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">READ MORE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>DAILYMAIL.CO.UK:<\/strong> &#8220;Dolly Parton salutes him as &#8216;one of the greatest&#8217;&#8230;&#8221; &#8211; <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-3459467\/Country-singer-Sonny-James-dies-age-87.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">READ MORE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>TWITTER.COM #SonnyJames:<\/strong> Marie Osmond, Glen Campbell and many more sharing their love and condolences. &#8211; <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SonnyJames?src=hash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VIEW POSTS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>FACEBOOK.COM:<\/strong> Condolences and thoughts shared by so many for the loss of Sonny James &#8211; <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/search\/top\/?q=sonny%20james%20dead\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VIEW POSTS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='av_section_3'  class='avia-section av-av_section-891dd61d142c5bdfd073f6b08d17daa9 main_color avia-section-small avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-24  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-4098'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-343fa0df8760be92b1a619e692e57dde\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-343fa0df8760be92b1a619e692e57dde{\npadding-bottom:3px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-343fa0df8760be92b1a619e692e57dde .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-343fa0df8760be92b1a619e692e57dde .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:26px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-343fa0df8760be92b1a619e692e57dde .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-343fa0df8760be92b1a619e692e57dde av-special-heading-h2  avia-builder-el-25  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Did You Know?<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_hr-a6de236e6c183bbbd700292deacd2b52\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-av_hr-a6de236e6c183bbbd700292deacd2b52{\nheight:20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-a6de236e6c183bbbd700292deacd2b52 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-26  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_two_third '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div  class='flex_column av-av_two_third-2a9015ff38129c418a3f2eafba3e9512 av_two_third  avia-builder-el-27  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_one_third  first flex_column_div  '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_textblock-a46e63d3243520f360b66d40f943954f\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-av_textblock-a46e63d3243520f360b66d40f943954f .avia_textblock{\nfont-size:14px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-a46e63d3243520f360b66d40f943954f '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h5>SONNY JAMES &#8211; THE INNOVATOR<\/h5>\n<p>In the midst of the American Civil Rights era with his #1 release of <a title=\"Wikipedia\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Take_Good_Care_of_Her\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adam Wade&#8217;s &#8220;Take Good Care of Her&#8221;<\/a> in 1966, Sonny was the first country artist to record and deliver an R&amp;B song into the country music mainstream. During his highly successful run of 16 consecutive #1 hits, beginning in 1969 of the next 7 singles James recorded &#8211; 5 had previously been moderately successful releases for soulful R&amp;B artists <a title=\"Wikipedia\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ivory_Joe_Hunter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ivory Joe Hunter<\/a>, <a title=\"Wikipedia\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Brook_Benton\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brook Benton<\/a>, <a title=\"Wikipedia\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Clyde_Otis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Clyde Otis<\/a> and <a title=\"Wikipedia\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jimmy_Reed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jimmy Reed<\/a>. Those 5 songs were Since I Met You Baby, It\u2019s Just A Matter of Time, Endlessly, Empty Arms and Bright Lights, Big City \u2013 all of which reached #1 on the Billboard country charts.<\/p>\n<p>From the inception of the R&amp;B genre in 1949 through 1971 when Sonny&#8217;s last such recording topped the charts, no other country artist ever achieved such success with R&amp;B material. The 2nd country artist to reach #1 with an R&amp;B song would not occur again until April of 1976. And so from the beginnings of R&amp;B in 1949 until April 1976, Sonny James stood alone for 27 years as a true innovator towards the broader appeal of what country music could be. