This week in 1971: a Georgia arms plant explosion killed 24 people; President Richard Nixon named William Casey as chairman of the SEC; two Apollo astronauts walked on the moon and a singer from Hackle-burg, Ala., had his 36th hit record.
Many recording artists credit this or that sound, or arrangement, for the success of certain records, but according to Sonny James, the success of his 1971 No. 1, "Empty Arms," was due to simplicity.
"Most all the lyrics of songs I have recorded were very simple-kind of like a conversation you might have with someone," James said. "I've turned down several songs because just reading the lyrics just didn't sound right to me. 'Empty Arms' was kind of like a conversation with a melody. It was just that simple. And that's why the song appealed to me."
James' Capitol single "Empty Arms" entered the country music charts Feb. 27, 1971 and was at the top of the charts on April 10th, where it stayed for four weeks.
It was his 36th charted song and was on the charts for 16 weeks. The record was produced by George Richey.
James (born James Loden) placed 72 songs on the country music charts between 1953 and 1983-including 23 No. 1s.
James joined The Grand Ole Opry in 1965. He was inducted into The Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2006.
James died in 2016 at age 87.
Join me for "Story Behind The Song" weekdays at 6:30 a.m. and 11:35 a.m. on KPGG FM-103.9