1998

From: "Michael J. Miranda" <mirandam@charlotte.infi.net>
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1998 21:59:55 -0500
Subject: Thanks so much!

I've been a Jim Reeves fan for quite some time, about 1964 to be exact, too late to see him perform live. My Aunt and Uncle had seen Jim perform live and were big fans, they lived on a small farm in Western New York State. When we visited them on weekends the record changer was piled high with records and ran all day long. My Uncle worked for Sylvania and had speakers hooked up all over the place. One day I finally got around to finding out some of the artists they played. It was then I discovered Jim Reeves and I have been a fan ever since. I can't wait to share some of what I have found here with my Aunt.

Sadly I always wanted to visit the Jim Reeves Museum. I hope the new owners will open it again and treat his memory kindly and with dignity. Much credit should be given to his wife Mary for managing his legacy. It's a shame to hear what has happened to her, I will always regret not having the chance to meet her.

Thanks for all you have done here. It's nice to have a little background on the man and the music I have enjoyed for so long.

--Michael J. Miranda

Date: Sun, 27 Dec 1998 21:12:53 +1100
From: "Kerry Edwards" <kedwards@apex.net.au>
Subject: The One and Only Jim Reeves

I grew up with Jim Reeves. He was extremely popular over Radio Ceylon and we used to pick it up on Shortwave in India. I am originally from Hyderabad, India and migrated to Australia in 1974. It was so hard to get Jim's songs that as an 8 year old and later (he died when I was 8) we used to sit by the radio and copy all the words to the songs. Jim's songs were popular at all the dances and socials.

I then started collecting his LPs of which I have over 50 now. Thank you for this web site. Thank you for keeping Jim's memory alive and for giving us his fans an enjoyment which will never die.

--Kerry Edwards

Date: Sat, 26 Dec 1998 19:42:03 -0500
From: Tommy Dedmon <tdedmon@alltel.net>
Subject: Jim Reeves

I just found your website. It is great, I applaud you endeavor to promote Jim's memory in a truthful, respectful manner in which he deserves. Jim has always been my favorite singer as my 60+ albums testify to. I saw him perform at RAF Alconbury, England while stationed in the Air Force there in 1963, a memory I'll always cherish. What impressed me the most was the respect and admiration of the Airmen for Jim Reeves. The audience hung on every note as though captivated by that velvet voice. keep up the good work, I intend to return here often. Thanks!

--Tommy Dedmon (Ringgold, Georgia)

Date: Sat, 26 Dec 1998 17:42:27 -0000
From: Peter Atkinson <peter@stilton.freeserve.co.uk>
Subject: 12 Songs of Christmas CD

I have been reading about people trying to obtain copies of "12 Songs of Christmas" on CD. You may be interested to know that Camden has just released a CD in the U.K. called "Jim Reeves Christmas Songbook." It contains all the original 12 tracks plus 10 gospel tracks. (CAT #74321 607842). Cost is about $10. I would be willing to obtain copies if anyone would like one and send them direct.

--Kindest regards,
Peter Atkinson

Date: Thu, 24 Dec 1998 18:40:25 -0500
From: "Thomas H. Carr" <CarrT@compuserve.com>
Subject: Question

Hi, I grew up in Nashville near I think where Jim Reeves' plane crashed. Do you know the exact location?

--Thanks!
Tom Carr

Editor's Note: After a two-day search, the wreckage was found on Aug. 2, 1964, in a very small woods between the L&N railroad line and a creek, just north of Baxter avenue and about 400 yards east of Franklin Road. Its location was just five miles from Nashville's Berry Field. The downed plane was in thick underbrush a couple of hundred feet behind the residence of A.L. Jerdan, who was not home at the time of the accident. The area was near the fashionable Brentwood suburb where several country music stars then lived. More than 2,000 people, including several Grand Ole Opry stars, had joined the massive search effort. Contrary to what you may have read on another website, Marty Robbins was NOT one of the first on the scene. He heard the plane crash near his home, but did NOT go and search for it.

From: css@ibm.net
Subject: Silent night

I am from Austria, therefore it really hurts if you mention that the song "Silent night" was first performed in GERMANY. It was first performed in OBERNDORF near Salzburg, AUSTRIA!

