James Travis Reeves, born August 20 , in Galloway Texas, USA, 1924... died July 31 1964. Reeve's father died when jim was only ten months old and his mother was left to raise nine children on the family farm. although only aged five, Reeves was entranced when when a brother brought home a gramophone and a Jimmy Rodgers record, "Blue Yodel Number 5". When aged nine he traded stolen pears for an old guitar he saw in a neighbor's yard.. A cook for an oil company showed him the basic chords for the guitar, and at aged 12 he appeared on a radio show in Shreveport, Louisiana. By virtue of his athletic abilities he won a scholarship to the University Of Texas. However, he was shy, largel;y because of a stammer, which he corrected at the University. Reeve's records are known for its perfect diction and delivery. He stood in as a performer when Hank Williams failed to arrive at a show he hosted, called "The Louisiana Hayride", and was signed to Abbott records. Reeves recorded "Four Walls"..and it became a tremendous success in the United States in 1957, crossing over to the pop market and becoming a template for his future work.
He recorde many hits following "Four Walls.." Reeves did not like flying, but after being in a South African plane that developed engine trouble, he obtained his own daytime pilot's license.On July 31, 1964 pilot Jim and his pianist, and manager, Dean Manuel, died when their single engined plane ran into difficulties and crashed in dense woods near Nashville, The bodies were not found until August 2 despite 500 people being involved in the search.Reeves was buried in a specially landscaped area by the side of Highway 79 in Texas, and his collie was buried at his feet in 1967. Thanks Coco for the wonderful graphics, Thanks to a special friend for this song...which is outstandingly beautiful. God Bless You All tonight.. |
