1955 (Sales): I Don’t Care — Webb Pierce (Decca)
1955 (Jukebox): I Don’t Care — Webb Pierce (Decca)
1955 (Disc Jockeys): I Don’t Care — Webb Pierce (Decca)
1965: Is It Really Over — Jim Reeves (RCA)
1975: Feelin’s — Loretta Lynn & Conway Twitty (MCA)
1985: I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me — Rosanne Cash (Columbia)
1995: Someone Else’s Star — Bryan White (Asylum)
2005: Mississippi Girl — Faith Hill (Warner Bros.)
2015: House Party — Sam Hunt (MCA)
2015 (Airplay): House Party — Sam Hunt (MCA)
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This week in 1965 Jim Reeves had been dead for a little more than one year. He was one of the few country acts to posthumously generate hit records. His material was ahead of it’s time and perfectly fit the evolving sound of country music circa mid-60’s & early 70’s. Because Jim’s recording vault was judiciously managed by his widow Mary and RCA Victor Records his singles continued to chart and consistently became top-ten hits. To their credit RCA promoted Jim’s releases the same as any of their living acts. They were not treated as lesser priorities. Because most of Jim’s recordings post mid-1958 were made on multi-track tape it was possible to isolate his vocal tracks and update the accompaniments. Unreleased demo recordings were also refurbished for release. This wealth of material helped to generate new Jim Reeves releases extending into the 1980’s.
“Is It Really Over” was Jim’s third single hit during calendar year 1965. “I Won’t Forget You” released in late 1964 climbed to #3 in January. “This Is It” rose to #1 for a three week stay in May. “Is It Really Over” was written by Jim and recorded at his next to last Nashville session on July 2, 1964. Produced by Chet Atkins and arranged by Anita Kerr the song received a sophisticated arrangement that included a full string section with a trombone and the backing of the Anita Kerr singers. It was one of his finest vocal performances and Jim’s unexpected passing gave the title even more emotional impact. “Is It Really Over” ultimately spent three weeks atop the Billboard Country chart and was Jim’s 8th number one country hit.