--Best regards,
Margit

Editor's Note: Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I have corrected it on the News page. I got the reference to Germany from a magazine article which purportedly told where various carols came from. Obviously, this was incorrect information. I'm always willing to correct an error promptly if one is called to my attention. I'm glad that visitors to this site read it so carefully and come forth with helpful information! Merry Christmas! -- Julie

From: CHRKEN@aol.com
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 1998 13:46:42 EST
Subject: Christmas Album

Perhaps it was just luck, but I was able to obtain the full 12 song version of ["Twelve Songs Of Christmas"] on CD from BMG (through their music club) in late October. It was in their catalog in a special Christmas album section. One thing I was slightly disappointed in was the quality. This has a copyright date of 1988 and I suspect that it was originally transferred to disc before the technology for doing so improved. However, by reducing the bass, it still sounds good. Hope this may help for those looking.

--Chris Kenney

From: <mdehsmaj@fs1.scg.man.ac.uk>
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 1998 14:53:09 GMT
Subject: CD 'Twelve songs of Xmas' IS AVAILABLE from S Africa!

The Jim Reeves CD "Twelve songs of Christmas" is actually available from South Africa, from the One World online store. It costs $13 (plus £7 for airmail, at least to the UK from South Africa), and can be ordered by e-mailing the manager, Stephen Segerman, at stephen@intekom.co.za

--Miland A I Joshi

From: "Sati Wullabbs" <blindkid@earthlink.net>
Subject: Great Job
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1998 23:40:02 -0700

Just a quick one to let you know that what you are doing in honor of the late gentleman Jim Reeves is very much appreciated.

I fled my home country of Nigeria some six years ago due to severe persecution. Jim Reeves' music, believe it or not, is very popular there, most especially his gospel collection which is found in every home that has a cassette player. Most think he only sung gospel country, but people like myself who listened to "country music USA" on VOA--Voice of America, knew better, besides the fact that there are many record stores that sell his music.

I am aware of the fact that you receive a lot of mail and would not therefore, necessarily write any longer than I ought to, but I want to let you know that you are doing a great service. Jim's music continues to be my all-time favorite. His music means a lot to me in many circumstances.

--The Lord bless you all!
Sati Wullabbs (We live by faith, not by sight. "2nd Cor. 5 7.")

From: lflood@imaginethat.tierranet.com
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1998 14:52:05 -0500
From: Lisa <lflood@imaginethat.tierranet.com>

Just a note to express unbridled joy about the letter and artifacts from Mr. Newberry! That is such an honor y'all must be so proud of! And you deserve it, too.

--Lisa Flood ("The Homesick Texan")
visit my Patsy Cline website "Patsified!" at
http://www.imaginethat.tierranet.com

From: "SUBBIAH" <subbiah@bgl.vsnl.net.in>
Subject: Adios Amigo
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1998 15:08:02 +0530

I enjoyed going through this site. I grew up with his songs and music when I was in school in the early and late 60's and his songs and golden voice always touched the bottom of my heart, especially in the most romantic phases of my life. He is definitely a singer whose melodies I miss a great deal. But a few questions still remain: (a)How is it his songs are never aired on any TV channel like MTV even in the classic segements of their programme? (b)Why has a movie never been made on the life of "Gentleman"Jim? Surely the answers are still not blowin' in he wind or is it like the Jim Reeves way of saying"Adios Amigo" that the world has said goodbye to a singer they never will forget?

--Your's sincerely,
Subbiah (from Bangalore, India)

Editor's Note: CMT would be a more likely channel for showing vintage Jim Reeves performances, or Willie Nelson's satellite "Outlaw" channel which shows classic country music. As far as we know, however, Jim has never appeared in either venue. Again, the question comes back to who is promoting Jim? Certainly not the new owner of the Reeves estate! With regard to a movie -- Mary had elaborate plans for such a movie, and even hired a Hollywood writer to come to Nashville and collaborate with her on it. She soon grew disenchanted with the idea, however, when the writer insisted on embellishing aspects of Jim's life story, and Mary could not go along with that.

Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 16:55:53 -0600 (CST)
To: juliecj@netins.net
Subject: JIM REEVES

I read the article about Jim being short changed and you are right! I remember about a year or two ago on the anniversary of Patsy Cline's death, TNN did an entire program on her, I think it was on "Prime Time Country." But on the anniversary of JIMS death TNN did a 10 minute segment on "Crook and Chase." They made PATSY look like a bigger star than JIM. I just don't get it! I also have a question: I have the video of Jim's television performances and on the song "He'll Have To Go," Jim is singing in a phone booth. What TV show is that from?

--Allen Chandler

Editor's Note: One of the reasons Jim has been so often overlooked is because he doesn't have anybody promoting him. As for the TV performance you asked about, that was from a pilot (never broadcast) that Jim did in conjunction with Ray Winkler (who also co-wrote "Welcome To My World.")

Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 19:39:33 -0600
From: Bill Flemming <bflemm@flash.net>
Subject: Like Jim Reeves

I have a special feeling about Jim. I have listened to him on the Grand Ole Opry and have several of his records. When I was in Nashville, the 2nd time, I went to see Jim's place but his widow had closed any tours of the house. My wife and I walked the grounds and visited their gift shop. We also stopped off at his memorial in Texas. I still get chills listening to some of his songs after all this time.

I will check your site often for new items...

--Thanks Again,
Bill Flemming

From: JEH925@webtv.net (JACK HARDEN)
Date: Sat, 5 Dec 1998 15:58:01 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Home Recordings

I enjoyed listening to Jim's home recording of "I'd Rather Not Know". I was wondering if all those demo tapes he recorded in his basement will ever be released? Also, just how big was Jim's basement? If he had a recording studio set up in it and he had his office in it, it must have been pretty big. Are there any photos of Jim recording in his basement?

--Jack E. Harden

Editor's Note: Some of these tapes are included in the Bear Family 16-CD boxed set. However, there are others which Mary claimed had been stolen from her by a close associate. We have our suspicions who was involved and where they may have ended up, but that's not for public discussion right now. As for whether any will be released, that's the thousand dollar question. Jim and Mary Reeves lived in a fairly spacious -- though comparatively modest -- brick home in Madison, Tenn. When they first moved in they used their den on the main floor as a small office. Later they finished the basement, which ran the length and width of the house. Part of it was sectioned off for offices but that really only meant secretary Joyce Jackson and Ray Baker, the latter of whom headed Jim's music publishing firms. Plus Jim had his desk there, of course, and space to rehearse the Blue Boys. His studio as such was a small corner of the room that had been sectioned off with a wall and window. A picture of Jim behind the glass of the studio appears in our gallery section.

Date: Fri, 04 Dec 1998 23:29:06 -0600
From: David Grell <gta@uslink.net>
Subject: Christmas CD

Hi! I first heard Jim Reeves when I was really young. (I am 23 now) His Christmas album was and still is a part of our Christmas tradition. Each year we get our family together and decorate our Christmas tree together. We don't decorate it until our whole family is together even if it means that it doesn't get decorated until the day before Christmas. As soon as everyone gets there the decorations are unwrapped and the music is turned on. The sounds of "Senior Santa Clause" and the "[Merry] Christmas Polka," C is for the Christ Child ("C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S") and so forth fill the room as we laugh, dance and reminisce. The old record my parents had was about worn out when one year I happened to come upon that record in CD form. I bought it and saved it until next Christmas for my parents. They were so excited! I would love to purchase at least five more copies of that CD but unfortunately I cannot find it any longer.

I was searching for somewhere that might have any copies of that CD for sale and came across this sight. It is a great site! I just wanted to let you know!

--Heather

Editor's Note: Call Margaret Beeskau, at 615-833-6525 or write her at 486 Ellenwood Drive, Nashville, TN. 37211 for this CD. Hers is a mail order service.

From: BOUL@webtv.net (CRAIG BOULTON)
Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 19:07:05 -0700 (MST)
Subject: Mr. Velvet

My dad was an absolute fanatic for Jim Reeves. I remember my dad playing his music and melting away at the rich voice of this legendary singer. My father passed away last February, but I've been blessed by listening to all his albums of Mr. Velvet. Thank you for a great website!

--Craig Boulton (Bozeman, Montana)

I lived in Nashville 1959-75 and clearly remember being a part of the search (along with my wife) for Reeves' downed plane and body on a weekend afternoon in 1964. We didn't locate it, but felt the loss tremendously. I can recall walking into WSM Studio C in the National Life Building on Friday nights and the Ryman Auditorium on Saturday nights and seeing Reeves in his sharp red blazer and black trousers and hearing that beautiful voice sing "Four Walls" and thinking it didn't get any better than that. Coming on the heels of the plane crash that killed Hawkshaw Hawkins, Patsy Cline and others in March 1963, and the subsequent accident that killed of Jack (of Johnny and Jack) on his way to one of those funerals, it was almost more than the community that revered its stars could stand.

