James Hugh Loden was known professionally as Sonny James. He was an American country music singer and songwriter best known for his 1957 hit, "Young Love". Dubbed the Southern Gentleman, James had 72 country and pop charted releases from 1953 to 1983.This included an unprecedented five-year streak of 16 straight Billboard #1 singles among his 26 #1 hits. Twenty-one of his albums reached the country top ten from 1964 to 1976.

In May 2007 Mr. James and his Southern Gentlemen walked the red carpet and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

James Hugh Loden was born on May 1, 1929 to Archie Lee 'Pop' Loden and Della Burleson Loden. By age three he was playing a mandolin and singing. He was dubbed "Sonny Boy".

In late 1956 James released "Young Love", a 45 rpm single for which he would forever be remembered. As the first teenage country crossover single, it topped both the US country and pop music charts in January to February 1957. It sold well over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc.

Dubbed the Southern Gentleman because of his polite demeanor, he gained more exposure with an appearance on the popular Ed Sullivan Show and the Bob Hope Show.

Mr. James died on February 22nd 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 87.

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