Recently here in Canada, Canada Post issued a collector set of postage stamps to recognize Canadian Country music artists. The list included Hank Snow, Tommy Hunter, K.D. Lang and Shania Twain. The entire sets sold out in about two weeks. I was lucky enough, after many trips to different Post Offices to get the last few packages of Hank Snow and Tommy Hunter. These sets are very well done with a write up on each artist. Glad to have them. The reason I am posting this is hopefully stir up some debate as to the possibility that the U.S.Postal service would do the same (American country artists)and I am referring to a Jim Reeves stamp issue that is beyond overdue. To my knowledge this has never happened. My thoughts are that someone in the Forum family may have a connection with the postal management and ask the question. If there are a number of requests from the public that would certainly help as well. Who knows, management may finally sit up and pay attention. Anyway, just a possibility we can make this happen. Canada Post did it, maybe this is the start we need. As to the selection process, I don't know how it was done. I am very thankful that Hank and Tommy made the list. However Ian Tyson, Anne Murray and Ray Griff were not included, maybe next time. I will be writing them soon with maybe a 'next edition' suggestion and a thank you for recognizing country music. Thanks everyone. Merry Christmas to all. Foever a fan.............Roy
Certainly an idea to consider although I would guess that many officials in the post office are not too conversant with who Jim Reeves was(is).
From what I have read either on this forum or some other it would be a tough sell in that some well known people have not made the cut in years gone by.However, I seem to recall that Roy Acuff did as well as some members of the Carter family along with Johnny Cash.However,the one on the chosen list that sticks out in my mind was Patsy Cline.If Patsy can make it than perhaps there is some hope for JR but don't hold your breath. Time will tell.
As for the Canadian list I was surprised not to see Stompin Tom's (the pride of the East Coast) name on the list unless of course he already has a stamp. Regards
It would be wonderful to see Country music honored in this way. To the best of my knowledge, I don't think there have been any Country music stamps issued here in America, but if the American Postal system should ever choose to do this, they would have to issue a stamp on Jim. I'm sure the first artists that might come to mind to be honored in this way would be someone like Jimmie Rodgers or Hank Williams---and they would deserve such an honor---but let's not forget that Jim Reeves was one of the first Country music singers to cross over into the Pop charts and sell a lot of records there as well, and I believe he was also the very first Country artist to sell millions of records worldwide, which is an outstanding accomplishment. He should certainly be considered one of the pioneers of Country music along with some of the other great artists.
At the time the country artists' stamps were being discussed to be issued, I wrote the USPS headquarters and asked that Jim be placed on a stamp. I got a letter back stating that he was not known or popular enough but that they would take it under advisement. Nothing came of it but Roy Acuff, Buddy Holly, Patsy Cline, Jimmy Rodgers, etc. were issued but not Jim. Always for Jim, Doris
Wanted to let you know Paul, that in 2009, Stompin'Tom Connors had a Canadian postage stamp issued in his honour. Nice this happened four years before he died. The Canadian issue can be viewed on-line. And thanks for remembering Tom !
Thank you Doris for your effort to get Jim Reeves recognized thru the U.S.P.S. The thing that I can't grasp, is the senior management that you would be dealing with should be of the age to remember when country music was actually music, and well remember at least some of the artists including Jim Reeves. It must be that all management has changed and therefor only know of the noise being played by modern day commercial country stations. If I can find the connection, I plan to e-mail the American carrier to make another request. Maybe a Canadian request will garner a second look. Doris can you give me an address? Thank you........Roy
This situation isn't much different than the fact that Patsy Cline has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame even though she never made a movie, and Jim Reeves DOESN'T have a star even though he DID make a movie.
There is a lot of politics involved and to get Patsy's star there was a very organized PR campaign and as I recall there was money that also had to be paid.
Jim does have a star in Shreveport, however, near the location of the municipal auditorium where the Louisiana Hayride was staged.
Do you recall the sheet of tamps that were enclosed in the Jim Reeves LP "Something Special"? I believe that was Mary's idea to give fans something with which to honor Jim, in lieu of the U.S. postal service agreeing to issue a stamp on him.
Roy, it was so long ago I don't remember where I wrote to requesting Jim be put on a stamp. However, now I think you could just go to USPS.com and they have a contact to click on. Write them there and see what happens. GOOD LUCK! Always for Jim, Doris
Here's the address where to write to suggest a stamp: Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee c/o Stamp Development U.S. Postal Service 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300 Washington, DC 20260-3501
Thanks Ron, Just the info I need, and if anyone else wants to help, the more requests the better our chances. It will be interesting to see what the reply will be this time. I will let everyone know, so lets keep our fingers crossed Doris, and thanks for starting the ball rolling. Larry, you are certainly right about the 'politics' and the almighty power of 'cold hard cash'. Wow, some things never seem to change!
on December 19, 2014, 8:19 am