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/nat-king-cole\/\">Learn More&#8230;<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-av_one_third-b51168870d26eac9084c0e2dc495efe0 av_one_third  avia-builder-el-29  el_after_av_two_third  el_before_av_hr  flex_column_div  '     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_hr-5ea7596238ed9f191e6b5e662093052f\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-av_hr-5ea7596238ed9f191e6b5e662093052f{\nheight:30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-5ea7596238ed9f191e6b5e662093052f hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-30  el_before_av_image  avia-builder-el-first '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_image-999e9a675ad7c8663171b90dbd3fe429\">\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-999e9a675ad7c8663171b90dbd3fe429 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-999e9a675ad7c8663171b90dbd3fe429 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-av_image-999e9a675ad7c8663171b90dbd3fe429 av-styling- av-hover-grow av-img-linked avia_animated_image av-animated-when-visible-95 bottom-to-top avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-31  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_textblock '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sonny-james-nat-king-cole.jpg\" class='avia_image '  target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label='Sonny James and Nat King Cole - Capitol Recording Studios Hollywood CA - 1963'><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-3551 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-3551 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sonny-james-nat-king-cole-150x150.jpg\" alt='' title='Sonny James and Nat King Cole - Capitol Recording Studios Hollywood CA - 1963'  height=\"150\" width=\"150\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sonny-james-nat-king-cole-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sonny-james-nat-king-cole-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sonny-james-nat-king-cole-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sonny-james-nat-king-cole-120x120.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sonny-james-nat-king-cole-450x450.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-0366cc7376be6c9e82a3e9cc8987b64f '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p style=\"text-align: center;\">1963: Sonny James &amp; Nat King Cole in collaboration at Capitol Recording Studios, Hollywood CA<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='avia-button-wrap av-av_button-8232a6ac60b3eeb47a1722ab35fb518c-wrap avia-button-center  avia-builder-el-33  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last '><a href='https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/nat-king-cole\/'  class='avia-button av-av_button-8232a6ac60b3eeb47a1722ab35fb518c av-link-btn avia-icon_select-yes-left-icon avia-size-small avia-position-center avia-color-theme-color'   aria-label=\"READ THE STORY\"><span class='avia_button_icon avia_button_icon_left' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue826' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >READ THE STORY<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/p><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_hr-a6de236e6c183bbbd700292deacd2b52\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-av_hr-a6de236e6c183bbbd700292deacd2b52{\nheight:20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-a6de236e6c183bbbd700292deacd2b52 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-34  el_after_av_one_third  el_before_av_two_third '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div  class='flex_column av-av_two_third-2a9015ff38129c418a3f2eafba3e9512 av_two_third  avia-builder-el-35  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_one_third  first flex_column_div  '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_textblock-a46e63d3243520f360b66d40f943954f\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-av_textblock-a46e63d3243520f360b66d40f943954f .avia_textblock{\nfont-size:14px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-a46e63d3243520f360b66d40f943954f '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h5>SONNY JAMES &#8211; THE PRODUCER<\/h5>\n<p>Sonny produced the first 3 albums for Marie Osmond. The first album went Certified Gold in the US and the first single &#8220;Paper Roses&#8221; also received a Certified Gold recognition. The phenomenal success of &#8220;Paper Roses&#8221; would see Marie nominated for a Grammy Award. Each of these three albums also contained recordings of a number of James&#8217; #1 hits.<\/p>\n<p>An industry powerhouse and long-time close friend of Sonny&#8217;s Mike Curb, who had overseen Donny Osmond&#8217;s solo hit covers of oldies like &#8220;Go Away Little Girl,&#8221; &#8220;Puppy Love,&#8221; &#8220;Sweet and Innocent,&#8221; and &#8220;Hey Girl,&#8221; used the same approach with Marie. According to Curb in the book <i>Billboard&#8217;s Hottest Hot 100 Hits<\/i> by Fred Bronson, when Curb was looking for country songs for Marie to record for her first album, Sonny James suggested Marie sing &#8220;Paper Roses&#8221; which had been a #5 Pop hit for Anita Bryant in 1960.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Paper Roses&#8221; was the first song James&#8217; recorded of Marie, and also her first single release. The single was released in August 1973. MGM promoted the single first to country radio, and received a favorable reaction to the song from radio stations and disc jockeys. Soon the song became a hit for Osmond, going all the way to #1 on the country charts. Before long, the song crossed over to pop radio as well, becoming a #5 Pop and #1 Easy Listening singles hit in the US as well as receiving similar success internationally.<\/p>\n<p>Upon reaching No. 1, Osmond became &#8212; at less than one month after her 14th birthday &#8212; the youngest female artist and youngest overall solo artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, a record that still stands.