The tale behind Conway Twitty‘s captivating song, “Slow Hand,” unveils a fascinating journey that combines unexpected success, skepticism, and Twitty’s unwavering determination. Penned by the talented songwriters Michael Clark and John Bettis, the track initially gained national recognition when the Pointer Sisters soared to the second spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts with their rendition.
Amidst this triumph, Conway Twitty‘s record label, Elektra Records, discovered that over 300 radio stations had already picked up the song from his album, “Southern Comfort.” Despite concerns among some of his associates about the rapid decision to record the tune so soon after its pop success, producer Jimmy Bowen was convinced that Twitty should embrace the opportunity to push boundaries and seize the moment.
Recalling the incident, Twitty humorously remarked that Bowen initially thought he had lost his mind. Even Twitty’s wife, Dee, questioned his choice, leading Bowen to shy away from challenging the man with an impressive string of number one hits. Bowen feared being accused of taking Twitty in a pop direction. However, Twitty had faith in his instincts, pointing out that most country music fans had likely not heard the Pointer Sisters’ version. Moreover, considering the song’s Nashville origins, he believed it would effortlessly transition to the country genre. Interestingly, Clark and Bettis had pitched “Slow Hand” in Nashville before the Pointer Sisters discovered it, but their efforts were met with rejection.
Twitty’s rendition of “Slow Hand” surpassed all doubts and quickly climbed the charts. Just two months after its release, on June 19, 1982, it secured the top position on Billboard’s country singles chart, solidifying Twitty’s continued success.
In a surprising turn of events earlier that month, on June 6th, Twitty made yet another audacious move that left experts puzzled and Nashville buzzing with laughter. He unveiled “Music Village USA,” more commonly known as “Twitty City.” This grand venture was constructed on a sprawling nine-acre plot in suburban Hendersonville, Tennessee, at an astonishing cost of $3.5 million—an enormous sum for that time. Twitty City faced some zoning challenges before its development, but it eventually became Nashville’s third most-visited tourist attraction, attracting over 750,000 visitors annually at its peak. After Twitty’s passing in 1993, the Trinity Broadcasting Network acquired the complex.
Conway Twitty’s remarkable journey with “Slow Hand” showcases the power of taking risks, trusting one’s instincts, and defying expectations. It is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft and his ability to captivate audiences both musically and as a visionary entrepreneur.
Artist: Conway Twitty
Released: 1982
Album: Southern Comfort
Lyrics
As the midnight moon was drifting through
The lazy sway of the trees
I saw the look in your eyes looking into the night
Not seeing what you wanted to see
Darling, don’t say a word I’ve already heard
What your body is saying to mine
You’re tired of fast moves
You got a slow groove on your mind
You want a man with a slow hand
You want a lover with an easy touch
You want somebody who will spend some time
Not come and go in a heated rush
Baby, believe me I understand
When it comes to love you want a slow hand
Moon shadowed ground with no one around
And a blanket of stars in our eyes
Hey, we’re drifting free like two losties
On the crazy wind of the night
Darling don’t say a word I’ve already heard
What your body is saying to mine
If you want all night you know it’s alright
I’ve got time
You’ve got a man with a slow hand
You’ve got a lover with an easy touch
You’ve got somebody who will spend some time
Not come and go in a heated rush
Baby, believe me I understand
When it comes to love you want a slow hand
You want a lover with an easy touch
You’ve got somebody who will spend some time with you, baby
Not come and go in a heated rush
Baby, believe me I understand