Legendary country songwriter and hitmaker dies at 83

Mark James, a legendary songwriter and hitmaker, has died.

He was 83.

James, a Houston native, died June 8 at his home in Nashville.

• WANT MORE COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS? CLICK HERE.

James won two Grammys in 1983 for his “Always on My Mind” sung by Willie Nelson. He also wrote the hits “Hooked on a Feeling” and “Suspicious Minds.” He is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“Mark’s legacy and joy of life will live on in the hearts of those who loved him; and through his timeless lyrics and melodies that have been the soundtrack for lovers for generations,” his family said, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

In addition to being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he was also named one of BMI’s Songwriters of the Century for 2000. According to the Hollywood Observer, he is also a member of the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame, the New York Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Together with Nelson, James wrote hits for people like Elvis Presley, BJ Thomas and Brenda Lee.