Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Houston songwriter headed to hall of fame

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http://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/music/article/Houston-songwriter-headed-to-hall-of-fame-5542401.php

From the site:

LOS ANGELES - Mark James squeezes the foot of a toy rabbit on a shelf in his West Hollywood studio, but it no longer produces a song. He tries another one. No song. A third. Again, nothing. All three creatures were built to belt out the joyous "Hooked on a Feeling," which James wrote nearly 50 years ago. But such is the nature of cheaply produced merchandise.

Above link behind a paywall – here’s another link from SESAC:

http://www.sesac.com/News/News_Details.aspx?id=2019

From the site:

Texas born songwriter Mark James first came to prominence penning "Hooked On A Feeling" for B.J. Thomas in 1969. Later, the band Blue Swede transformed it into a 1974 chart topper. James' career breakthrough came when Elvis Presley cut his song "Suspicious Minds," which landed him a number one hit around the world and helped resurrect "The King's" career as a recording artist. In addition to hits penned for Presley which include "Moody Blue," "It's Only Love" and "Raised On Rock," James co-wrote the classic "Always On My Mind," which was recorded by Elvis and became a signature hit for Willie Nelson in 1982. In 1983, the song earned James two Grammy's® for "Song of the Year" and "Best Country Song," as well as a BMI Award for "Song the Year." Four years later, Pet Shop Boys scored a smash hit with their cover of the track. Fine Young Cannibals, Jay-Z, Dwight Yoakam and Bill Withers are among the diverse array of artists that have recorded James' songs. His music has been featured in films such as Kramer vs. Kramer, Black Hawk Down and Reservoir Dogs. In 1999, BMI announced its Top 100 Songs of the Century, which included three songs by James. Ranked #91 on Rolling Stone Magazine's "Top 500 Songs of All Time, "Suspicious Minds" remains his most beloved and enduring composition.

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