About the song
“He’ll Have to Go” by Jim Reeves is a timeless country classic that beautifully captures the heartache of unrequited love. Released in 1959, this song quickly became one of Reeves’ most iconic hits, showcasing his smooth, velvety voice that earned him the nickname “Gentleman Jim.” The song was written by Joe Allison and his wife, Audrey Allison, who crafted a simple yet poignant narrative about a man pleading with his lover to choose between him and another.
The story told in “He’ll Have to Go” unfolds through a phone call, where the man asks his lover to quietly tell the other man in the room that he has to leave so they can talk honestly. The line, “Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone,” is delivered with such tenderness by Reeves that it resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt the sting of love slipping away. The subtle arrangement, featuring Floyd Cramer’s signature slip-note piano style, complements Reeves’ rich baritone perfectly, creating an intimate and emotional atmosphere.
The song was released as a single and became a massive success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, where it stayed for 14 weeks. It also crossed over to the pop charts, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, a rare feat for a country song at that time. “He’ll Have to Go” was not just popular in the United States; it also topped charts in several other countries, solidifying Jim Reeves as an international star.
The success of “He’ll Have to Go” was instrumental in establishing Reeves as one of the leading figures in the Nashville Sound, a style of country music that incorporated smooth vocals and lush arrangements, making it more accessible to a broader audience. The song has since been covered by numerous artists, but it is Jim Reeves’ original version that remains the definitive interpretation, beloved by fans of country music and beyond.
Even decades after its release, “He’ll Have to Go” continues to be a staple in the world of country music, revered for its simplicity, its emotional depth, and the masterful delivery by Jim Reeves. It stands as a classic example of how a beautifully told story, combined with an unforgettable melody, can resonate through the years.