When conversations arise about the titans of country music songwriting and iconic discographies, names like George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson often take center stage. Yet, the remarkable career of Conway Twitty, a true architect of the country sound, frequently finds itself overshadowed. Twitty’s untimely passing in 1993, while still actively releasing chart-topping singles, unfortunately prevented him from experiencing the later-career resurgence enjoyed by some of his aforementioned peers.
However, when examining his body of work song by song, Conway Twitty’s output stands shoulder to shoulder with any of these legends. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Twitty possessed an exceptional ability to adapt and evolve his musical style. A Conway Twitty record from the 1980s bore a distinct sonic signature from his 1965 releases, demonstrating a continuous evolution that persisted right up to his final album, 1993’s Final Touches. Furthermore, which other male country icon dared to sport a perm as stylishly as Conway Twitty did in 1979? With a nod to his iconic hairstyle, let’s delve into twenty of the most essential Conway Twitty songs, celebrating a career that, while extensive, was tragically cut short too soon.
20. Julia
In 1987, Conway Twitty marked his return to MCA Records with “Julia,” a song that resonated with the contemporary sounds dominating the airwaves at the time. He masterfully interpreted Don Cook and John Jarvis’s poignant lyrics of yearning, propelling the track to the second spot on the charts. Aiding in the song’s success was Vince Gill, whose harmonies became a signature element in many of Twitty’s later hits. “Julia” stands as a testament to Twitty’s ability to remain relevant and connect with audiences even as musical landscapes shifted.
19. The Games That Daddies Play
“The Games That Daddies Play,” a song penned by Conway Twitty himself, soared to number one in 1976. Its lyrical depth, exploring the perspective of a child raised by a single mother longing for a father figure, deeply resonated with female listeners. This song highlighted Twitty’s songwriting prowess and his knack for tapping into emotionally resonant themes that broadened his appeal beyond traditional country music audiences.
18. Lost In The Feeling
One of the most compelling facets of Conway Twitty’s career was his willingness to defy prevailing trends. In the 1980s, as country music leaned towards a more crossover-friendly sound, Twitty released “Lost In The Feeling,” a decidedly traditional-flavored tune. This track became a dance floor favorite in the summer of 1983, proving that Twitty’s rootsy sound still held immense appeal. Adding to the song’s charm was the vocal contribution of Ricky Skaggs, then the reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, further solidifying its country authenticity.
17. Rest Your Love On Me
Conway Twitty challenged genre boundaries by releasing a country rendition of the Bee Gees’ “Rest Your Love On Me” in the spring of 1981. This unexpected cover became another chart-topping success in his illustrious career. Twitty’s willingness to reimagine songs from diverse genres became a hallmark, with later interpretations of classics by Bob Seger, The Eagles, Lionel Richie, and the Pointer Sisters further showcasing his versatility and innovative approach to country music.
16. Somebody’s Needin’ Somebody
As Conway Twitty approached his twentieth year as a country artist in 1984, he achieved yet another number one hit with “Somebody’s Needin’ Somebody.” This track showcased a decidedly contemporary approach to heartbreak, demonstrating Twitty’s ability to evolve with the times while staying true to the emotional core of country music. The song’s modern sound resonated with audiences, proving his continued relevance in a changing musical landscape.
15. Slow Hand
Covering the Pointer Sisters’ recent hit “Slow Hand” might have seemed like a risky move for a country artist, but Conway Twitty transformed the song into something uniquely his own. He infused it with a Southern Erotica sensibility, shifting the slick pop sound of the original into a steamy country ballad. While the term “Southern Erotica” might seem humorous today, “Slow Hand” became a sensation among Twitty’s female fans, adding another layer to his multifaceted appeal.
14. Hello Darlin’
“Hello Darlin’” is undeniably Conway Twitty’s signature song and a timeless classic. However, within a career boasting an astounding 75 top ten hits, some argue that other songs deserve equal recognition. Initially, Twitty intended to sing the spoken intro himself, but producer Owen Bradley wisely suggested a spoken delivery, a decision that solidified the song’s iconic status. This song remains a cornerstone of Conway Twitty’s legacy and a testament to his artistry.
13. It’s Only Make Believe
In 1958, the pervasive influence of Elvis Presley shaped the musical landscape, and Conway Twitty was no exception. “It’s Only Make Believe,” Twitty’s debut hit, echoed Presley’s rock and roll style, captivating fans of the genre. This early success demonstrated Twitty’s ability to cross genre boundaries and appeal to a wide audience, foreshadowing his future versatility.
12. That’s My Job
Upon rejoining MCA in 1987, label head Jimmy Bowen encouraged Conway Twitty to include songs on each album that were outside his usual repertoire. “That’s My Job,” a perennial Father’s Day favorite, became one of his most enduring hits and marked a breakthrough for songwriter Gary Burr. This song resonated deeply with listeners for its heartfelt message and cemented its place as a classic Conway Twitty song.
