I've been receiving quite a few polite e-mails from vigilant readers pointing out to me that it was Englebert Humperdinck and not Jim Reeves who sang the song "Release Me".
Now let's check. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Release_Me_(1946_song) ----- quote -- "Release Me" is a popular song by Eddie Miller, Robert Yount, and Dub Williams, published in 1946. Miller wrote the song in 1946 but could not get anyone to record it for years, so he recorded it himself in 1953. Shortly afterward it was covered by Jimmy Heap, and with even better success by Ray Price and Kitty Wells. Subsequently a big seller was recorded by Little Esther Phillips (#1 on the R&B and pop charts) and the song was also taken to #4 on the pop charts (and #1 in the UK) by Engelbert Humperdinck. ----- unquote --- I do agree that Engelbert Humperdinck's (1967) version is by far the most popular but please understand that neither was he the original composer nor the first singer of "Release Me". That song has been sung and recorded by a host of singers including Elvis Presley (1970), the Everly Brothers (1963), Dolly Parton (1982) - and I thought, even Jim Reeves. After all it does feature on all Jim Reeves lyric searches. But on a detailed examination of his discography (http://www.lpdiscography.com/r/Reeves/jim1.htm ) I now realise that Jim Reeves didn't actually ever record "Release Me". It seems to be some self-perpetuating myth. For example there's someone who has released his interpretation ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m8TbKbrAJk ) of Jim Reeves cover of "Release Me" - which itself does not exist! I am much obliged to all those who brought this error to my attention and as always am grateful for feedback for my columns. Cheers! Cecil ========