One of the greatest songs ever
A Song That Redefined Country
In 1960, Jim Reeves released “He’ll Have to Go,” the track that elevated him from star to legend.
With his smooth, refined style, he turned a simple heartbreak story into a cultural milestone that reshaped both country and pop music.
Where the Song Began
Written by Joe and Audrey Allison, the song was inspired by a real moment Joe overheard—a man pleading over the phone.
That vulnerability became the iconic opening line: “Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone.”
The Nashville Sound Breakthrough
With Chet Atkins’ light production, Reeves let the song “breathe,”
helping it reach No. 1 on the country charts and No. 2 on pop. It became a defining example of the Nashville Sound and influenced countless future artists.
A Lasting Legacy
Though Reeves died in 1964, “He’ll Have to Go” remains timeless—proof of how one voice and one melody can reshape a genre forever.
