Mark James, author of Elvis Presley's last number 1, has died at the age of 83 at his home in Nashville. In addition to 'Suspicious Minds', James has composed two other unforgettable songs across the generations, such as 'Always On My Mind' and 'Hooked on a Feeling'. These last two reached the Top 5 of the Hot 100 for several artists.
'Always On My Mind', co-written with Johnny Christopher and Wayne Carson, helped James win two Grammy Awards: Song of the Year and Best Country Song. This classic song meant a spot in the Top 5 of the Hot 100 for both Willie Nelson, in 1982, and Pet Shop Boys, in 1988, proving that great songs remain great regardless.
On the other hand, 'Suspicious Minds' earned Elvis his last No. 1 on the Hot 100, in 1969, and 'Hooked On A Feeling' was another Top 5 on the North American chart, for both BJ Thomas and Blue Swede. .
The songwriter was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame the following year. James' other hits include 'The Eyes of a New York Woman', which was a Top 30 hit for BJ Thomas in 1968; 'Moody Blue', Top 40 for Elvis in 1977; and 'Sunday Sunrise', Brenda Lee's Top 10 hit on the 1973 country chart.
