JIM REEVES

by Shirley A. Ramaley


In 1959, Jim Reeves made his greatest hit, “He’ll Have To Go,” and earned a platinum record. His smooth and rich baritone voice was a favorite of mine. His record, “Distant Drums,” is my all-time favorite country song. Jim’s music was popular with many people, not just those of us who loved country in the 50’s and still do today.

He had a warm voice that transcended styles. Some of my other favorites were “Welcome to My World,” “Am I Losing You,” and “Adios Amigo.” I had his records in the 50’s and today I have his CD’s. He is my favorite country singer, period. There’s no one else who comes close.

Jim Reeves was actually interested in a professional baseball career and was in the St. Louis Cardinals farm system, when an injury cut his baseball career short. He worked as an announcer on a radio station in Shreveport, Louisiana. When another singer couldn’t make it on time for a performance, Jim filled in. His singing career took off.

His first country hits included “Mexican Joe” and “I Love You” (with Ginny Wright). “Mexican Joe” was his debut single for Abbott Records. It quickly made number one in the spring of 1953, just as I was graduating from high school. Reeves eventually left for RCA Victor when they offered him a ten-year recording contract.

He had many more hits in the 50’s and early 60’s. They included “Four Walls” which was number one for eight weeks in 1957. It was “Four Walls” that helped usher in a new style of country music, with violins and increased background arrangements. 

Unfortunately, Reeve’s “Distant Drums” became a number one hit after Reeves was killed in a plane accident. I remember the day I heard the news, in 1964. Although no one will ever know for sure, it was thought that Reeves was piloting the plane. 

There was a severe thunderstorm near Nashville, Tennessee. His manager, Dean Manuel, was with Reeves. Reeves probably became disoriented by “pilot’s vertigo” and he didn’t realize he was flying upside down. Aviation experts think Reeves was trying to fly above the storm, and instead flew into the ground. This is all speculation of course, but most people agree that this is probably what happened. 

Reeves and Manuel’s bodies were found inside the wreckage of the plane, after an intense search aided by well-known entertainers, including Eddy Arnold. 

When I heard the news that John Kennedy had died while piloting his plane, I immediately thought of Jim Reeves. Two good men, cut down in their prime. I thought both of them a lot that day.

Today, as I sit at my computer typing this, listening to a Jim Reeves CD, as he sings “Distant Drums,” I remember the 50’s and 60’s, when his songs were often played on the radio. Other country singers are more popular now and I enjoy listening to country music. But as far as I’m concerned, the greatest of them all was, and remains, Jim Reeves.


more articles by  Shirley A. Ramaley