There always has been a debate on exactly what was the very last studio recording by Jim Reeves. Some say "Maureen" was the last while others maintain "I Can't Stop Loving You" to be the last.

Once again I referred back to Larry's book. (I printed off the 48 page index years ago thank goodness) On page 577 there is clear dialogue on what Larry found which to me is undisputed.

I think some of the confusion may have came from Ray Baker. Ray insisted that ""I can't...." was the very last recording on Jim's last session. He stated his reputation on it. Larry states that it seems Ray was only half right. It is true that this song was the last one recorded in the AFTERNOON session. However Ray Baker had no recollection of an EVENING session (he was not present) so there in lies the corrected version. "Maureen" was the last song for the evening recording. And therefor Jim's last studio recording in his life time.

The Master/ Matrix number also establishes the sequence of songs done that day on July 2nd. 1964.s According to Larry and the Matrix list establishes that "Maureen" was Jim's very last studio recording.

If I am in error, please post a reply, I simply want the record to be correct as we all do. But this what I found.

Thank you for clearing that up, Roy.

After buying that big box set I too believed "Maureen" to be his last recording.

And what a recording it is!
What a performance!

It's mellow beauty is befitting the last recording of a singing legend.

Was it Larry who wrote about the control Jim had over his voice in the ending of the song?
"Forever more Maureen" where Jim's voice goes up and he holds the last note. Aahh!

The song ebbs and flows like a water stream in a beautiful Irish nature scene.

Thank you for the reply Even. Glad we got that sorted out. My sherlock Holmes hat came in handy once again !!

On page 577, Larry goes into great detail just how Jim approached and finally laid down this final recording of "Maureen." Everything from abandoning the consonants to caressing the vowels during the drawn-out phrase "Forevermore Maureen". Jim's breathing exercises, over many years, helped him hold this note and reach the crescendo with the greatest of ease, for 17 seconds straight, impressive by any standard as we all agree.

For those that have Larry's book, it is all on pages 576/577 and worth your time to read just how all the magic was done from the 'singing legend' aa you duly noted Even. Keeping in mind just how many years ago this was recorded, makes this last recording beyond impressive.