Jim always appeared as dashing and debonair, as if he had just stepped out of a band box. His eyes twinkled (you could see that when you got up close at the Friday Night Frolics) and he seemed to exude personality and confidence. He smiled a lot, I remember, and seemed (from where I sat) to be liked by those on stage around him. And all of that was before he got to that smooth, smooth singing style! He could just about bring down the house with "He'll Have to Go" over at the Ryman -- I was just entering my 20s in those days, and I remember some of the girls absolutely swooned over his singing. Of course, I know nothing about the kind of person he was, but he seemed to fit the mold of the all-around handsome, clean cut young man with talent galore.

--Jim Cox

Date: Wed, 25 Nov 1998 23:27:35 -0600
From: "Lance B. POOL" <CHOWCIO@swbell.net>
Subject: "Radio Days" CPBCD62742 $79.95

Julie: I have contacted the Ernest Tubb Record Store, (1-800-229-4288), and they have no idea when the new box set from Bear Family Records will be available and their buyer has been unable to verify with Bear about the existence of the box set.

I have checked other internet sources for the box set, but have not had any luck in finding it.

Do you know where the box set may be purchased at this time?

Please let me know if you do at your earliest possible convenience.

--Lance B. Pool

P.S. I love the web site! Jim would be proud.

Editor's Note: Bear Family president Richard Weize of Germany told us recently that he expected to receive copies of the new 4-CD boxed set -- "Jim Reeves and Friends: Radio Days" -- from the factory between Nov. 16th and 20th. Therefore, we presume Bear has them now and is shipping them out. A number of catalogs, including "Collector's Choice," have even been featuring ads and pictures from the new set, which presents 116 performances exclusively from the "Country Music Time" shows Jim did for the Air Force.

Date: Sun, 22 Nov 1998 13:42:35 -0800
From: Bjorn Tore Stolen <bjstoele@sn.no>
Subject: THE WONDERFUL NEW JR WEBSITE

Julie, thanks for The Ultimate Jim Reeves Website.

A little of myself; I'm the greatest JIM REEVES fan in the world, besides yourself. I`m a student of Jim, especially his music, but also his life. I'm a 52-year old Norwegian, and a Reeves fan for 40 years. I've been in Nashville three times and visited Mary two times at the museum, last time with Tom Perryman and Leo Jacson. (Nov.1995). I presented Mary with the Norwegian platinium disc for "Norske hits", a CD which sold 60,000 in 1994/95. I've been twice to Carthage visiting his grave, and also visiting the museum there. (It's not much Reeves material, mostly Tex Ritter stuff). I can on and on to documemt my real and sincere interest for Jim, but I guess I by now have proved my point. So over to what's on my heart today:

1)There are many overdubbed tracks by Jim Reeves which are unissued on CD. I have recorded, or intend to, about 80-90 songs from LPs to CDs which are not on "Welcome To My World," and I think they should be released on CD. Arie den Dulk agrees with me. I think the many Reeves collectors out there would pick them up real fast if they were released by RCA or Bear Family. Bear has promised to consider releasing them, but not before the "live" [performance] boxes are finished.

2).On Wednesday August 19 21.05-22.05 on prime time The Norwegian Television (NRK) sent an one hour tribute to Jim Reeves. The program was awaited with great expectations, and Aftenposten, Norway's second biggest paper ran a one page presentation of the program, and of Gentleman Jim.

Here is what the TV audience saw: From Njårdhallen April 15. 1994 Jim sings "I Love You Because" with pictures from the sports hall, Njårdhallen. Vidar Lønn Arnesen, the man responsible for the tribute, tells that Jim was one of Norway's most popular singers through all times. Then three persons tell what was so special about Jim, among them myself. Then follows his life and carreer in chronolocical order. His childhood, his baseball days and the radio career, his marriage to Mary.Then the start on Abbott and his entry to The Opry in 1955, and his career with RCA, through South Africa, "Kimbeley Jim," and the last European tour of 1964. The persons responsible for bringing Jim to Norway, Gunnar Eide,and the producer of the TV program Johnny Berg, are interviewed. Then Arne Benoni tells about the tragedy and how the plane disapeared from the radar, with picture from the crash site. His tremendous success after his death is documented, while hearing many of his posthomous hits in Norway.

The videos you see are [of him performing]: "Mexican Joe," "Bimbo" (both in color) "Yonder Comes A Sucker," "Anna Marie," "In A Mansion Stands My Love," "He'll have To Go," (from a phone booth), "Four Walls," "I'll Fly Away" (with the LaDelle Sisters), "Roving Gambler," plus the whole Njårdhallen performance lasting 14.5 minutes, with hitherto unseen footage when Jim is presented the Norwegian Silver disc for "Adios Amigo," from Erik Heyerdal. The famous remark "If this is real silver, I'm gonna melt it down when I get home," followed by Jim's heartfull laughter. Of course he meant this as a joke, not to be rude, which the [Streissguth] book [contends]. It's a sin they run out of tape, because Jim sang two more songs, one being "You're the Only Good Thing (That's Happened To Me)."

