Jim’s 50 Year Death Anniversary has gone by now, but not before every so-called Jim Reeves sound alike has made an effort to capitalize on Jim’s legacy. I am a singer and producer, and being a nephew very close to Jim, I have never heard any other person who captured the Jim Reeves warmth and simplicity. I have listened to artists in America and other countries, and they are trying to live a dream. Those so-called artists should wake up and really listen to Jim’s productions. The overdubs—artist singing along with Jim, are very poor efforts to capture the background on Jim’s CD’s. Some of the singers sing quite well, but Jim Reeves they are not. My advice is to be yourself, use your own arrangements, and quit relying on the false conception that you sound like Jim.
By the way, I put out a 50th Anniversary CD on Jim, but I used my own arrangements and sang from my heart. I sound like a Reeves, but not Jim Reeves.
My advice is to get real with yourselves and sing from your total heart and soul, and I think you will soon find out how the public can really evaluate your talent. When you look in the mirror, don’t compare yourself to Jim. Even though people all over the world still pay to hear a want-a-be, but there will never be another.
This is a bold overview from a Reeves family member who grew up with Jim and knows as much about Jim as anyone alive today. Take my opinion as you will, but don’t kid yourselves.
Sincerely,
John Rex