Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, was a pioneering American rock and roll and country music singer. Though he initially aimed for a rockabilly career inspired by Elvis Presley, he later transitioned to country, where he achieved iconic status. He holds the record for the most number-one singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, a testament to his enduring popularity and songwriting prowess. While later known for his country ballads, his early hit “It’s Only Make Believe,” released in 1958, cemented his place in rock and roll history.
“It’s Only Make Believe” catapulted Twitty to international fame. The song, co-written with drummer Jack Nance, reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing Twitty’s emotive vocal delivery and the song’s infectious melody. While specific awards tied directly to this single are elusive, its chart performance alone solidified its significance.
The song explores the complex emotions of unrequited love, or perhaps even a relationship based on pretense. The lyrics depict a person outwardly projecting happiness and indifference while secretly yearning for a deeper connection. The “make believe” refers to the act of pretending everything is alright, even though the singer is heartbroken. This theme of hidden feelings and a masked reality resonated deeply with listeners.
“It’s Only Make Believe” received widespread positive feedback upon release, particularly from the teenage audience of the time. Its simple yet powerful lyrics, combined with Twitty’s heartfelt performance, captured the angst and longing of young love. The song has since become a classic, covered by numerous artists and continues to evoke nostalgia for the early days of rock and roll, showcasing Twitty’s lasting impact on music history.