Mark James: Suspicious Minds and Always On My Mind songwriter dies

The musician continued to write hits throughout the 1970s, as well as releasing music with his own band, The Mark James Trio.

In later years, he became more interested in film scores, and studied the discipline at UCLA and the American Film Institute. The 2001 short film Trade Day has a score by him, under his birth name.

He was inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014, and was also entered into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame, the New York Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Speaking in 2021, James looked back at his career and said he was “thankful” that his songs were “still being embraced by new generations of listeners around the world”.

BJ Thomas once said, external his friend had a gift for “telling stories in a concise way”.

“They get to the point. They’re relatable. They’re familiar.”

James is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen Zambon; his daughters Sammie and Dana Zambon; grandchildren and extended family.

In a statement, they said: “Mark’s legacy and zest for life will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and through his timeless lyrics and melodies that have been the soundtrack of lovers for generations.”