This program was a very worthy tribute to Jim, and I hope that NRK will export it, just as they did with the 1964 show. Of special interest would be Johnny Berg, the producer , showing the original tapes from Njårdhallen. These are in my opinion the best videotaped performances by Jim ever, in addition of course, beeing the last recorded live Jim Reeves. The program is the most exported program ever made by NRK, and is shown 7 or 8 times in Norway, an all time record. This program will be reshown on Christmas Day this year.

3). I'm making a list of alternative versions of Jim's songs that I don't see others have remarked. By now these are. a) "I'd Rather Have Jesus. "The overdubbed version on "The Best of Jim Reeves Sacred" is different than the album version. Listen to the phrasing "I'd rather have Jesus"; b) The "I Can't Fly" version on the Bear Family set(s) is differrent than the original album version; just listen to the musical break. c) The same goes for the version of "It's A Sin" on the original album and the 16 CD box-set, they differ. d) And the same goes for "Blue Skies"; the album version differs from the boxed set.

Hope to hear from you.
--Bjørn Tore Stølen

Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1998 22:05:18 +0100
From: wallace.thompson@mail1-gui.server.ntli.net
Subject: JIM REEVES' RECORDINGS

Bear Family Records have done us all a great service with their excellent box sets. It would be good if they could produce a set of Jim's overdubbed recordings. There are quite a few of these -- including, as far as I know, a few which weren't released commercially.

--Wallace Thompson

Editor's Note: Indeed, there are quite a few overdub recordings that exist which were not included in the Bear Family 16-CD set. They only included the charted ones. Rumor has it that Bear will be doing such a project sometime in 1999. We'll ask Richard Weize the next time we talk to him...

From: Claxtonola@aol.com
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 17:50:44 EST
Subject: Fan Forum, Jim Reeves Website

Just a note to tell you what a nice website this is, and a little personal story:

I've been a Reeves collector/fan for 30 years now. I bought my first JR record ("Gentleman Jim") in 1969, and practically wore it out. On June 21, 1972 I bought my first 8-track tape..."Best of Jim Reeves," of course.

There was one incident that got me to collecting Reeves. I was in Phoenix AZ on Spring break in 1973. My sister and I were driving back from a store, the radio was on...KNIX Radio, and a Jim Reeves song started playing. The song was just starting when we pulled into the driveway, but we kept the radio on. We just had to let that song continue. My sister looked at me and said, "Have you ever heard anything like that before?"

I didn't catch the title at the time, but I fell in love with that song, so I started to buy his 8-track tapes. I kept up buying them to get that one song I heard on the radio, but by the time I had about 20+ 8-tracks, I forgot what song I was looking for. The memory of that song sort of became weakened with all the other great JR songs that I was listening to. Of course, the more albums I bought, the more I fell in love with his music, and the rest is history.

It's funny, but to this day, I'm still not 100% certain as to what song I was listening to, but I'm pretty sure it was "I Guess I'm Crazy", or possibly "Angels Don't Lie".

--James Saicheck (California)

From: "peter atkinson" <peter@stilton.freeserve.co.uk>
To: <juliecj@netins.net>
Subject: Jim Reeves web site

What a great web site with lots of information about my favorite singer. I will be sure to visit on a regular basis and tell other fans about the services you provide. Would love to hear from other fans. Please email me.

All the best from England,
--Peter

From: R Christiansz <robnrog@alphalink.com.au>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1998 21:17:38 +1100
Subject: New Website Acknowledgment

