Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in 1933, was a pivotal figure in country and pop music, blurring genre lines with his distinctive, velvety voice and sensual delivery. Before becoming a country icon, Twitty had rock and roll aspirations, scoring a hit with “It’s Only Make Believe” in 1958. However, he found his true calling in country music in the 1960s, becoming renowned for his smooth ballads and narrative songs that often explored themes of love, lust, and longing. He racked up an impressive 55 number-one country hits throughout his career, earning him numerous awards, including multiple CMA and ACM Awards. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
In 1982, Twitty released “Slow Hand,” a song originally made famous by The Pointer Sisters. While their version was more pop-oriented, Twitty’s rendition leaned heavily into his signature country ballad style, emphasizing the song’s underlying romantic and suggestive nature. The song, written by John Bettis and Michael Clark, speaks of a deliberate and sensual approach to love, with the “slow hand” metaphorically representing a lover’s tender and lingering touch. It’s an invitation to savor the moment and fully experience the intimacy of the connection.
“Slow Hand” became a significant hit for Twitty, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The audience responded positively to Twitty’s interpretation, appreciating his ability to infuse the song with a raw, heartfelt emotion that was distinct from the original. Many praised his vocal delivery for its vulnerability and the way he conveyed the song’s message of desire and intimacy. While some found the song’s suggestive lyrics a bit daring for country music at the time, the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive, solidifying “Slow Hand” as a classic in Twitty’s repertoire and a memorable entry in the landscape of 1980s country music.
