“He’ll Have to Go” by Jim Reeves: A Timeless Country-Pop Classic
“He’ll Have to Go” is an emblematic American country and pop song, recorded by the legendary Jim Reeves on October 15, 1959. The song, released in the fall of 1959, quickly climbed the charts, becoming a major hit in both the country and pop genres by early 1960. Its compelling story, emotional delivery, and impeccable production have cemented its place in the annals of music history.
The narrative of “He’ll Have to Go” revolves around a man who, while talking to his beloved over the telephone, realizes another man is with her. This poignant scenario is encapsulated in the song’s opening lines: “Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone / Let’s pretend that we’re together all alone / I’ll tell the man to turn the juke box way down low / And you can tell your friend there with you he’ll have to go.” The song’s genesis lies in a real-life phone conversation between its writers, Joe and Audrey Allison. During this conversation, the couple struggled to hear each other due to background noise and Audrey’s soft voice, inspiring the song’s first line.
Jim Reeves decided to record “He’ll Have to Go” after hearing an earlier version by singer Billy Brown, which had not gained much attention. Initially released as the B-side to “In a Mansion Stands My Love,” radio DJs preferred “He’ll Have to Go,” leading to its widespread success. The recording features an ensemble of talented musicians, including Floyd Cramer on piano, Marvin Hughes on vibraphone, Bob Moore on bass, Buddy Harman on drums, Hank Garland on guitar, and the Anita Kerr Singers on background vocals.
Country music historian Bill Malone noted that while “He’ll Have to Go” is a conventional country song, its arrangement and vocal chorus give it a country-pop feel. Malone praised Reeves’ vocal style, describing it as naturally resonant and caressing, earning him the nickname “the singer with the velvet touch.”
Chart performance further underscores the song’s success. In 1960, “He’ll Have to Go” reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, only held back by Percy Faith’s “Theme from A Summer Place.” Billboard ranked it as the number 2 song of the year. On the Hot Country Singles chart, it achieved the number 1 spot on February 8, 1960, maintaining that position for an impressive 14 consecutive weeks. The song also made its mark on the R&B Singles Chart, reaching number 13. Internationally, it topped the Canadian pop charts for six weeks and reached number 1 on the Australian Singles Chart and number 12 on the UK Singles Chart.
“He’ll Have to Go” is more than just a song; it is a testament to Jim Reeves’ enduring talent and the timeless appeal of classic country music. Its blend of heartfelt lyrics, smooth vocals, and memorable melody continues to resonate with listeners, ensuring its place as a beloved classic for generations to come.