When discussions arise about the titans of country music songwriting and performance, names like George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson are often immediately brought to the forefront. These artists are rightfully celebrated for their immense contributions and iconic catalogs. However, the remarkable career of Conway Twitty sometimes seems to be curiously overlooked in these conversations. Despite an uninterrupted run of chart-topping singles until his passing in 1993, Twitty hasn’t quite experienced the widespread renaissance and consistent accolades enjoyed by some of his contemporaries in later years.
Yet, when you meticulously examine Conway Twitty Songs and his overall body of work, it becomes clear that his career achievements and musical impact are easily on par with any of these celebrated figures. One of Twitty’s most remarkable attributes was his masterful ability to evolve and adapt his sound throughout his career. A Conway Twitty record from the 1980s possessed a distinct sonic identity compared to his recordings from 1965. This continuous evolution remained a hallmark of his music right up to his final album, 1993’s Final Touches. Beyond his musical innovation, who could forget Twitty’s signature perm hairstyle that became synonymous with his image in 1979? With a nod to that iconic hairstyle and his lasting influence, let’s delve into twenty of the most essential Conway Twitty songs, showcasing a career that, while extensive and impactful, was sadly curtailed too soon.
20. Conway Twitty – “Julia”
In 1987, Conway Twitty marked his return to MCA Records with “Julia,” a song that resonated with the contemporary sounds dominating the charts at the time. Penned by Don Cook and John Jarvis, the lyrics of longing and desire were perfectly interpreted by Twitty, propelling the song to the second spot on the charts. Adding to the track’s appeal was the harmonious backing vocals of Vince Gill, a frequent collaborator who graced many of Twitty’s later hits with his signature harmonies. “Julia” marked Twitty’s ability to remain relevant and connect with audiences even as musical landscapes shifted.
19. Conway Twitty – “The Games That Daddies Play”
Showcasing his songwriting prowess, Twitty penned “The Games That Daddies Play,” a poignant narrative that resonated deeply with listeners. This song, which reached number one in 1976, explored the emotional landscape of a child raised by a single mother yearning for a father figure. The relatable lyrical content, particularly touching upon themes of family and longing, struck a chord, especially with female audiences, highlighting Twitty’s capacity to tap into heartfelt human experiences within his music.
18. Conway Twitty – “Lost In The Feeling”
One of the most compelling aspects of Conway Twitty’s career was his penchant for defying prevailing trends. During the 1980s, as country music began to embrace a more crossover-oriented sound, Twitty released “Lost In The Feeling.” This track, steeped in traditional country flavors, became an anthem for couples on dance floors throughout the summer of 1983. Adding to the song’s traditional country authenticity was the presence of Ricky Skaggs, the reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, whose musical contribution further solidified the song’s rootsy appeal.
17. Conway Twitty – “Rest Your Love On Me”
Long before pop covers became commonplace in country music, Conway Twitty demonstrated his genre-bending versatility by releasing his rendition of the Bee Gees’ “Rest Your Love On Me” in the spring of 1981. This unexpected cover became yet another chart-topping Conway Twitty song, adding to his impressive list of hits. Twitty’s willingness to explore material outside of traditional country boundaries didn’t stop there. Throughout his career, he also paid homage to classics by artists spanning diverse genres, including Bob Seger, The Eagles, Lionel Richie, and the Pointer Sisters, showcasing his eclectic musical tastes and ability to reinterpret songs in his own distinct style.
16. Conway Twitty – “Somebody’s Needin’ Somebody”
As Conway Twitty approached his twentieth year as a prominent figure in country music in 1984, he achieved yet another number one hit with “Somebody’s Needin’ Somebody.” This song showcased a decidedly contemporary sound, demonstrating Twitty’s consistent ability to evolve and remain current within the ever-changing country music scene. Even after two decades in the industry, Twitty’s music remained fresh and appealing to audiences, proving his adaptability and staying power.
15. Conway Twitty – “Slow Hand”
Covering a recent hit by the Pointer Sisters might have seemed like a risky move for any country artist, potentially leading to career repercussions. However, Conway Twitty took “Slow Hand” and transformed it into something uniquely his own. He infused the slick pop sound of the original with a distinctly Southern sensibility, creating a version that bordered on what could be described as “Southern Erotica.” While the term might evoke a chuckle today, the women in Conway’s audiences responded enthusiastically to this rendition, connecting with the song’s sensual undertones in a way that was uniquely Conway Twitty.
