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Sonny James, the Southern Gentleman, used the popular Nashville sound of the '60s to countrify pop hits of the past into a form accessible to many, broadening country music's appeal across the nation. His first single, "That's Me Without You," hit the country Top Ten in early 1953. His biggest hit, "Young Love," spent nine weeks at number one during 1956 and 1957 and also crossed over to top the pop charts. During the late '60s, he scored an incredible five-year run of number one singles that locked up the top spot for a combined 45 weeks. ~ John Bush