About the song
“He’ll Have to Go” by Jim Reeves is a classic country song that epitomizes the smooth, velvety voice that earned Reeves the nickname “Gentleman Jim.” Written by Joe Allison and his wife Audrey, the song was released in 1959 and became one of the most enduring hits of Reeves’ career. The song tells the story of a man making a long-distance phone call to his lover, urging her to tell her current companion to leave so they can talk privately. The haunting, yet tender delivery of Reeves’ baritone voice adds a layer of emotional depth, capturing the vulnerability and desperation in the lyrics.
Released as a single, “He’ll Have to Go” quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in early 1960, where it stayed for 14 weeks. It also crossed over to the pop charts, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating the broad appeal of Reeves’ music. The song was later included on several albums, including the posthumous compilation The Best of Jim Reeves.
This song became a defining moment in Jim Reeves’ career, solidifying his status as a country music legend. “He’ll Have to Go” is credited with helping to shape the “Nashville Sound,” a style that brought country music to a wider audience with its polished production and lush arrangements. To this day, it remains one of the most beloved and frequently covered songs in country music history, a testament to the timeless appeal of Reeves’ voice and the universal emotions captured in the song.