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-av_one_third-b51168870d26eac9084c0e2dc495efe0 av_one_third  avia-builder-el-37  el_after_av_two_third  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div  '     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_hr-82badf901ce3dea894b5eb42b395baab\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-av_hr-82badf901ce3dea894b5eb42b395baab{\nheight:60px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-82badf901ce3dea894b5eb42b395baab hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-38  el_before_av_image  avia-builder-el-first '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_image-bf0a9eae901f0d3fc1a283d33110b332\">\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-bf0a9eae901f0d3fc1a283d33110b332 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-bf0a9eae901f0d3fc1a283d33110b332 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-av_image-bf0a9eae901f0d3fc1a283d33110b332 av-styling- av-hover-grow av-img-linked avia_animated_image av-animated-when-visible-95 bottom-to-top avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-39  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_textblock '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sonny-james-marie-osmond.jpg\" class='avia_image '  target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label='Sonny James and Marie Osmond'><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-3558 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-3558 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sonny-james-marie-osmond-150x150.jpg\" alt='' title='Sonny James and Marie Osmond'  height=\"150\" width=\"150\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sonny-james-marie-osmond-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sonny-james-marie-osmond-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sonny-james-marie-osmond-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/sonny-james-marie-osmond-120x120.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-0366cc7376be6c9e82a3e9cc8987b64f '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sonny&#8217;s productions of Marie Osmond&#8217;s first 3 albums and initial release of &#8220;Paper Roses&#8221; sold over a million worldwide.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='av_section_4'  class='avia-section av-av_section-891dd61d142c5bdfd073f6b08d17daa9 main_color avia-section-small avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-41  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-4098'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_image-1ac6ae190353620528056b7de5c446bb\">\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-1ac6ae190353620528056b7de5c446bb img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-1ac6ae190353620528056b7de5c446bb .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-av_image-1ac6ae190353620528056b7de5c446bb av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-42  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-3889 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-3889 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/album-covers.jpg\" alt='' title='Sonny James Album Covers Samples'  height=\"423\" width=\"1218\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/album-covers.jpg 1218w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/album-covers-300x104.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/album-covers-1024x356.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/album-covers-705x245.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/album-covers-450x156.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1218px) 100vw, 1218px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_section-df6b96b865d70e4b77c109a6f1c22ba9\">\n.avia-section.av-av_section-df6b96b865d70e4b77c109a6f1c22ba9{\nbackground-color:#e2e2e2;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n.avia-section.av-av_section-df6b96b865d70e4b77c109a6f1c22ba9 .av-extra-border-element .av-extra-border-inner{\nbackground-color:#e2e2e2;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_5'  class='avia-section av-av_section-df6b96b865d70e4b77c109a6f1c22ba9 main_color avia-section-small avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-43  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll av-arrow-down-section container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-4098'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-av_two_fifth-2a9015ff38129c418a3f2eafba3e9512 av_two_fifth  avia-builder-el-44  el_before_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div  '     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_hr-2cbb168f430c2703d7334a37c20dcc76\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-av_hr-2cbb168f430c2703d7334a37c20dcc76{\nheight:100px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-2cbb168f430c2703d7334a37c20dcc76 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-45  el_before_av_image  avia-builder-el-first '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_image-bdf0539e7f8f8601344f5f2829772dbd\">\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-bdf0539e7f8f8601344f5f2829772dbd img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-bdf0539e7f8f8601344f5f2829772dbd .