In the realm of musical history, some songs carry not only a melody but also a fascinating backstory. Conway Twitty‘s “Touch The Hand” stands out as a unique piece, weaving a narrative that unfolds with every note. Let’s delve into the intriguing stories behind the creation of this song and its unexpected counterpart, “Don’t Cry Joni.”
Released by MCA Records on May 1, 1975, “Touch The Hand” embarked on its journey up the charts. Unlike conventional hits, this single took an unconventional path, with its B-side, “Don’t Cry Joni,” gaining momentum shortly after. The music landscape had witnessed two-sided hits before, but the rise of these songs occurred sequentially rather than simultaneously.
The journey of “Touch The Hand” began with its debut at #70 on Billboard’s country singles chart on May 24th, eventually claiming the top spot in its ninth week. As “Touch The Hand” gracefully exited the Top 40 on August 16th, its counterpart, “Don’t Cry Joni,” emerged at #75, reaching its peak at #4 on October 11th.
“Don’t Cry Joni” holds a special place in Conway Twitty’s discography as the most successful record involving one of his offspring. In a December 1974 session, Twitty, with paternal affection, crafted a duet for his daughter Joni Lee Twitty. The song had its roots a decade earlier when Conway, as a heartfelt gift, penned it for Joni. Despite her initial reluctance towards a career in entertainment, Joni, upon her high school graduation, expressed a newfound interest, prompting her father’s supportive gesture.
The recording session for “Don’t Cry Joni” painted a picture of nervous excitement, with Joni’s audible trepidation captured in the studio. Conway fondly recalled the moment, humorously mentioning how her “knees were knockin’ – you could hear ’em.” Little did they know that this seemingly simple B-side track would take on a life of its own.
When MCA Records prepared to release the “Touch The Hand” single, Conway suggested placing “Don’t Cry Joni” on the flip side, hoping it might boost Joni’s confidence. What followed was unexpected – instead of fading into obscurity, “Don’t Cry Joni” became a hit, propelled by radio stations flipping the record.
As the song ascended the charts, a legal twist unfolded. Songwriter Ron Peterson filed a copyright infringement suit against Twitty for “Touch The Hand,” claiming similarities to his own composition. Although Conway professed innocence, he settled out of court, and subsequent releases credited Peterson as a co-writer.
Conway Twitty’s “Touch The Hand” and its counterpart “Don’t Cry Joni” not only left an indelible mark on the charts but also showcased the unpredictable and captivating journey that a song can take, filled with familial bonds, unexpected turns, and a touch of legal drama.
- Album: The High Priest of Country Music
- Artist: Conway Twitty
- Released: 1975
Lyrics
Today I heard my woman say something I never heard her say before
She just told me that she was gonna to leave me and that she didn’t love me anymore
But I know that the loving kindness and the understanding that she had when I first met her
Is still there, somewhere
So I’m gonna get down on my knees and I’m gonna say to my baby
Touch the hand of the man that made you a woman
Then tell me you don’t love me anymore
I was the first man to ever
Hold you in a special kind of way
And those unfamiliar feelings that caused you to tremble
I know you remember today
Before you decide that you’re gonna leave me
And do things you’ve never done before
Touch the hand of the man that made you a woman
Then tell me you don’t love me anymore
The two lips that once held sweet surprises
Surprised me and said goodbye today
And those two lovin’ arms that use to reach for me
Just reached out and pushed me away
I know you believe you don’t love me
Before you walk out that door
Touch the hand of the man that made you a woman
Then tell me you don’t love me anymore
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