In 1960, Jim Reeves released “He’ll Have to Go,” a smooth, emotional song that reshaped both country and pop music. With his velvet baritone and polished style, “Gentleman Jim” bridged the gap between genres and became a defining voice of the Nashville Sound.
Written by Joe and Audrey Allison and inspired by a real-life overheard phone call, the song’s intimate opening line—“Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone”—captured longing and vulnerability. Produced by Chet Atkins with minimal instrumentation, the track let Reeves’ voice shine.
The song topped the Billboard Country chart and crossed over to #2 on the Pop chart, proving country music could be sophisticated and mainstream without losing its soul. It became a cultural classic, covered by artists like Elvis Presley, though Reeves’ version remains unmatched.
“He’ll Have to Go” launched Reeves to international fame and helped popularize the polished Nashville Sound. Though his life ended tragically in a 1964 plane crash at age 40, the song preserved his legacy. Today, it remains one of country music’s most beloved classics—timeless, emotional, and influential across generations.