“Suspicious Minds” songwriter Mark James has died

the Legendary songwriter Mark Jameswho wrote hit songs such as “Suspicious minds” to Elvis PresleyHe died at the age of 83.

The Texas-born musician reached number one on the US chart with the song “Addicted to a feeling” He also wrote “Always on my mind” By Elvis Presley.

During his career, his compositions have been recorded or covered by artists such as Willie Nelson, Bill Withers, Brenda Lee, Jay-Z, and the Pet Shop Boys.

In 2000 He has been named one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century alongside Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Holland Dozier Holland.

Mark James died at his home in Nashville, Tennessee on June 8.

James’ family said this in a statement “His exuberant personality filled any space he was in and his smile lit it up.”

“He was a wonderful storyteller with the sweetest smile, the most infectious laugh, and a twinkle in his eye that never faded,” they said.

He recorded his own version of “Suspicious Minds” in 1968, with lyrics inspired by his own relationship. James was married but still had feelings for his childhood sweetheart, who was also married.

“It was a confusing time for me,” he later told the Wall Street Journal. “I felt like we were all falling into this trap that we couldn’t get out of.”

The company was confident that James’ recording would be a success, but failed to plan.

A year later, Elvis Presley walked into the studio where James was working and the star was looking for new material to record. ‘Suspicious Minds’ was suggested and the star was ‘delighted’. Using almost the same arrangement as James’ original song, Elvis Presley took the song to No. 1 in 1969 – reviving his career.

Mark James collaborated with the King of Rock and Roll on the hits “It’s Only Love,” “Moody Blue,” “Raised on Rock,” and most famously, “Always On My Mind.”

The song, first recorded by Brenda Lee and then Gwen McRae, was written by Mark James with Johnny Christopher and Wayne Carson in 1971.

Elvis Presley covered it two years later, initially as a song from the album’s B-side “Separate Ways”.

Source: RES-MPE