Mark James dead at 83: Legendary songwriter behind Elvis hits Suspicious Minds and Always On My Mind passes away in Nashville

Legendary songwriter Mark James has died astatine the property of 83.

James, who wrote Elvis Presley's megahit Suspicious Minds, died connected June 8 successful his Nashville home, his household said.

The Grammy winner's origin of decease has not been revealed. 

James' household told the Houston Chronicle: 'his larger-than-life property filled immoderate country helium was in, and his grin lit it up. 

'He was a captivating storyteller who had the sweetest smile, the astir infectious laughter and a twinkle successful his oculus that ne'er dimmed.'

One of the astir palmy songwriters of the 20th century, James's songs person been featured successful films specified arsenic Reservoir Dogs and Guardians of the Galaxy. 

He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame successful 2014.

James was besides down the songs Always connected My Mind and Hooked connected a Feeling - some cited arsenic connected BMI's database of the 100 top songs of the 20th century, alongside Suspicious Minds.

BMI besides named him 1 of the top songwriters of the 20th period successful 2000, alongside Elton John and Paul McCartney.

The instrumentalist won the Grammy doubly successful 1983 for Always connected My mind, taking location the Song of the Year and Country Song of the Year awards aft being recorded by Willie Nelson, arsenic reported by Variety.

The opus was antecedently recorded by Elvis successful 1972 but that mentation was not a large deed until overmuch later. 

Born Francis Rodney Cambon, James was primitively from Houston, Texas, wherever helium launched his euphony career. 

He relocated to Memphis aft returning from serving successful Vietnam and his archetypal deed successful 1968, The Eyes of a New York Woman, which was followed the adjacent twelvemonth by Hooked connected a Feeling and 'It's Only Love successful 1969.

James worked arsenic a vocalist arsenic helium grew his songwriter career, and recorded Suspicious Minds successful 1968. 

But it wasn't until 1969, erstwhile Presley recorded the opus that it became a fig 1 hit.

James is survived by his woman of 53 years, Karen Zambon, his daughters Sammie and Dana Zambon and his grandchildren.