Mark James

Mark James (born Francis Rodney Zambon; November 29, 1940) is an American songwriter who wrote hits for singers B.J. Thomas, Brenda Lee, and Elvis Presley, including Presley's US number one hit single, "Suspicious Minds." Early life Mark James was born an Italian-American in Houston, Texas on November 29, 1940, and he was raised there. James befriended B.J. Thomas while both were still young. Career 1967–1969: Career beginnings and songwriting By the late 1960s, James was signed as a staff songwriter to Memphis producer Chips Moman's publishing company, Moman producing Thomas’ versions of "The Eyes of a New York Woman", "Hooked on a Feeling", and "It's Only Love" from 1968 to 1969 (all of which achieved success).