Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, was a pioneering American rock and roll and country music singer. Known for his distinctive voice and ability to blend genres, Twitty amassed a remarkable career spanning decades, from his early rockabilly hits to his later, more mature country ballads. He achieved significant success on both the pop and country charts, a feat rare for the time. While “It’s Only Make Believe” remains one of his most iconic rock and roll offerings, he later dominated the country scene, earning numerous Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards throughout his career.
Released in 1958, “It’s Only Make Believe” propelled Conway Twitty to international fame. The song, co-written with Jack Nance, became an instant hit, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song tells a poignant tale of unrequited love and the pain of pretending. The narrator expresses his deep affection for someone who doesn’t reciprocate his feelings, forcing him to feign indifference and happiness, creating a facade of “make believe.” This emotional vulnerability resonated deeply with listeners.
“It’s Only Make Believe” struck a chord with audiences who connected with the universal themes of heartbreak, longing, and the pretense we often adopt to protect ourselves. Its catchy melody, combined with Twitty’s heartfelt delivery, made it a radio staple and a jukebox favorite. While some initially categorized it as a simple love song, the song’s enduring popularity speaks to its underlying emotional complexity and the relatable struggle of masking true feelings. Listeners have consistently praised the song’s sincerity and Twitty’s ability to convey raw emotion, cementing its place as a classic in both rock and roll and popular music history.
