Songwriter Mark James, famous for “Suspicious Minds” and “Hooked On a Feeling,” passes away | Entertainment & Arts Update
Mark James, the Grammy-winning songwriter behind Elvis Presley’s hit Suspicious Minds, has passed away at the age of 83.
A respected member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he also penned classics like Hooked On A Feeling and co-wrote Always On My Mind.
James died on 8 June at his Nashville home, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
In a statement, his family expressed, “Mark’s legacy and passion for life will endure in the hearts of those who cherished him, and through his timeless lyrics and melodies that have resonated with lovers for generations.”
Recognized as a Songwriter Of The Century by Broadcast Music (BMI) in 2000, his songs Suspicious Minds, Hooked On A Feeling, and Always On My Mind were included in BMI’s list of the greatest songs of the 20th century.
In 1983, James won two Grammys for Always On My Mind, which he co-wrote with Wayne Carson and Johnny Christopher.
While strongly linked with Elvis Presley, the song was also covered by Willie Nelson and the Pet Shop Boys. It was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.
Suspicious Minds, a standout hit for Presley, was originally written by James for his own singing career in the late 1960s.
It was inspired by his emotions towards a childhood love, despite both being married to others.
Describing the song in an interview with the Wall Street Journal later on, James mentioned it was a “confusing time” and felt like they were all trapped. In 1969, it became Presley’s final number one hit, revitalizing his career and establishing him as a Vegas showbiz icon until his passing eight years later.
The song also found success with Fine Young Cannibals, reaching number eight on the UK charts in 1986.
One of James’s hits, Hooked On A Feeling, originally recorded by B J Thomas in 1969 reaching number five in the US, was later re-recorded by Blue Swede in 1974 with the famous “ooga-chaka” chant, becoming a US number one.
The song has appeared in films like Reservoir Dogs and Guardians Of The Galaxy, and a new cover by Swedish rock band The Hives was released this year, maintaining the iconic Blue Swede chant.
James also contributed other songs to Presley, such as Moody Blue, It’s Only Love, and Raised On Rock.
James has also been honored with inductions into the Texas Songwriters Hall Of Fame, New York Songwriters Hall Of Fame, and Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
In 2021, Sony/ATV Music Publishing announced a renewed contract with James, extending rights for Suspicious Minds, Hooked On A Feeling, and Always On My Mind, a partnership that originated 50 years ago with Screen Gems/EMI.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen Zambon, his daughters Sammie and Dana Zambon, and grandchildren.