Who Sonny James What Country singer Sonny James dies at age 87 When February 22, 2016 Where Nashville, TN   Country singer Sonny James, who recorded romantic ballads including "Young Love" and turned pop songs into country hits, has died. He was 87. James died Monday in a Nashville hospice facility, according to a family friend, Gary Robble, who was the lead singer of James' backing band, the Southern Gentlemen. His death was attributed to natural causes, according to a statement released on his website. After military service in Korea, James started working with guitarist Chet Atkins, who introduced him to Capitol Records producer Ken Nelson. Nelson suggested that James use a combination of his nickname, "Sonny Boy," with his first name as his professional name. "Sonny made country music more commercial," Robble said. "He wasn't trying to. He was singing what he enjoyed singing." James was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006. In the 1960s, he made several motion pictures, including "Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar," "Las Vegas Hillbillies" (with Jayne Mansfield) and "Hillbilly in a Haunted House" (with Basil Rathbone and Lon Chaney Jr.). He then went on to produce Marie Osmond's first records, including her biggest country hit, "Paper Roses." Osmond tweeted, "Country Music Hall of Famer, producer & lifelong friend #SonnyJames. U will be missed! #RIP." She included a video link to James performing "Young Love" on the "Donny & Marie" show in the 1970s. James was the first cohost of the Country Music Assn. Awards show with Bobbie Gentry in 1976. He retired in the mid-1980s, because of vocal issues, according to Robble. He is survived by his wife, Doris. "With immense admiration we say thanks to this dear and beloved friend to so many," read the statement released on James' website. "No words exist to express our loss and sorrow at this time." Other Articles of Interest: Sonny James, Country Singer Known for ‘Young Love,’ Dies at 87 — The New York Times Sonny James, 87, legendary singer of No. 1 country hits — Boston Globe Country singer Sonny James, 87, dies in Nashville hospice as Dolly Parton salutes him as 'one of the greatest' — Daily Mail (UK) Country Music Singer Sonny James Dies at 87 — Variety GSonny James, country hitmaker of ‘Young Love,’ dies at 87 — The Washington Post Singer George Hamilton IV dies at 77; brought country music to international audience — The Los Angeles Times Sonny James: Singer best known for the No 1 'Young Love' who dominated the US country charts in the late 1960s — The Independent (UK) 'Young Love' Singer Sonny James Dead at 87 — Rolling Stone Country music legend Sonny James dies at 87 — CNN (Note: Some news media sites require user registration to read articles and/or to send you 'targeted' email from advertisers.)   Contact Times Staff The Los Angeles Times