Sonny James, Country Music Legend, Dies At 87

Sonny James, who was a frequent presence on the country music charts, died on Monday. He was 87.

Sonny James Dies

James passed away in hospice care in Nashville, Tenn., according CNN.

“Throughout his life he has stood always at the ready to share a funny story,” read the official statement on James’ death. “Accompanied by his boyish smile, this man of deep faith never failed to cultivate his unique gift of making every friend feel as if they were his greatest friend every step of the way.”

James, born James Hugh Loden, signed his first record deal with Capitol Records in the 50s after serving in the military. “Young Love,” which came out in 1957, was his first hit, making it to the top of the country charts. Over the course of his decades-spanning career, James would have a total of 23 No. 1 hits on the country charts.

Between 1967 and 1971, James racked up 16 straight No. 1 country hits. Among them were “Need You” and “Here Comes Honey Again.” In total, between 1960 and 1979, James had spent 57 weeks at the top of the charts.

James was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.