Elvis fans can now experience a blend of storytelling and music with the man who wrote Elvis' hit singles "Suspicious Minds" and "Always on My Mind" among others. Songwriter Mark James will be appearing at the new Elvis Week event, Elvis Songwriters Showcase, on Saturday, August 11, 2012.
Mark James is famous for writing hits for Elvis, B.J. Thomas, and Brenda Lee. The Texas native crossed paths with the king after being signed on as a staff writer for Memphis producer Chips Moman's publishing company. James originally recorded "Suspicious Minds" in 1968 but from a lack of commercial success, handed it over to Elvis who made it a #1 single in 1969.
"Suspicious Minds" became one of the most notable Elvis hits and was ranked #91 on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."
James greatest personal success came with another Elvis hit after co-writing "Always on My Mind" with Wayne Carson and Johnny Christopher. James received a Grammy Award for Song of the Year after Willie Nelson's 1982 rendition. James will be appearing along with Mike Stoller of the songwriting team Leiber and Stoller, who wrote songs such as “Hound Dog,” “Loving You,” and “Jailhouse Rock.”