On This Day in 1964: The Tragic Plane Crash That Took Jim Reeves Too Soon

It was July 31, 1964, when Jim Reeves and his manager, Dean Manuel, were on their way home to Nashville from Batesville, Arkansas when they unexpectedly encountered a tempestuous storm. Reeves and Manuel lost contact with air traffic control and crashed shortly after. Two days later, the plane was found just outside of Nashville in Brentwood, Tennessee. Reeves is tragically in the company of approximately 30 or so musicians who have died in plane crashes. Including, Patsy Cline, John Denver, and Buddy Holly.

Known to frequently fly himself, Reeves was piloting the plane when tragedy struck and it shook the country music world to its very core.

Videos by American Songwriter

Posthumous Career

Reeves’ career did not end with his life. His wife, Mary Reeves, continued to publish his unreleased songs all the way into the ’80s. Some of the hits included “When Two Worlds Collide” and “Distant Drums.” For albums, The Jim Reeves Way and The Best of Jim Reeves reached gold and platinum status over-seas.

In addition to his music, Reeves was decorated with a vast amount of industry honors. In 1967, he was inducted into The Country Music Hall of Fame, and in 1998, The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Furthermore, he received the Academy of Country Music Pioneer Award, the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

Funeral & Burial Site

The funeral brought along thousands of fans, artists, and friends. Some of the more infamous friends in the congregation included Chet Atkins, Roy Acuff, Eddy Arnold, and Ernest Tubb. All of whom Jim had worked during his time as a country musician.

Much like his career, Reeves’ burial site is sentimentally inspiring. Buried at Jim Reeves Memorial Park in Carthage, Texas near his hometown Galloway, Reeves’ grave reads: If I a lowly singer dry one tear/ Or soothe one humble human heart in pain/ Then my homely verse to God is dear/ And not one stanza has been in vain.

Those words carry the weight he seemingly relinquished upon his death.

Reeves changed the trajectory of country music and is considered a featured figure in the “Nashville Sound” landscape. His legacy lives on through his triumphant feats and heart-bending music. Often considered “The Gentlemen of Country Music,” Reeves was known for “He’ll Have To Go” and “We Thank Thee.” Reeves was a patron saint of country music and has been remembered as such.

(Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)