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-av_image-bdf0539e7f8f8601344f5f2829772dbd av-styling- avia_animated_image av-animated-when-visible-95 left-to-right avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-46  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_hr '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-3466 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-3466 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/CapitolRecords-logo-300x145.png\" alt='' title='CapitolRecords-logo'  height=\"145\" width=\"300\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/CapitolRecords-logo-300x145.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/CapitolRecords-logo-450x217.png 450w, https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/CapitolRecords-logo.png 454w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_hr-c8dc2a51a6f4017121e8dbd441687de1\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-av_hr-c8dc2a51a6f4017121e8dbd441687de1{\nheight:1px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-c8dc2a51a6f4017121e8dbd441687de1 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-47  el_after_av_image  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-0366cc7376be6c9e82a3e9cc8987b64f '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Capitol Records released his signature song &#8220;Young Love&#8221; in late 1956. This giant hit became one of the most recognizable songs ever recorded. It was the first Traditional Country\/Teen cross over record. Followed by fellow Capitol artist Ferlin Huskey&#8217;s &#8220;Gone&#8221; and later Marty Robbin&#8217;s &#8220;White Sport Coat&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-av_three_fifth-b51168870d26eac9084c0e2dc495efe0 av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-49  el_after_av_two_fifth  el_before_av_hr  flex_column_div  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-0366cc7376be6c9e82a3e9cc8987b64f '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><center><\/center><\/p>\n<h2>YouTube Playlist:<\/h2>\n<h2>The 26 #1 Hits of Sonny James<\/h2>\n<p><center><iframe src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/videoseries?list=PLDd09h2Jd1NkbC7s-pGmvy4Hd20R1UgIr\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/center><center><em>[Courtesy of Richard Custer]<\/em><\/center><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_hr-a6de236e6c183bbbd700292deacd2b52\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-av_hr-a6de236e6c183bbbd700292deacd2b52{\nheight:20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-a6de236e6c183bbbd700292deacd2b52 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-51  el_after_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-last '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><div class='av-extra-border-element border-extra-arrow-down'><div class='av-extra-border-outer'><div class='av-extra-border-inner'><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_section-2044adda1cd2fa924a8471d8a66b35d7\">\n.avia-section.av-av_section-2044adda1cd2fa924a8471d8a66b35d7{\nbackground-color:#b3dde2;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n.avia-section.av-av_section-2044adda1cd2fa924a8471d8a66b35d7 .av-extra-border-element .av-extra-border-inner{\nbackground-color:#b3dde2;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_6'  class='avia-section av-av_section-2044adda1cd2fa924a8471d8a66b35d7 main_color avia-section-small avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-52  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll av-arrow-down-section container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-4098'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-av_one_fourth-2a9015ff38129c418a3f2eafba3e9512 av_one_fourth  avia-builder-el-53  el_before_av_one_fourth  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-0366cc7376be6c9e82a3e9cc8987b64f '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/kix-brooks-245x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"140\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On August 30th of 2006, the day it was announced Sonny James was to be an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Kix Brooks (Brooks And Dunn) probably said it best, \u201cThis is an artist who really dominated his time in history.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-av_one_fourth-b51168870d26eac9084c0e2dc495efe0 av_one_fourth  avia-builder-el-55  el_after_av_one_fourth  el_before_av_one_half  flex_column_div  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-0366cc7376be6c9e82a3e9cc8987b64f '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/elvis-wordforword-218x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"140\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Similar accolades from fellow entertainers began early in James\u2019 career\u2026 Elvis Presley, from the best seller book \u201cElvis, Word for Word\u201d was asked \u201cwho do you think\u2019s the greatest country and western singer that\u2019s alive today\u201d his reply, \u201cI like Sonny James\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-av_one_half-b51168870d26eac9084c0e2dc495efe0 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-57  el_after_av_one_fourth  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-0366cc7376be6c9e82a3e9cc8987b64f '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><center><a class=\"noLightbox\" title=\"2006 CMA Awards: Friend Kris Kristofferson presents plaque to Sonny commemorating James' Induction Into the Country Music Hall Of Fame\" href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JXI6OB3jV4Q?rel=0&amp;autoplay=1&amp;iframe=true&amp;width=996&amp;height=560\" rel=\"wp-video-lightbox&#091;iframes&#093;\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Click to View Video\" src=\"http:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/main_cma_awards2.