I can't say the same for a lot of the people who have been touring this year doing Reeves tributes around the world. Some of them are AWFUL. Then when I read reviews about how great they are and how they supposedly sound just like Jim (!), I think the reviewers simply have never heard the real Jim Reeves.
Arne Benoni also does a fine tribute to Jim, and of course Daniel O'Donnell incorporates Reeves songs in his shows, as does John Rex Reeves. I think it's wonderful when talented people do Jim's material, (it's a nice way to honor him and keep his memory alive), but I cringe when I hear the bad ones -- and realize they are duping fans by doing "tributes" that often include wrong information about our favorite singer.
I could say the same thing about the multitude of Patsy Cline acts. Mandy Barnett does well but she still sounds like Mandy, not Patsy. Those of you who own the CD, "The Divine Ms. Cline," have probably read the multi-page booklet in which I define, from a technical standpoint, some of Patsy's unique vocal techniques. She had a whole bag full of them. It SOUNDS deceptively simple, but believe me, it's NOT. Patsy was uniquely gifted and that's why none of these other singers can ever really sound like her; there are always missing elements they can't master.
TRUE ORIGINALS in any field are to be honored and celebrated. We've heard some great ones over the years but the current crop of singers all sound alike to me. I can't tell one from another...just whether they are male or female.
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