Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in 1933, was a pioneering American singer known for his versatile voice that effortlessly transitioned between rock and roll and country music. Though he initially pursued a rockabilly career, scoring a hit with “It’s Only Make Believe” in 1958, he eventually became a dominant force in country music, earning numerous awards and topping the charts for decades. Twitty holds the record for most number-one singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, a testament to his enduring popularity and influence.
“It’s Only Make Believe,” released early in his career, represents a pivotal moment for Twitty. This rock and roll ballad, co-written by Twitty and Jack Nance, showcases his emotive vocal delivery and tells the story of a love concealed behind a facade. The lyrics paint a picture of two people deeply in love, but forced to pretend their feelings are merely a game, a charade enacted for an unknown reason. The song’s catchy melody and relatable theme of hidden emotions resonated with a broad audience, propelling it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“It’s Only Make Believe” received widespread acclaim and became an instant classic. Listeners were captivated by the song’s raw emotion and the bittersweet depiction of unspoken love. The song’s popularity extended beyond the rock and roll scene, establishing Twitty as a major musical force and paving the way for his future success in country music. Its enduring appeal is evidenced by its continued airplay and numerous covers by other artists, solidifying its place in music history as a testament to the power of heartfelt songwriting and passionate performance. The song helped launch Twitty’s career, proving his talent and versatility.