He’ll Have To Go: A Country Music Classic by Jim Reeves
Jim Reeves, the “Singing Sheriff” and one of the most popular country singers of the 1950s and 1960s, released “He’ll Have To Go” in 1960 as the lead single from his album “He’ll Have To Go”. Written by Roni Fortson and Sherrill Netherland, this country ballad became an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for four weeks and reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “He’ll Have To Go” also received critical acclaim, winning the Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1961.
The song tells the story of a woman who is torn between two men. She is in love with a man who is married, and she is struggling to decide whether to stay with him or leave him. The song is a powerful and moving ballad about love, loss, and the sacrifices that are made for love.
Reeves’ smooth, expressive vocals convey the woman’s pain and confusion, and the song’s simple yet evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of her dilemma. The song’s message of hope and resilience has resonated with listeners for generations, and it remains one of the most popular country songs of all time.
“He’ll Have To Go” is a timeless classic that showcases the best of Jim Reeves’ artistry. It is a beautifully crafted song about love, loss, and the strength of the human spirit. With its enduring popularity and universal appeal, “He’ll Have To Go” is sure to continue to be cherished by country music fans for years to come.
Key facts about “He’ll Have To Go”:
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Artist: Jim Reeves
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Year of release: 1960
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Genre: Country music
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Songwriters: Roni Fortson and Sherrill Netherland
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Producer: Chet Atkins
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Accolades:
- Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording (1961)
- Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart number-one single (1960)
- Billboard Hot 100 chart number-two single (1960)
Note: The lyrics of “He’ll Have To Go” are not included in this introduction.
Tam Le