Mark James Dead at 83: Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley Songwriter's Life Revisited

Mark James, a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and a renowned musician who wrote tracks for some of the most prominent musicians in the music industry, such as Willie Nelson and Elvis Presley, has died at 83.

According to a report published by the BBC, the songwriter died at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 8, 2024. No cause of death has been publicized.

Born Francis Rodney Zambon in Houston, Texas, on November 29, 1940, he became fond of music at a very young age. By 1959, he was already performing at local venues and recorded a track titled "Jive Note."

He had to pause his music career when he was drafted into the army to fight in the Vietnam War.

The musician furthered his career in the late 1960s. He was initially signed as a staff songwriter to Chip Moman's publishing company.

He was credited with penning some of the biggest hits of renowned singers, such as Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds," which placed 91 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, "Always On My Mind," Moody Blue, "It's Only Love," and more.

He was the initial singer on "Suspicious Minds," which was inspired by his previous relationship. Although he was married, he had a romantic attraction to his childhood lover, who was also married to another man.

Unfortunately, the track failed to become commercially successful until Elvis Presley went "crazy about it" and recorded his version.

James' career continued taking off in the 1970s after he struck a deal with Screen Gems-Columbia Music. The singer went on to write other big hits for stars like Brenda Lee's "Sunday Sunrise."

His works were also covered or recorded throughout his career by musicians including Jay-Z, Michael Bublé, Pet Shop Boys, Willie Nelson, and more. He wrote over 300 songs.

James also snagged two Grammy Awards in his lifetime, including the Song of the Year award and Best Country Song award, both of which were for the track "Always on My Mind."

In a statement following his death, his family said James filled any room with his "larger-than-life-personality."

"He was a captivating storyteller who had the sweetest smile, the most infectious laugh and a twinkle in his eye that never dimmed," they added.

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Songwriter, Songwriters Hall of Fame, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Death, Cause of death, Tribute, Obituary, News, Music