County music songwriter Mark James — who wrote and co-wrote popular songs like “Suspicious Minds,” “Always on My Mind” and “Hooked on a Feeling” for artists like Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson and B.J. Thomas — died June 8. He was 83.
The news was first reported by The Houston Chronicle and while no cause of death was revealed but he was at his home in Nashville, Tenn., at the time.
“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,” his family said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter.
James won two Grammys in 1983 for “Always on My Mind,” which was performed by Nelson and previously recorded by Presley. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014, while BMI named him one of the Songwriters of the Century.
James saw some of his biggest hits working with Presley for songs like “Suspicious Minds,” which remains one of his most well-known songs. He also wrote “Moody Blue,” “It’s Only Love” and “Raised on Rock” for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
James’ song “Hooked on a Feeling,” which is performed by Thomas, has been used in films like “Reservoir Dogs” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
