“People think that pop is a bad thing, but pop comes from the word "popular." And what makes something popular can be something very left field.” »read more
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This was written by Conway Twitty with his drummer Jack Nance between sets at the Flamingo Lounge, Hamilton.
Conway Twitty was US singer Harold Lloyd Jenkins. He changed his name in 1957 upon signing with Sun Records (although nothing was released) and the next year he switched to MGM with whom he recorded this. He changed his musical style to country in 1965 and scored 41 chart toppers on the Country charts before dying from cardiac arrest in 1993.
In 1970, Glen Campbell's cover reached #10 in the US and #4 in Britain. UK singer Billy Fury also reached #10 with this in the UK in 1964. (thanks, Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England, for all above)
More songs that were hits for more than one artist
Comments:
Actually, Conway Twitty had a few more pop top 40 hits after "It's Only Make Believe,", but only one of them, "Lonely Blue Boy," ever got close to making the top 10, and that was in early 1960.
Also, while Glen Campbell has done some great stuff over the years, I don't consider his cover of this song to be one of his better recordings.
- ted, phoenix, AZ
The song has a lot of soul, and demonstrates the power and versatility of Conway Twitty's voice. Several people have indeed said they thought it was Elvis Presley singing. Too bad Twitty did not remain in rock and roll. He did have one modest succces in that genere afterward: "The Story of My Love," in which he "croaked" very convincingly on two occasions. Chris
- Chris, Chico, CA
The story that i heard was that Harold Jenkins
changed his name to Conway Twitty-
by closing his eyes and picking 2 spots on a map.
Conway, Arkansas and Twitty, Texas.
- Frank, Valley Stream, NY
Great song. Also like the Glen Campbell's version.
- Phil, Borrego Springs, CA
A bit of additional trivia: Conway rerecorded IOMB several times throughout his career, at one point slightly changing the lyrics. Conway also recorded IOMB three times as a duet. Once with Loretta Lynn, and twice with country singer Ronnie McDowell. One of those two recordings was arranged with a mid-tempo shuffle beat instead of the standard ballad format.
- Ray, Ridgecrest, CA