Unveiling the Tale Behind Conway Twitty’s Chart-Topping Hit: “Fifteen Years Ago”
Authored by Raymond Smith
In the world of country music, legends are born in unexpected ways. Conway Twitty‘s journey to his fifth #1 country single, “Fifteen Years Ago,” is a fascinating story of chance and talent. The mastermind behind this hit, Raymond Smith, initially dipped his toes into songwriting during his early teens. However, by 1969, he found himself managing a “beautiful music” radio station in the quaint town of Greenville, Tennessee. It was a chance encounter with Jack Greene’s soul-stirring traditional country performance that rekindled his passion for songwriting. The inspiration struck him like lightning, and he set to work on “Fifteen Years Ago” the very night of the concert, completing most of it by the following day.
Smith took matters into his own hands, funding a recording session and releasing “Fifteen Years Ago” as a single under Sugar Hill records, an independent label that was burgeoning at the time and remains an enduring force in the music world, particularly among bluegrass artists. The track saw success in a handful of markets, including Dallas, Philadelphia, and Knoxville, Tennessee, home to one of the nation’s leading country music stations, the 50,000-watt WIVK-AM, which played it regularly.
The pivotal moment arrived when Conway Twitty graced a Knoxville nightclub with his performance. A friendly WIVK disc jockey, who happened to be a friend of Smith’s, approached Twitty and recommended that he give Raymond’s recording of “Fifteen Years Ago” a listen, despite its failure to make a national mark. Instead of waiting to send a copy to Twitty’s office, the deejay insisted on calling the radio station right then and there to arrange for the song to be delivered to Conway. As fate would have it, Twitty got his hands on the record that very night at the club, found a record player, and pressed play.
Twitty’s response was immediate and enthusiastic. He was so captivated by “Fifteen Years Ago” that he made a late-night call to Smith at his home. The purpose of the call was simple – Twitty wanted permission to record the song. Smith, taken aback by this unexpected turn of events, granted his blessing, leading to Conway’s recording of the track a few weeks later at “Bradley’s Barn.” This state-of-the-art studio, built in 1964 by the legendary producer Owen Bradley, was located in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, just 20 miles east of downtown Nashville.
Raymond Smith had the privilege of attending the recording session. Conway Twitty was supported by his usual ensemble of top-tier musicians, including the renowned guitar virtuoso Grady Martin, pianist Larry Butler, steel guitarist John Hughey, and the harmonious background vocalists, The Jordanaires. Twitty, as always, delivered an impeccable performance, and “Fifteen Years Ago” reached the pinnacle of success, reigning atop Billboard’s “Hot Country Singles” chart on November 21, 1970. This chance encounter and late-night call between two musical talents wove a tale that will forever be etched in the annals of country music history.
Album: Fifteen Years Ago
Released: 1970
Artist: Conway Twitty
Lyrics
I saw a man today, who said he talked to you
Not so long ago, I think a month or two
As my mind raced back in time, I prayed
Oh, Lord, don’t let it show
He thinks I forgot you fifteen years ago
Fifteen years ago and I still feel the same
Why did he have to mention your name?
I’m as broken up inside as if it’s been a week or so
Takes a mighty strong love, to keep a man thinking of a girl
He hasn’t seen since fifteen years ago
I’ve got a lovely wife who thinks the world of me
Promised her my love through all eternity
I’ve tried hard to make her happy, and so far, she doesn’t know
I can’t shake this thing of fifteen years ago
Fifteen years ago and I still feel the same
Why did he have to mention your name?
I’m as broken up inside as if it’s been a week or so
It takes a mighty long time, to get a real love off your mind
I know, I’ve tried since fifteen years ago
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