Unveiling the Tale Behind Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn’s Chart-Topping Classic, “Lead Me On”
The enchanting melody of “Lead Me On,” penned by Leon Copeland, marked a pivotal moment in the legendary collaboration between Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. This timeless duet was recorded in November 1970, merely a day after they cut their inaugural duet, “After The Fire Is Gone.” However, “Lead Me On” remained tucked away in Decca Records’ vault until it finally saw the light of day on September 6, 1971. Interestingly, “After The Fire Is Gone” had already claimed the coveted #1 spot six months prior, on March 27th.
Remarkably, “Lead Me On,” despite its risqué undertones, faced no resistance from radio stations or the general public. Instead, it soared to the #1 position on the charts a mere two months after its release. Nevertheless, behind the scenes, Loretta Lynn encountered some management challenges, leading to the song’s release coinciding with the establishment of her new booking agency.
United Talent, co-owned by Twitty and Lynn, was a modest agency initially helmed by a two-person team, led by Jimmy Jay, who had previously managed Twitty’s concert engagements at the Bob Neal Agency. By 1977, this now-defunct agency was coordinating tours for a diverse roster of 25 artists, including luminaries like Mickey Gilley, Billy “Crash” Craddock, and Moe Bandy. Interestingly, the agency operated unlike any other in Nashville, as there were no written contracts; everything was sealed with a simple handshake.
In one of their early headline performances after the agency’s inception, Conway and Loretta graced the stage with their new release, “Lead Me On,” yielding memorable results. During this time, Loretta discovered Conway’s bashful side and couldn’t resist playing a few tricks to keep things entertaining. For a particular performance, she had a custom-made gown designed, featuring shorts and a top connected by Velcro, concealed under a long skirt-like gown. As Conway commenced the opening notes of “Lead Me On,” Loretta stepped up to the microphone for her verse and pulled apart the Velcro with a resounding “ripping” sound. Twitty, under the impression that Loretta’s gown had actually torn apart, nearly fainted from the shock. It was a prank he’d never forget!
While time marched on, the “Lead Me On” album remained etched in the annals of music history. A full decade after its release, it was finally bestowed with a gold certification, signifying sales surpassing the 500,000 unit milestone, on October 29, 1981.
Conway and Loretta’s illustrious career as a duet team continued to flourish, notching up three additional number one hits, ultimately totaling five chart-toppers—a remarkable feat that stands as the pinnacle of duet partnerships in country music history. Their unmatched chemistry also earned them four consecutive “Duo of the Year” accolades from the Country Music Association, spanning from 1972 through 1975. These were the only CMA awards claimed by Conway Twitty, while Loretta Lynn amassed a total of eight, including the prestigious “Entertainer of the Year” award in 1972, making her the first female recipient of this honor. Lynn’s indomitable contribution to country music was further celebrated with her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988. Conway Twitty, who tragically succumbed to a stomach aneurysm in Springfield, Missouri, in 1993, was posthumously honored with his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1999. Their legacy endures, etched in the hearts of country music aficionados, as the timeless harmonies of “Lead Me On” continue to captivate audiences to this day.
Artists: Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty
Album: Lead Me On
Nominations: Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year, Academy of Country Music Award for Single of the Year
Genres: Pop, Country
Lyrics
Once I made a promise that I’d never lead you on
But I feel the yearn to love you even though I know it’s wrong
You’ll have to take my hand and lead me slowly through the door
I’ll be wrong in what I’m doin’ I can’t refuse you anymore.
Lead me on and take control of how I feel
I can’t do this on my own cause it’s against my will
I need love warm and tender in a way I’ve never known
If you want me I’ll go with you but you’ll have to lead me on.
Lead me on and take control of how I feel
I can’t do this on my own cause it’s against my will
I need love warm and tender in a way I’ve never known
If you want me I’ll go with you but you’ll have to lead me on…
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