Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins on September 1, 1933, in Friars Point, Mississippi, was a legendary American singer and songwriter who became a prominent figure in both rockabilly and country music. Raised in Helena, Arkansas, Twitty exhibited musical talent early on, forming his first singing group at age 12 and hosting a local radio show. Despite being scouted by the Philadelphia Phillies for his baseball skills, Twitty chose to pursue music after serving in the U.S. Army.
Initially, Twitty found success in the rockabilly genre, notably with the 1958 hit "It's Only Make Believe," which led many to mistake his voice for Elvis Presley's. However, his true passion lay in country music, and he transitioned to the genre in the 1960s, achieving remarkable success with songs like "Hello Darlin'," "You've Never Been This Far Before," and "Linda on My Mind." Twitty's rich baritone and romantic themes resonated deeply with audiences, earning him the nickname "The High Priest of Country Music."
Throughout his career, Twitty topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart 40 times, a record that stood for two decades. He also formed a successful partnership with Loretta Lynn, winning multiple awards for their duets. Twitty was inducted into both the Country Music and Rockabilly Halls of Fame and was known for his dynamic stage presence and astute business acumen, exemplified by his creation of Twitty City, a tourist complex near Nashville.
Conway Twitty passed away on June 5, 1993, in Springfield, Missouri, leaving behind a legacy as one of country music's most enduring icons. His contributions to music continue to be celebrated, and his influence is felt across the genre.