Thanks very much for informing me of this new and splendid website. I will visit it frequently. Over the past few months I have...coresponded with [Holland-based Jim Reeves Fan Club president] Arie den Dulk...and also when I visited London some time ago I spoke with Dave Bussey on his association with the Jim Reeves Fan Club. Four years ago I wrote to Mary and she replied. I was thrilled to get a response from her... In fact I went on one of the local Melbourne radio stations and spoke to the DJ for about 5 minutes on Jim and also conveyed to him that I had received a letter back from Mary Reeves. While Jim is heard occasionally on radio here, his record sales are doing very well. "The Ultimate Collection" was number 9 for 1997 on the country charts. Over the years I recall that many of his albums received the AARM Gold Certification. Have these awards been passed on to Mary by RCA Australia? Recently I spoke to Mark Rhodes, the product manager for Reeves and Presley at BMG in Sydney, asking if we could have the Bear Family 16 CD set in our stores locally. He said he would investigate this on his current trip to Europe. I hope to hear from him on his return in January. At the moment I have 26 albums and 22 CDs. There are many repeats on the CDs and as soon as I can get the complete studio recordings I will have achieved one of my goals. I have been a very big fan of Jim's for many years. I listen to his music at least once a week. It is very good relaxation therapy. Some years ago I was in a local Melbourne hairdresser's salon and I picked up this British magazine called "Headlines" Sept 1975. There were articles on very famous people including Winston Churchill, Billy Graham and Jim Reeves. My hair dresser let me keep the magazine. I have also got the "Country Giants" magazine and two Videos -- "The Jim Reeves Legend" and the other "Golden memories and Silver Tears" Vol 1. Is there a Vol 2? I was born in Colombo Ceylon, where Jim Reeves was as popular as Elvis. At the time of his death all 8 songs on the Hit Parade were by Jim. If every person that enjoyed Jim's music in Ceylon was able to afford each single as they were released, Jim's sales would have been twice 180 million. Over the years in Melbourne I have recorded many of the country music programs in which they paid tribute to Jim for many years after his death. These recordings are all on twin track tape.

Best regards
--Roger

Editor's Note: The Bear Family 16-CD set is a "must" for any Reeves collector. It contains 446 recordings, though contrary to popular assumption, this does not comprise all of Jim's studio work or even all overdubbed releases. So technically it is impossible to, as you say, obtain "the complete studio recordings". What it does contain is all commercially-released studio work, charted overdubs, and some demos. But there are also many alternate takes in the RCA vaults and even some unreleased material known to exist but unable to be located at the time the set was compiled. In addition, collector James Newberry says he has "50 to 60" acetates of Jim Reeves demo sessions that have never been heard. If anyone wants to acquire the Bear set, call Joyce Jackson's friend, Margaret, at 615-833-6525, or write "The Record Shop," P.O. Box 111564, Nashville, TN. 37222-1564. Not to be confused with the Ernest Tubb record shops. Margaret has it at the LOWEST price we've seen anywhere -- drastically less than some others. We are told the licensing agreement between RCA and Bear will expire next year, so the Bear set may not be available much longer. As for any future video releases, we are informed that a collection of Jim Reeves video performances is being compiled currently, although no release date has as yet been announced. One performance it will include is of him singing "The Blizzard" while snow falls in the background -- a spot he did for a Nashville-based show.

From: Ruth Lanham <Rlanham@fullnet.net>
Subject: Jim Reeves US Fan Club?
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1998 16:43:39 -0800

Do you know if there is a fan club in the U.S.? My mother is joining the one in the Netherlands but would rather know of one here.

Thanks so much for your time!
--Ruth

Editor's Note: There hasn't been a Jim Reeves fan club in the U.S. for many years. Why, we don't know. Because there are fan clubs devoted to many deceased artists. Part of the reason may be because Mary never gave any encouragement to the idea of launching one here (though she cooperated with foreign fan clubs). She was a "control freak" of sorts. Still, there's no reason why there shouldn't be a fan club organized to honor Jim here in America. Perhaps this website could serve as the catalyst for doing so. The only danger is in having someone launch a club who doesn't really know much about Jim. Misinformation about Jim Reeves is rampant enough already on the web, so we wouldn't want some fan club president who doesn't know his or her facts. We'd need somebody who really is immersed in knowledge about Jim. We've got our hands full here with the website, so don't look to us. But are there any other candidates out there?

From: "RSuch" <RSuch@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Jim Reeves
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1998 15:04:45 -0800

I've been seeing a lot of posts on another website from someone named Bill White who presumes to speak on behalf of Jim and Mary Reeves. Who is this man?

