James Hugh Loden (1 May 1929 – 22 February 2016) was born in Hackleburg, AL and was a country music singer, songwriter and producer who performed under the stage name Sonny James. He had several country hits in the 50s and 60s, and was most successful with his ballads. James had 72 country and pop charted releases from 1953 to 1983, including a five-year streak in which he scored 16 straight Billboard # 1 singles.

In the 1970s he produced albums for Marie Osmond. The first album was Certified Gold in the U.S. and her first single, “Paper Roses” also received Certified Gold recognition.