14. Conway Twitty – “Hello Darlin’”
“Hello Darlin’” is undeniably Conway Twitty’s signature song, a timeless classic instantly recognizable to generations of country music fans. While it is his most famous song, in a career brimming with an astonishing 75 top ten hits, there are arguments to be made that some of his other songs are equally deserving of classic status. Interestingly, Twitty initially conceived of the song with himself singing the opening line. However, Owen Bradley, his producer from 1965 to 1979, had a different vision. He suggested the now-iconic spoken intro, a change that proved to be a stroke of genius and cemented the song’s legendary status.
13. Conway Twitty – “It’s Only Make Believe”
The year 1958 was pivotal in music, heavily influenced by the meteoric rise of Elvis Presley. Conway Twitty, like many artists of the era, was captivated by Presley’s groundbreaking sound. “It’s Only Make Believe” became Twitty’s breakthrough hit, a song that clearly borrowed from Presley’s rock and roll style. This track not only launched Twitty’s career but also successfully bridged the gap between rock and roll and early rockabilly influences, winning over fans from both genres.
12. Conway Twitty – “That’s My Job”
Upon his return to MCA in 1987, label head Jimmy Bowen encouraged Conway Twitty to incorporate songs into each album that were outside of his typical recording repertoire. “That’s My Job” emerged as a result of this direction, quickly becoming a perennial favorite, particularly around Father’s Day. This heartwarming song not only became one of Twitty’s most enduring hits but also provided a significant career boost for songwriter Gary Burr, marking his first major songwriting success.
11. Conway Twitty – “After All The Good Is Gone”
In 1976, Conway Twitty delivered a performance with “After All The Good Is Gone” that harkened back to his early days at Sun Records. The song possessed a raw, 1950s rockabilly energy, a departure from his more polished later sound. Despite being released during a period when nearly every Conway Twitty song reached the top of the charts, this track sometimes gets overlooked when discussing his most important works. However, the sheer passion and grit Twitty infused into this recording are undeniable, making it a standout classic within his extensive catalog.
10. Conway Twitty – “I Don’t Know A Thing About Love (The Moon Song)”
Harlan Howard, a highly respected veteran songwriter in Nashville, was an early supporter of Conway Twitty’s career. However, it wasn’t until nearly two decades into Twitty’s country music journey that he finally released a Harlan Howard song as a single. The result was “I Don’t Know a Thing About Love (The Moon Song),” which became one of the defining country hits of 1984. This collaboration highlighted the respect Twitty had for songwriting craftsmanship and his ability to recognize and deliver a truly exceptional song.
9. Conway Twitty – “I See The Want To In Your Eyes”
Conway Twitty was known to be an admirer of Gary Stewart’s version of “I See the Want To In Your Eyes,” and he decided to record his own interpretation. The song’s suggestive and sensual lyrics were characteristic of Twitty’s willingness to push boundaries and explore more mature themes in his music. While not the first nor the last time Twitty would raise eyebrows with his lyrical choices, this song definitely made a lasting impression. Interestingly, a Conway Twitty performance of this song even found its way into an episode of the animated series Family Guy in 2009, further solidifying its cultural impact.
8. Conway Twitty – “Darling, You Know I Wouldn’t Lie”
Released in 1968, “Darling, You Know I Wouldn’t Lie” narrowly missed becoming Conway Twitty’s second number one hit. However, the song resonated deeply within the industry, earning a nomination for Song of the Year at the 1969 Country Music Association Awards. This recognition was a significant achievement, as it was only one of two Conway Twitty songs ever to receive this prestigious nomination. Despite the critical acclaim and industry recognition, Twitty surprisingly never won a solo award from the CMA during his lifetime, although he was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999, acknowledging his monumental contributions to the genre.
7. Conway Twitty – “I’ve Already Loved You In My Mind”
Conway Twitty was a master of evocative storytelling, allowing listeners to engage their imaginations through his songs. Remarkably, he didn’t film a music video for any of his singles until 1990, relying solely on the power of his songs to connect with audiences. “I’ve Already Loved You In My Mind,” a classic barroom ballad, is consistently ranked as a fan favorite among Conway Twitty songs. It also held a special place in the heart of the late Atlanta Journal-Constitution journalist Lewis Grizzard, who frequently declared his love for the song in his columns, further cementing its status as a beloved classic.
