Jim Reeves Biography

Source:

I was stationed in Germany in the 60's when Jim Reeves, Chet Atkins, Bobby Bare and the Anita Kerr singers toured the military bases. Now, Jim Reeves had won country music entertainer of the year and was riding high in popularity around the world. However, Bobby Bare was also extremely popular, especially with the younger crowd.

If I remember correctly, the order of appearance on stage was the Anita Kerr singers, Chet Atkins, Bobby Bare, Jim Reeves. Being considered the star of the show, he performed last.

The night before they performed at my post (Ray barracks, Frieberg) I think they were at the club in Hanau, east of Frankfurt. When Bobby Bare finished his 'gig' and introduced Jim Reeves, the troops were so taken with Bare, they actually boo'd Jim Reeves. They wanted more of Bobby Bare.

Rumor is; Jim Reeves said something like "I won't play for animals like you" and walked off stage. Who could blame him. After being elected entertainer of the year and then have to endure such indigneties.

The next night, at Ray Barracks, you could sense the tention among the group. Everyone performed and when Jim was introduced, he received an outstanding ovation. However, when he begin to perform one of his hit songs, asked the Anita Kerr singers to back him up (they were backup singers on most of his hit recordings) he glanced back stage and then told the audiance "Guess not". They refused to sing with him.

There was a rumor that the Commanding General of the 7th Army nearly cancelled the remainder of the tour, but reconsidered.

The story I've relayed is based on facts as I remember them. This was in late 1963 or early 1964. I remember Jim Reeves died about 6 or 8 months later.

Thanks to jcollins15@satx.rr.com for submitting the biography.

Please click here to submit the latest Jim Reeves biography




I Will fly away. | Reviewer: Samuel | 1/13/12

I can not stop listening to this gifted person of God. You songs has changed my all life and now working on my salvation bkz I know dat one day I will also fly away. I always feel heaven in me when listening to him. Hope we meet to Heaven.
Am from Rwanda and this man Jim is well known here especially in gospel music.

---

Jim lives on | Reviewer: Anonymous | 11/14/11

Infact when i learnt jim was dead i was like why so soon, bt God knows best.Jim the lyrics of ur songs, especially (i'll fly away) remains evergreen in our hearts.Till we meet in the bossom of our lord. Bye for now.

---

a rear gem | Reviewer: momoh festus | 10/21/11

the very first time i listened to jim reeves' song 'thank you', i was like say 'wow this man is good'. That very day i browsed on my phone to know more about him. I learnt he died in a plane crash. I wish he had lived longer.

---

The Blizzard | Reviewer: Wild Bill | 7/5/11

Its been some years since Jim died, i have listened to his music off and on for many years, and at one time had several almbums really wish he had lived longer,i'm sure he would've given us a lot more wonderful music,we've lost so many of our great talented country and western musicians and its sad.

---

Am i that easy to forget | Reviewer: Nommy Msibi | 5/1/11

Wow! I dnt know where can I start with this song,but to each & everyone of us who is encountering problems of losing the love u hav its so comforting.it makes one accept the situation and have a will to move on.

---

Missing J reeves | Reviewer: Nommy Msibi | 3/2/11

Mmmh the songs of J Reeves are so touching,inspiring and edifying.No day passes by without me playing his songs.Oh wht a velvet smooth voice.His legacy will still live long in our hearts.My relationship is sustained through his music.A really believer in love.

---

Forever you will remains with us, Nigerian | Reviewer: Martins Joel | 3/2/11

Since the first day i had Jim song it became my spiritual revival. Oh Jim wish you are still around to fill us with your heart touching songs. Nevertheless, the once you sang are still touching our heart and reviving us to the right path.
Goodbye, untill we see in heaven. Amen!!!

---

Distant Drums and others... | Reviewer: Alexander Agoreyo | 2/21/11

A prophet is never recognized at home, I have never heard any radio station play Jim Reeves in U.S. It is ironic to say the least, they many say they never heard of him.
As any Nigerian from the Airport to the remotest village if they know who is Jim Reeves!!!

---

I Love Jim so much | Reviewer: Otebolaku Sam | 1/20/11

Jim's songs are the songs I can't do without hearing. They are so inspiring and spiritual, they make me to be teachable, repent of my sins. In short, they really change my life for better. Thank you for his biography.

---

Across The Bridge & Teach Me How To Pray | Reviewer: OKON PHILIP | 11/23/09

Since I came to know of Jim Reeves' songs, I do not allow a day to pass without either playing 'Across the bridge' or singing it myself. Every where I go I am always known for the tract 'Across The Bridge'. You legacy cannot be easily raised with the passage of time. Adieu Gentleman Jim.

---

A man of great honour | Reviewer: titus | 9/10/09

i never understand why country music singer like this should die so young but i think we can not blame nobody for his death,he is a man of great honour and he worth the king of country music my favourite tracks is wishfull thinking day dreams.

---

I never tire to listen JimReeves'songs. | Reviewer: Khai Dou Pau | 8/28/09

My favourite singer is JimReeves. I like him most than others.I am from Chin State in Burma.Still my childhood,I heard his smooth and wonderful voice in the air throughb my old radio.I always play and sing his songs I love you because, The flowers, the sunset, the trees,This world is not my home,CHRISTMAS..etc.I also like one of his duet song tittle "Are you the one"but I did not get the words.Can you help me to get the words? Thankyou.

---

Remembering Jim 45 years later | Reviewer: Ken | 7/31/09

I was only 3 years old when the plane crash took the life of Gentleman Jim but through his music and watching VCR tapes of him, He truly is the real International Ambassador of Country Music while Patsy Cline deserves the Female honor of the same. While Jim Reeves is no longer with us physically as long as we have his music we have the memories and the appreciation for the time He was allowed to share his talent upon this earth! May God rest His Soul!

A Jim Reeves Fan,
Ken Ellzy
Mendenhall, Mississippi USA

---

Jim in South Arica | Reviewer: Gerald vd Merwe | 7/2/09

I know for a fact that Jim had more fans in South Africa than any where in the world. He even made a movie called Kimberley Jim in South Afica. He sold more records in South africa than most other countries. He often came to South Afica. The day of his death all cinemas had a moment of silence with his photo on the sceen. People cried and sobbed. They loved him.
What a beautifull person. We still listen
to his music. Kareoke singers sings his songs in bars. IN South south Afica JIM IS UNFORGETABLE

---

Lamenting the untimely death of Jim Reeves | Reviewer: N Ray Prichard | 6/30/09

In July 1964 the radio was announcing that the private plane of Jim Reeves had failed to show up at his planned destination, we all feared the worst. Sure enough in very early August it was announced that the plane piloted by Jim Reeves had been found in a tree top in the mountains. He died alone and too young; he left us too soon. His smooth velvet voice has never been matched nor replaced. The likes of Michael Jackson are filthy rags in the annals of the music industry. The fools crying over Jackson would not know class or talent if if bit them in the !!<.

---

Reviews By Pages:   1    2   

The following area is only for review,

• Jim Reeves Albums
• Jim Reeves Lyrics