--Robert Such

Editor's Note: Though he bills himself as the nephew of Jim Reeves, the truth is the Rev. Bill White has not been legally related to Jim Reeves for more than 29 years -- ever since his aunt Mary married Terry Davis back in 1969 and left behind the Reeves surname. White admits that even when Jim was still alive, and came back to Texas with Mary to visit family and friends, young Bill didn't see much of his famous uncle. Although Mary would always spend time with her mother, most of the rest of the time was spent by Jim and Mary with the Reeves clan. The Reeves family says that when Jim's mother, Beulah, died, no member of the White family even attended the funeral except for Mary herself. By comparison, John Rex Reeves (the son of one of Jim's brothers, Buford), has been performing his uncle's songs for years. Rev. White's heightened interest in Jim Reeves seems to coincide with his having been named conservator of Mary's affairs (he replaced one of her brothers, who died). While charged with the responsibility of looking after her welfare, he seems to believe this entitles him to adopt the Reeves legacy as well -- something that, as you can imagine, doesn't sit too well with Jim's blood relation. How White finds the time to do all this is really remarkable, considering his pastoral duties at a large Dallas-area church. Be that as it may, the Reverend has turned to the man who bought the Reeves estate -- a carrnival operator -- to get him bookings. For instance, he recently appeared at the Arizona State Fair singing...you guessed it...a tribute to his ex-uncle Jim! Look for him on a midway near you...

Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 15:59:32 -0600
From: Mike Blackwell <mikeb@inetport.com>
Subject: Great Stuff!

I am so excited....I was looking at the "scrapbook" section on the new website. When I opened the letter Jim wrote, there was the same address and phone number that are written on the scrap of paper (a torn off end of a check) my Mother gave me last Christmas. (She worked with Jim at KGRI in Henderson, Tx.) So now my mystery is solved. She thought that Jim gave her the paper while he was still in Henderson, but it must have been just after he moved (or was moving) to Shreveport (early 1953.) Cool! I wonder what an autograph with address and phone number would be worth...not that I'd ever sell it, of course!

--Mike Blackwell (Pflugerville, TX)

Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 00:36:59 +0800
From: "Minerva P. Franco" <mpfpddcp@mozcom.com>
Subject: Jim Reeves Site

We were in Nashville last August and were very disappointed that the Museumwas closed. Of course we saw the section on Jim at the Grand Ole Opry Museum and bought the Bear collection.

--Minerva

Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 22:49:55 +0100
From: Geir Wollstad <wollstad@online.no>
Subject: Greetings from Norway

Hi Julie !
Greeting from Norway where as you know Jim was and still is one of the greatest -- indeed almost a cult figure. I am a lifetime fan trying to collect videos and rare recordings and I am glad someone tries to keep the memory of Jim Reeves alive.

Best regards fra
Geir Wollstad

From: nboyce@sia.net.au (Neil Boyce)
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 09:20:02 +1100
Subject: The Jim Reeves Way Website

Thanks for letting me know about the new website, I feel honoured to be told. Jim's songs have always held a special place in my heart, especially his gospel songs. I actually had one of his CDs playing in the computer when I checked my email. I have every LP and CD of his that I can find, but by no means all he ever made.

--Neil (Sydney, Australia)

From: ReadMeme@aol.com
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998 14:51:55 EST
Subject: Re: Jim Reeves music

I really enjoy listening to Jim Reeves. His music (and voice) really is so soothing. The music so "popularly" played nowadays, I do not find soothing. So, it's nice to still be able to buy music from years past when music was still really music, something to soothe one's soul!

--Su-shiu

From: Patsyfan1@aol.com
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998 11:57:47 EST
Subject: Jim web page

The new web page for Jim R. is fabulous! It is so nice to see another site with another outlook on Jim. Like Patsy Cline he deserves many wonderful sites. I really enjoyed everything. The picture gallery is great, hope to see it expanding. I am sure it will.

I gotta think of something to ask Joyce Jackson. How cool!

Always,

--Jimmy Walker (Lexington, KY)

From: "P W Robinson" <pwr@global.co.za>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998 12:01:37 +0200
Subject: Jim Reeves

I am a great fan of Jim Reeves and he will always be my all time favourite singer. I unfortunately did not ever manage to see Jim in concert when he toured South Africa, but I had the great privilege of meetin Mary both in South Africa and on each of my visits to Nashville. I would like you to know that Mary was always very gracious to me and I am indeed saddened by the decline in her health.

I co-present a Country Music radio show in Johannesburg every third week and feature "vintage" Country Music from my private collection. Naturally I include quite a bit of Jim's material in the shows and seize every opportunity to pay tribute to him.

Keep up the good work.

--Peter W Robinson (South Africa)

--Toni

From: PLHBNE@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 19:37:27 EST
Subject: Jim Reeves website

Thanks for putting on a great site with a lot of top information about a wonderful singer. I still love Jim Reeves and as part of what I do in putting compilations together for BMG Records Australia/New Zealand, I can never see or hear or read enough about the legendary Jim Reeves. Thanks for the info on the new site. I'll follow everything closely.

