Mark James, the Grammy-winning songwriter famous for Elvis Presley’s hit “Suspicious Minds,” passed away at the age of 83. A revered member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he also penned “Hooked On A Feeling” and co-wrote “Always On My Mind.
James died on 8 June at his home in Nashville, as first reported by his hometown newspaper, the Houston Chronicle.
His family said in a statement: “Mark’s legacy and zest for life will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and through his timeless lyrics and melodies that have been the soundtrack of lovers for generations.”
Named as a Songwriter Of The Century by Broadcast Music (BMI) in 2000, the music licensing company also put Suspicious Minds, Hooked On A Feeling and Always On My Mind on a list of the 100 greatest songs of the 20th century.
James won two Grammys in 1983 for Always On My Mind, which he shared with co-writers Wayne Carson and Johnny Christopher.
Most associated with Elvis Presley, it was also recorded by Willie Nelson and the Pet Shop Boys. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.
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Another of James’s songs, Hooked On A Feeling, which was originally recorded by American singer B J Thomas in 1969 reaching number five in the US charts, was re-recorded in 1974 by Blue Swede incorporating a catchy “ooga-chaka” chant, hitting US number one.
It’s gone on to be featured in movies including Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs and Guardians Of The Galaxy, and a cover was recorded just this year by Swedish rock band The Hives – keeping in the inspired Blue Swede chant.
James also wrote other songs for Presley, including Moody Blue, the title track to his final album, and It’s Only Love and Raised On Rock.
James is also a member of the Texas Songwriters Hall Of Fame, the New York Songwriters Hall Of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
In 2021, Sony/ATV Music Publishing announced that it had signed a deal with James, renewing a contract that began 50 years earlier when he signed with Screen Gems/EMI.
It also secured extended rights for Suspicious Minds, Hooked On A Feeling and Always On My Mind.
James is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen Zambon, his daughters Sammie and Dana Zambon, and grandchildren.
