Cover Versions and Answer Songs
"He'll Have to Go" has been covered by many artists, most notably Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom Jones, Bryan Ferry and Ry Cooder. Presley recorded his version of "He'll Have to Go" on Oct. 31, 1976 at his last known studio recording session; it is believed to be the final song he ever recorded in a studio setting. "He'll Have to Go" is also the sole cover song ever issued by the British group Prefab Sprout, their version appearing on the US pressing of their album Two Wheels Good.
The song prompted the answer song "He'll Have To Stay" by Jeanne Black. Her song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot C&W Sides chart later in 1960. Skeeter Davis made a cover of it in 1961. "He'll Have To Stay" also got an answer song: "I'm Gonna Stay". It was recorded by Johnny Scoggins and released on the single Fraternity 869.
Elton John performed "He'll Have to Go" live on a number of occasions, perhaps most notably in 1979 on his acoustic tour with percussionist Ray Cooper, which included eight historic performances in the Soviet Union; a first for a Western rock artist. Elton had performed the song as part of his regular setlist when he was a pub piano player at the Northwood Hills Hotel in the early 1960s.
According to an account in Philip Norman's official biography, "Elton," in 1967 John chose the song for his Liberty Records audition. Liberty's Ray Williams, who auditioned the young pianist, was bowled over by how "unhip" John was. The song did, however, work well enough to land John a short demo session. Upon the revelation that John could write music well but not lyrics, Williams then suggested John meet with a lyricist who couldn't write music: Bernie Taupin.
The Notting Hillbillies covered this song a few times during their short 1998 tour. Mark Knopfler also covered it.
The Mekons also covered it at least once in a 1986 concert that can be found on the Live Music Archive.
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