‘He’ll Have to Go’ took over country & pop charts in 1960
Jim Reeves’ “He’ll Have to Go”: The Song That Changed Country Music
In 1960, Jim Reeves released “He’ll Have to Go,” a smooth, emotional ballad that became a landmark in both country and pop music. Written by Joe and Audrey Allison, the song was inspired by a man pleading with his lover over the phone—captured in the haunting opening line: “Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone.”
Reeves, known as “Gentleman Jim,” delivered the song with velvet vocals and understated emotion, helping it top the country charts and reach #2 on the pop charts. It played a key role in popularizing the Nashville Sound, blending country with a polished, mainstream style.
The song turned Reeves into a global star and inspired countless covers—but his original remains the definitive version.
Though Reeves died in a plane crash in 1964, “He’ll Have to Go” lives on as a timeless classic and a turning point in country music history.