Introduction:
In the golden era of country music—where sincerity reigned supreme and every lyric carried the weight of unspoken emotion—few voices stood as tall, or as gentle, as that of Jim Reeves. Known affectionately as “Gentleman Jim,” Reeves brought a smooth baritone to the genre that set him apart from his contemporaries. Among the many classics he recorded, one that continues to tug at heartstrings generations later is his 1957 rendition of “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You.”
Originally penned in 1945 by Scotty Wiseman, the song had been recorded by several artists before Jim Reeves made it uniquely his own. What sets Reeves’ version apart is not just the velvet tone of his voice, but the understated grace with which he delivers each line. There’s no rush, no vocal acrobatics—just a steady stream of heartfelt emotion that makes every word ring with truth. In an age before production wizardry and elaborate arrangements dominated the industry, Reeves showed that simplicity, when executed with sincerity, could be far more powerful.
“Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” is a song that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. It’s a straightforward declaration of love—one that feels both timeless and timely. The lyrics are deceptively simple: “Have I told you lately that I love you? / Have I told you there’s no one else above you?” But when delivered through Reeves’ warm vocals and accompanied by a traditional country arrangement—light guitar strumming, subdued fiddle, and soft rhythm—the song becomes a personal whisper to the listener, as if Reeves were speaking directly to them in a quiet room.
Released during a formative period in country music, Reeves’ take on the song helped solidify his place as a leading voice in the genre. Though he would go on to have massive success with hits like “He’ll Have to Go” and “Welcome to My World,” this earlier performance remains one of his most emotionally resonant. It’s a testament to his intuitive musicality and deep understanding of what makes a love song truly endure.
In today’s fast-paced musical landscape, Jim Reeves – Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – 1957 stands as a reminder of a quieter, more sincere time in American music. For those who long for authenticity and gentleness in their listening experience, this track offers exactly that—delivered by one of country music’s most beloved voices. Whether you’re revisiting it for the hundredth time or discovering it anew, Reeves’ performance invites you to pause, reflect, and—perhaps most importantly—tell someone that you love them.