Conway Twitty: Unveiling the Heartbreak Ballad Behind “It’s Only Make Believe”
In the landscape of country music, Conway Twitty stands as a towering figure. His baritone voice, smooth yet powerful, resonated with millions, capturing the essence of heartache, love, and resilience in rural America. Among his vast collection of hits, one song stands out for its unique trajectory: “It’s Only Make Believe”. Released in 1958, it became a landmark single, unexpectedly launching Twitty’s career and blurring the lines between country and rock and roll.
Background
An Unlikely Hit: While Twitty’s career would eventually be synonymous with country music, his early years leaned towards the burgeoning rock and roll scene. “It’s Only Make Believe” was born during this period, co-written with drummer Jack Nance during a tour stop in Ontario, Canada. The song, initially intended as a B-side to another single “I’ll Try,” surprised everyone with its success. A catchy melody, raw emotion in Twitty’s vocals, and relatable lyrics about a broken relationship resonated with a wider audience.
Crossing Genre Lines: “It’s Only Make Believe” defied genre classification. Its driving rhythm section and prominent electric guitar leaned towards rock and roll, while Twitty’s crooning vocals and the song’s thematic focus on heartbreak held a distinctly country flavor. This unique blend captured the changing musical landscape of the late 1950s, where rock and roll was gaining momentum but hadn’t fully eclipsed the popularity of country music. The song’s success on both the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart solidified its crossover appeal, making Twitty a household name across genres.
A Turning Point: “It’s Only Make Believe” propelled Twitty from a relatively unknown performer to a burgeoning star. While the song itself never charted on the Country & Western charts, it paved the way for Twitty’s later country music success. The song’s emotional depth and relatable lyrics showcased Twitty’s ability to connect with audiences, a talent that would become his trademark in country music.
Enduring Legacy: Despite not being a traditional country song, “It’s Only Make Believe” holds a significant place in Twitty’s legacy. It marked the beginning of a prolific career, showcasing his versatility and ability to transcend genre boundaries. The song continues to be recognized for its catchy melody, raw emotion, and its role in bridging the gap between rock and roll and country music during a pivotal moment in music history.
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Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was released in 1958 on MGM Records.
- It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK Singles Chart.
- “It’s Only Make Believe” was co-written by Conway Twitty and Jack Nance.