--Kind Regards, Peter Harding

From: ILJacques@webtv.net (Irene Jacques)
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 17:54:04 -0500 (EST)
Subject: NEW JIM REEVES WEBSITE NOW ONLINE

I am delighted with it, what a beautiful job. The only site as good is my main man Johnny Cash. But Jim is right up there. I think because of J R C's problems they would of been good friends!

Sadly I have forgotten a lot about Jim, but never his music, ballads, or class. He, Eddy Arnold, & Chet Atkins were always classified together in my mind anyway! His music will live on forever. Thank you again!

--Irene

Editor's Note: Indeed, Jim Reeves and Johnny Cash were good friends. In fact, Johnny wrote the liner notes for Jim's "Best Of" (Vol. 3) collection. He recalled the night Jim had invited him along to a show at a military base. The soldier's were whooping it up and raisin' cain until Jim started in on one of his ballads. Then, Johnny said, you could have heard a pin drop...

From: Corky <corkgold@earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 08 Nov 1998 22:33:39 -0700
Subject: WEBSITE

THANK YOU!!!!!! I really appreciate it from my heart !!!

--Corky

From: JEH925@webtv.net (JACK HARDEN)
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 22:27:15 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Jim Reeves Website

Just finished looking over the new Jim Reeves website. I like it alot. Very well done. I'm glad there is information on there about Mary. The "Ask Joyce" is a nice feature. I wondered what had happened to her. Where's Leo these days? Is he still playing music?

--Jack E. Harden

Editor's Note: Leo Jackson, who started working for Jim when he was only 15, and lived with Jim and Mary for five years as he was growing up, is still a busy session musician in Nashville. A self-taught guitar virtuoso, Leo works nearly every day, sometimes more than one session a day. He's accompanied a lot of top-name country acts, including Alabama. He thanks you for asking.

From: Briory@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 20:11:43 EST
Subject: Thankyou

Just want to thank you for creating a website of this quality for Jim. Many thanks.

--Lee

From: "SStephen" <JP_STEPHENS@msn.com>
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 20:12:46 -0500
Subject: Greetings Fellow Jim Reeves Fans

Hello all,

I was delighted to learn about this site dedicated to Jim Reeves and hope to visit it often in the future. I have been a fan of Jim's since the early '70s when I was first introduced to Jim's music by an uncle of mine.

Although Jim has a great fan following in India (where I grew up), I haven't been able to find much on Jim since coming here to North America a few years ago. It is wonderful to have this site and this forum where Jim's fans can come together.

I am really looking forward to Larry Jordan's biography of Jim, given what a disappointment the Streissguth version was.

I wish this site the best.

--Sujatha Stephen

From: ConnaJean@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 21:24:22 EST
Subject: New Site

Thank you soooooooooo much for the new and very informative website! I have always been a true Jim Reeves fan and I am so happy that through people like yourselves, his music and memory still lives on!!

--Connie Gillespie (Caseyville, IL)

From: "Carlyle & Connie Smith" <csmith@space.net.au>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998 11:17:36 +0800

I love Jim Reeves and great to know that there is a special site for this great singer.

Thanks for your efforts.

Date: Sat, 07 Nov 1998 23:26:47 -0500
From: Ken and Betty Bendig <BetKen@Worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Our Star -- The Best Ever

Hello to my fellow fans of Jim Reeves!

What a great opportunity this website is giving us! It's bringing Jim back to us, and I'm very excited about it. For a long time there has been so little about him, and then that dreadful biography was published last summer. But now all that bad time can be forgotten, and [this website] is helping us learn the truth about our favorite singer, his life and his great career.

I "discovered" Jim very late, only four years ago. I regret all the years that were missed, but fortunately I didn't miss everything, and I can now listen to him every day. It all started one morning in November, 1994, when I was driving to the food store and turned on the car radio, something I almost never do. I heard this warm voice singing "Am I Losing You," and I was hooked for keeps! It was as if a light had been turned on. No one else has ever come close to the sound of that truly wonderful soothing voice! It didn't take me long to build up a collection.

The following year my husband and I drove to Nashville where we saw the Museum and met Mary. That was an experience I will remember always.

I was born the same year as Jim, and married the same year, 1947, as Jim and Mary. Now after all the lost years, I look forward to getting to know Jim better and better. I also look forward to reading what others will write here on the Fan Forum in the days to come. This is the beginning of an exceptional time for us all!

--Betty Bendig (Ohio)