Unveiling the Enchantment: The Tale Behind Conway Twitty‘s “It’s Only Make Believe”
In the midst of an electrifying performance at the Flamingo Lounge in Hamilton, Ontario, Jack Nance, a member of Conway Twitty’s band, found himself struck by inspiration during an intermission. With the musical prowess of Twitty, they meticulously crafted what would become one of the most iconic songs of the era. Together, they breathed life into “It’s Only Make Believe,” infusing it with soul and sentiment.
Their journey took flight when a demo of the song, along with another gem titled “I’ll Try,” found its way to Twitty’s manager, Don Seat. MGM Records, captivated by the melodic magic woven into these compositions, orchestrated a recording session in Nashville on May 7, 1958. Twitty’s velvety vocals were accompanied by the harmonious echoes of the Jordanaires, with instrumental virtuosos such as Floyd Cramer and Grady Martin adding their brilliance to the mix. Under the guidance of producer Jim Vienneau, Twitty’s growling vocals were preserved, enhancing the song’s raw emotion.
“It’s Only Make Believe” emerged into the world on the flip side of “I’ll Try” on July 14, 1958. Despite initial setbacks with “I’ll Try,” fate had other plans. A DJ in Columbus, Ohio discovered the allure of the B-side and unleashed its enchantment upon the city. Like wildfire, the song’s popularity spread across the nation, igniting hearts and climbing the Billboard chart, eventually claiming the coveted No. 1 spot on November 10 and 24, 1958.
Twitty’s ascent to stardom was solidified with this transcendent hit, marking the pinnacle of his pop music career. Surpassing boundaries, “It’s Only Make Believe” soared to the summits of both the U.S. and UK Singles Chart, captivating audiences worldwide. Its universal appeal transcended borders, boasting sales of over 8 million copies and conquering charts in 22 countries.
While Twitty’s rendition of “It’s Only Make Believe” remained unparalleled, his musical journey continued to evolve. Collaborating with luminaries such as Loretta Lynn in 1970 and contributing to Ronnie McDowell’s 1988 uptempo cover, Twitty’s legacy resonated through generations, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of music history. Though his venture into country music awaited in 1966, “It’s Only Make Believe” remains an eternal testament to Twitty’s unparalleled artistry and enduring impact on the world of music.
- Artist: Conway Twitty
- Album: Icon
- Released: 1959
Lyrics
People see us everywhere
They think you really care
But myself I can’t deceive
I know it’s only make believe
My one and only prayer is that some day you’ll care,
My hopes, my dreams come true, my one and only you.
No one will ever know how much I love you so
My only prayer will be someday you’ll care for me
But it’s o-only make believe.
My hopes, my dreams come true, my life I’d give for you,
My heart, a wedding ring, my all, my everything.
My heart I can’t control, you rule my very soul,
My only prayer will be someday you’ll care for me
But it’s o-only make believe.
My one and only prayer, is that some day you’ll care,
My hopes, my dreams come true, my one and only you
No one will ever know how much I love you so
My prayers, my hopes, my schemes, you are my every dream
But it’s o-only make believe (Make believe)