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/center><center><strong>Friend Kris Kristofferson presents plaque to Sonny commemorating<br \/>\nJames&#8217; Induction Into the Country Music Hall Of Fame<\/strong><\/center><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><div class='av-extra-border-element border-extra-arrow-down'><div class='av-extra-border-outer'><div class='av-extra-border-inner'><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_section-fe96eefd6b342f178c28cdb4de5f70a1\">\n.avia-section.av-av_section-fe96eefd6b342f178c28cdb4de5f70a1{\nbackground-repeat:no-repeat;\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/nat-king-cole-sonny-james-studio1.jpg);\nbackground-position:0% 50%;\nbackground-attachment:scroll;\n}\n.avia-section.av-av_section-fe96eefd6b342f178c28cdb4de5f70a1 .av-section-color-overlay{\nopacity:0.8;\nbackground-color:#3b424c;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_7'  class='avia-section av-av_section-fe96eefd6b342f178c28cdb4de5f70a1 main_color avia-section-no-padding avia-no-shadow  avia-builder-el-59  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll av-section-color-overlay-active av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-custom av-height-custom  container_wrap sidebar_right'  data-section-bg-repeat='no-repeat' data-av_minimum_height_px='445'><div class=\"av-section-color-overlay-wrap\"><div class=\"av-section-color-overlay\"><\/div><a href='#next-section' title='' class='scroll-down-link ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue877' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/a><div class='container av-section-cont-open' style='height:445px'><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-4098'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-av_three_fifth-2a9015ff38129c418a3f2eafba3e9512 av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-60  el_before_av_two_fifth  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div  '     ><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-av_two_fifth-b51168870d26eac9084c0e2dc495efe0 av_two_fifth  avia-builder-el-61  el_after_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div  '     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_textblock-e054def2638ba80120e46f523c24c2ec\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-av_textblock-e054def2638ba80120e46f523c24c2ec .avia_textblock{\nfont-size:20px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-e054def2638ba80120e46f523c24c2ec '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Learn how Nat King Cole&#8217;s collaboration with Sonny James in 1963 at Capitol Studios in Hollywood became the formula for the greatest streak of Consecutive #1 Singles the recording industry has ever known in any genre from a solo artist before or since.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='avia-button-wrap av-av_button-3a1e9ec0f1e4ce901393b6e678949464-wrap avia-button-left  avia-builder-el-63  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last '><a href='https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/nat-king-cole\/'  class='avia-button av-av_button-3a1e9ec0f1e4ce901393b6e678949464 av-link-btn avia-icon_select-yes-left-icon avia-size-large avia-position-left avia-color-theme-color'   aria-label=\"READ THE STORY\"><span class='avia_button_icon avia_button_icon_left' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue826' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >READ THE STORY<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_section-528cee9ad835af940ea7a6b90752695e\">\n.avia-section.av-av_section-528cee9ad835af940ea7a6b90752695e{\nbackground-color:#ffffff;\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-content\/uploads\/hm-cmhof.jpg);\nbackground-repeat:no-repeat;\nbackground-position:50% 50%;\nbackground-attachment:scroll;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_8'  class='avia-section av-av_section-528cee9ad835af940ea7a6b90752695e main_color avia-section-no-padding avia-no-shadow  avia-builder-el-64  el_after_av_section  avia-builder-el-last  avia-bg-style-scroll av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-custom av-height-custom  container_wrap sidebar_right'  data-section-bg-repeat='no-repeat' data-av_minimum_height_px='468'><div class='container av-section-cont-open' style='height:468px'><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-4098'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='after_section_8'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-4098'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4099,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4098","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4098"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4098"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4098\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4099"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4098"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4098"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sonnyjames.com\/hof\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4098"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}