11. After All The Good Is Gone
“After All The Good Is Gone,” released in 1976, saw Conway Twitty revisiting his Sun Records roots with a performance reminiscent of the 1950s. Despite being released during a period when nearly every Conway Twitty song topped the charts, this track sometimes gets overlooked. However, its raw passion and grit are undeniable, solidifying its status as a classic example of Twitty’s vocal power and emotional depth.
10. I Don’t Know A Thing About Love (The Moon Song)
One of Conway Twitty’s early champions in Nashville was the esteemed songwriter Harlan Howard. Remarkably, it took two decades before Twitty recorded a Howard song as a single. The result, “I Don’t Know A Thing About Love (The Moon Song),” became a standout country hit of 1984. This collaboration highlighted the synergy between Twitty’s interpretive skills and Howard’s songwriting genius.
9. I See The Want To In Your Eyes
Conway Twitty admired Gary Stewart’s rendition of “I See The Want To In Your Eyes” and decided to record his own version. The song’s suggestive lyrics were characteristic of Twitty’s willingness to push boundaries. A performance of this song even made its way into an episode of Family Guy in 2009, demonstrating its enduring cultural impact and Twitty’s recognition in popular culture.
8. Darling, You Know I Wouldn’t Lie
“Darling, You Know I Wouldn’t Lie,” a 1968 hit that narrowly missed the number one spot, garnered critical acclaim, earning a Song of the Year nomination from the Country Music Association in 1969. Interestingly, despite this recognition and his vast catalog of hits, Conway Twitty never won a solo CMA award, though he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999, solidifying his legendary status.
7. I’ve Already Loved You In My Mind
Conway Twitty was a master of evocative storytelling, allowing listeners’ imaginations to run wild. Notably, he didn’t film a music video for 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 barroom classic, remains a fan favorite. It was also the preferred Conway Twitty song of the late Atlanta Journal-Constitution journalist Lewis Grizzard, who publicly expressed his admiration in his columns.
6. You’ve Never Been This Far Before
“You’ve Never Been This Far Before” sparked controversy, with some radio stations banning it due to its suggestive lyrics referencing “trembling fingers touching forbidden places.” While tame by today’s standards, in 1973, it was considered risqué. Twitty defended the song throughout his career, and the controversy ironically propelled it to become his biggest Hot 100 hit after transitioning to country, reaching No. 22 and demonstrating the power of controversy in music.
5. I’d Love To Lay You Down
Paul Harvey famously dubbed “I’d Love To Lay You Down,” a 1980 hit, as “Porno Country” during a Country Radio Seminar speech. Similar to his other suggestive songs, fans embraced it wholeheartedly. This track became his first number one hit of the decade and one of two chart-toppers from his Heart and Soul album, proving that Twitty’s audience appreciated his boldness and sensuality.
4. The Image Of Me
By 1968, Conway Twitty had been recording country music for several years, yet only achieved one Top 20 hit. Despite this, Decca producer Owen Bradley maintained unwavering faith in Twitty’s talent. His confidence was rewarded with “The Image Of Me,” Twitty’s first top 10 hit, signaling his breakthrough in the country market. This song showcased the strength of his more traditional country sound and marked a turning point in his career.
3. Don’t Take It Away
After nearly fifteen years collaborating with Owen Bradley, Conway Twitty switched producers in the fall of 1979. He also updated his image, adopting his signature perm, and refined his sound. “Don’t Take It Away,” an R&B-infused track, featured one of the most captivating vocal performances of his career, demonstrating his successful musical evolution and willingness to experiment with different styles.
2. She’s Got A Single Thing In Mind
1989 is often remembered as the year that ushered in a new wave of country music stars like Garth Brooks, Clint Black, Travis Tritt, and Alan Jackson. Amidst this exciting influx of fresh talent, Conway Twitty, at 55, was still producing exceptional music. Having quit smoking in the 1980s and taking vocal lessons, his voice remained in top form. “She’s Got A Single Thing In Mind,” a stunning hit from that summer, showcased his undiminished vocal prowess and solidified his status as a master of career evolution, a feat unmatched by any other veteran artist of that era.
1. Linda On My Mind
“Linda On My Mind,” a hit from the winter of 1975, is shrouded in a bit of mystery. The identity of “Linda” and the nature of Twitty’s emotional connection to her remain undisclosed. However, the ambiguity only adds to the song’s allure. “Linda On My Mind” remains timeless and captivating. Twitty’s vocals are sharp and pristine, and the harmonies crafted by Carol Lee Cooper and L.E. White are truly remarkable, regardless of who or what “Linda” represented. This song stands as a pinnacle of Conway Twitty’s artistry and a testament to his enduring legacy.
