Unraveling the Enigmatic Tale Behind Conway Twitty‘s “Don’t Cry Joni”
In the realm of music history, rare gems occasionally emerge – songs so compelling that they present themselves in twos, captivating audiences with their distinct charm. Conway Twitty’s release of “Touch the Hand” and “Don’t Cry Joni” in 1975 was a shining example of this intriguing phenomenon.
“Touch the Hand” took the spotlight first, hitting the airwaves on May 1, 1975. Within three weeks, the song made a resounding entrance on Billboard’s country singles chart, immediately captivating listeners. Climbing the ranks over the next nine weeks, it eventually reached the coveted number one position. But the captivating twist of this tale was yet to unfold.
Simultaneously, lurking on the flip side of this unique single was “Don’t Cry Joni,” a heartfelt song that held a special place in Conway’s heart. This tender duet featured his own 16-year-old daughter, Joni Lee Twitty. The story behind “Don’t Cry Joni” was as poignant as the song itself.
Conway had written the song nearly a decade earlier as a heartfelt gift to his beloved daughter. Though he had shown no previous interest in pursuing a career in entertainment, Joni’s high school graduation brought about an unexpected change of heart. Seeing the potential and wanting to encourage her dreams, Conway decided to feature her on one of his albums.
As the duo stepped into the recording studio in December 1974, Joni’s nerves were palpable. Her father chuckled as he recalled the sound of her knees knocking together in fear. Yet, they pressed on, and the result was a touching and beautiful rendition of “Don’t Cry Joni.”
Upon releasing the “Touch the Hand” single, Conway suggested placing “Don’t Cry Joni” on the B-side, hoping it would give his daughter’s aspirations a boost. However, fate had different plans for this heartfelt composition. Surprisingly, radio stations across the nation flipped the single, propelling “Don’t Cry Joni” into the limelight.
The song’s reach extended beyond expectations, crossing language barriers and winning the hearts of Spanish-speaking audiences as well. This unexpected success brought a glimmer of stardom to Joni Lee Twitty, making “Don’t Cry Joni” the most triumphant record among Conway’s offspring. His daughter Kathy had also ventured into music under the name “Jesseca James,” while his eldest son Mike pursued records as “Charlie Tango.” But it was Joni’s heartfelt collaboration with her father that left the most lasting impact.
Amidst the song’s ascent, a legal dispute cast a shadow on Conway’s success. Songwriter Ron Peterson filed a copyright infringement lawsuit, claiming similarities between “Touch the Hand” and his own work. Though Conway maintained his innocence, the resemblance astonished him. Following his attorney’s advice, he opted to settle out of court, and subsequent releases rightfully credited Peterson as a co-writer.
As the years passed, “Don’t Cry Joni” remained a cherished part of Conway Twitty’s legacy, a poignant reminder of the love between a father and his daughter. The song’s heartfelt message, paired with the enchanting melody, continues to resonate with audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
In the annals of musical history, few tales are as captivating as the enigmatic story behind Conway Twitty’s “Don’t Cry Joni.” It is a story of unexpected success, a father’s unwavering support, and the enduring power of love woven into the timeless threads of music.
- Recorded: 1974
- Released: August 9, 1975
- Songwriter: Conway Twitty
- Genre: country
- B-side: “Touch the Hand”
- Label: MCA
Lyrics
Jimmy, please say you’ll wait for me
I’ll grow up someday, you’ll see
Savin’ all my kisses just for you
Signed with love, forever true
Joni was the girl who lived next door
I’ve known her, i guess, ten years or more
Joni wrote me a note one day
And this is what she had to say
“Jimmy, please say you’ll wait for me
I’ll grow up someday, you’ll see
Savin’ all my kisses just for you
Signed with love, forever true”
Slowly, I read her note once more
And I went over to the house next door
Her teardrops fell like rain that day
When I told Joni what I had to say
“Joni, Joni, please don’t cry
You’ll forget me by and by
You’re just 15, I am 22
And Joni, I just can’t wait for you”
Soon, I left our little hometown
Got me a job and tried to settle down
But these words kept haunting my memory
The words that Joni said to me
“Jimmy, please say you’ll wait for me
I’ll grow up someday, you’ll see
Savin’ all my kisses just for you
Signed with love, forever true”
I packed my clothes, and I caught a plane
I had to see Joni, I had to explain
How my heart was filled with her memory
And asked my Joni if she’d marry me
I ran all the way to the house next door
But things weren’t like they were before
My teardrops fell like rain that day
When I heard what Joni had to say
“Jimmy, Jimmy, please don’t cry
You’ll forget me by and by
It’s been five years since you’ve been gone
Jimmy, I married your best friend John”
