Sonny James, born James Hugh Loden, was an influential American country music singer and songwriter active from the 1950s to the 1980s. Known for his smooth, gentle baritone voice and clean-cut image, he became a significant figure in the Nashville sound, a subgenre of country music that blended traditional and pop styles. He is most famous for his 1957 hit, "Young Love", which topped the country and pop music charts. Over his career, James had 23 No.1 hits on the Billboard country music charts, solidifying his legacy in the genre.