It’s True Love remains an iconic country duet performed by the legendary Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, first released in April 1980 as the second single from their collaborative album, Diamond Duet. The heartfelt ballad was penned by celebrated songwriter Randy Goodrum and brought to life under the production of David Barnes. This song stands as a quintessential example of classic country music’s profound storytelling and emotional resonance.
The narrative of It’s True Love is beautifully simple yet deeply moving, capturing the essence of an all-encompassing romance. The song opens with Conway Twitty’s rich vocals expressing an unwavering devotion — he sings of moving mountains for the woman he adores. Loretta Lynn follows, declaring her willingness to change the very color of her hair to please the man she loves. Together, their voices meld in a tender harmony, conveying an unprecedented depth of feeling and mutual acknowledgment that what they share is genuine true love.
“Conway and Loretta had a way of making every lyric feel like a personal confession. When he sang about moving mountains, you could believe he’d cross any obstacle just to see Loretta smile,” says James Hawthorne, a longtime country music historian.
Upon release, It’s True Love climbed the charts, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, marking a significant commercial success. Critics lauded the track for its unpretentious but powerful lyrics, which spoke to universal emotions with remarkable clarity. Since then, the duet has transcended its era, earning its place as a timeless country standard and often cited as one of the greatest duets in the genre’s history.
“That song encapsulates everything we love about country music: honest storytelling and heartfelt emotion. It’s simple, yet it hits you right in the soul,” noted Mary Ellen Carter, a music critic and former radio DJ specializing in country hits.
Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn were already towering figures in country music throughout the 1970s and 1980s, celebrated for their individual careers. Their partnership, however, especially through songs like It’s True Love, solidified their legendary status. This duet not only showcased their vocal chemistry but also highlighted their ability to collaborate and create music that resonated deeply with audiences.
“Loretta always said working with Conway brought out the best in her. Their voices complemented each other naturally, like two halves of the same story,” recalls Patsy Monroe, a longtime friend and former tour manager for Lynn.
The charm of It’s True Love also lies in its accessibility. The lyrics and melody are straightforward and memorable, making the song a favorite at karaoke nights and sing-alongs across the country. Its enduring appeal continues to bridge generational gaps, inviting fans both old and new to immerse themselves in its narrative of unshakable love.
In addition to its artistic and commercial acclaim, the song has an intriguing backstory. The original recording was by country icons Tammy Wynette and George Jones in 1978, but their version wasn’t released until after Twitty and Lynn’s rendition had already become a hit. This adds an interesting layer to the song’s history, showcasing how different artists have interpreted its message over time.
“It’s fascinating that the song had two lives. Tammy and George’s version was soulful and heartfelt, but with Conway and Loretta’s release first, it took on a new dimension for fans everywhere,” explains Robert Jenkins, a music archivist specializing in 20th-century country music.
The song’s influence extended well beyond the music charts. Over the years, numerous esteemed artists have covered It’s True Love, including legends like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, Reba McEntire and Vince Gill, as well as Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss. Such widespread reinterpretations underscore the song’s versatility and enduring relevance in country music.
One of the more notable cultural moments featuring It’s True Love appeared in the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption. The track played during a pivotal scene when Andy Dufresne, portrayed by Tim Robbins, walks free from prison — a cinematic use that added emotional depth to a story of hope and redemption.
“When they chose ‘It’s True Love’ for that scene, it was perfect. The song’s message of enduring devotion mirrored Andy’s journey, and it introduced the duet to a whole new audience beyond country fans,” shared Linda Morales, a film music supervisor involved in the project.
For enthusiasts of country music, It’s True Love by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn remains an essential listen. It’s a song full of genuine feeling, a gentle reminder of the power of love and its ability to persevere through all challenges. Whether through its poignant lyrics, memorable melody, or the unmistakable vocal chemistry between Twitty and Lynn, It’s True Love continues to resonate deeply with fans around the world.
Video
https://youtube.com/watch?v=i6qN5Kxa4wE%3Ffeature%3Doembed