6. Conway Twitty – “You’ve Never Been This Far Before”
“You’ve Never Been This Far Before” proved to be one of Conway Twitty’s most controversial and commercially successful songs. Some radio stations went so far as to ban the song from their playlists, with some even physically damaging records by cutting grooves through the album cut in protest. The controversy stemmed from the song’s lyrics, which alluded to intimate and sensual encounters with lines like “trembling fingers touching forbidden places.” While these lyrics might seem tame by today’s standards, they were considered quite risqué in 1973. Throughout his career, Twitty consistently defended the song’s artistic merit and lyrical content. The controversy surrounding the song ironically propelled it to become his biggest crossover hit after transitioning to country music, reaching No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, demonstrating the adage that sometimes controversy can fuel success.
5. Conway Twitty – “I’d Love To Lay You Down”
Paul Harvey, a well-known radio broadcaster, famously labeled Conway Twitty’s 1980 hit “I’d Love To Lay You Down” as “Porno Country” during a speech at the Country Radio Seminar. Despite this provocative label and the song’s suggestive title, fans embraced the song without hesitation. “I’d Love To Lay You Down” became Twitty’s first number one hit of the 1980s and was one of two chart-topping singles from his Heart and Soul album, proving that Twitty’s audience was receptive to his more sensual and suggestive material.
4. Conway Twitty – “The Image Of Me”
By 1968, Conway Twitty had been recording country music for several years after his initial rock and roll success, but had only achieved one Top 20 hit during this transition. Despite the slow start in country, Owen Bradley at Decca Records remained steadfast in his belief in Twitty’s talent and potential. Bradley’s faith was finally rewarded with “The Image Of Me,” which became Twitty’s first top 10 hit in country music. This breakthrough success validated Bradley’s early confidence and demonstrated that Twitty possessed the essential elements to achieve major success in the country market, particularly with his strong, traditional-sounding hits.
3. Conway Twitty – “Don’t Take It Away”
After a fruitful fifteen-year collaboration with producer Owen Bradley, Conway Twitty made a significant change in the fall of 1979, switching producers. This marked a period of reinvention for Twitty, as he also updated his image, adopting his famous perm hairstyle, and refined his musical sound. “Don’t Take It Away” emerged as a result of this evolution, showcasing a distinct R&B-influenced style. The song featured one of the most captivating and emotionally charged vocal performances of his career, demonstrating that Twitty was on a successful new musical trajectory and capable of continuous artistic growth.
2. Conway Twitty – “She’s Got A Single Thing In Mind”
1989 is often remembered as a pivotal year that ushered in a new wave of country music stars, with artists like Garth Brooks, Clint Black, Travis Tritt, and Alan Jackson all achieving their first major hits. Amidst this influx of new talent, it’s easy to overlook the fact that Conway Twitty was still producing exceptional music at the age of 55. Having quit smoking in the 1980s and diligently taking vocal lessons to maintain his range, Twitty’s vocal prowess was undeniably evident on “She’s Got a Single Thing in Mind.” This stunning hit from the summer of 1989 served as a powerful reminder that Conway Twitty, more than any other veteran artist at the time, was a master of career evolution and artistic reinvention. This observation remains true even decades later, highlighting his enduring relevance and adaptability.
1. Conway Twitty – “Linda On My Mind”
A captivating air of mystery surrounds “Linda On My Mind,” a chart-topping hit from the winter of 1975. The question of Linda’s true identity and whether she was a real person who held a significant emotional place in Twitty’s life remains unanswered. Twitty himself never publicly revealed the inspiration behind the song, adding to its enigmatic allure. Regardless of Linda’s identity, the song’s impact and enduring appeal are undeniable. “Linda On My Mind” worked then, and it continues to resonate with audiences today. Twitty’s vocals are exceptionally sharp and pristine, and the harmonies, skillfully arranged by Carol Lee Cooper and L.E. White, are nothing short of remarkable, elevating this track to a true Conway Twitty classic, irrespective of who or what “Linda” truly represented.
