Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in 1933, was a prominent American country music artist who successfully crossed over into pop and rock and roll early in his career. With a signature baritone voice and a knack for emotionally resonant storytelling, Twitty garnered numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music awards. He also holds the record, alongside George Strait, for the most number-one singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. While later known for his overtly suggestive and romantic country hits, one of his earliest and most enduring successes was the rock and roll ballad “It’s Only Make Believe.”
Released in 1958, “It’s Only Make Believe,” co-written with Jack Nance, propelled Twitty to international stardom. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, selling millions of copies and establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Its raw emotion and catchy melody resonated with audiences yearning for narratives of heartbreak and yearning.
“It’s Only Make Believe” tells the poignant tale of unrequited love, where the protagonist feigns happiness and contentment in a relationship that lacks genuine connection. The lyrics depict a facade of joy masking a deep, underlying sadness, as the singer pretends to be in love while desperately longing for reciprocation. This theme of deceptive appearances and hidden emotions struck a chord with listeners, many of whom could relate to the pain of unfulfilled affections.
The song’s impact was immediate and long-lasting. Audience feedback often lauded Twitty’s vocal delivery, praising its sincerity and vulnerability. Fans connected with the song’s relatable themes of longing and deception, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Twitty’s talent and the song’s universal appeal, solidifying its place in music history.