Released in 1964 under the RCA Camden label, “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” stands out as a noteworthy compilation album by Jim Reeves. What makes this album particularly special is that most of its tracks were originally featured on Reeves’ 1956 album “Singing Down the Lane.”
Among its collection of songs, the title track, “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” shines as one of the highlights, captivating listeners with its heartfelt lyrics and melodious tune.
Interestingly, the song “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” was not initially written or performed by Jim Reeves. It was actually written by Scotty Wiseman for the 1944 musical film “Sing, Neighbor, Sing” and achieved major success when performed by Lulu Belle and Scotty.
Over the years, the song gained widespread popularity and was covered by numerous artists, including Gene Autry, whose rendition reached number 3 on the Country & Western charts in 1946, and Ricky Nelson, who included it on his 1957 album “Ricky.”
Jim Reeves’ rendition of “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” propelled the album to considerable success, underscoring Reeves’ influence and popularity in the country music genre. It achieved impressive chart positions, reaching number 5 on the U.S. Top Country Albums chart and number 12 on the UK Albums chart between 1964 and 1965.
Jim Reeves himself was a revered figure in country and popular music, celebrated for his smooth voice and the distinctive Nashville Sound he brought to his recordings. His musical legacy spanned several decades, from the 1950s through to the 1980s, leaving an enduring impact on the genre and inspiring generations of artists and listeners alike.