Introduction
Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe” may surprise some listeners today. Though Twitty became a country music legend, this 1958 song wasn’t a twangy ballad, but a rock and roll-influenced pop tune.
Co-written by Twitty himself alongside Jack Nance, “It’s Only Make Believe” defied genre expectations. The catchy melody and driving rhythm propelled the song to the top of both the U.S. and U.K. pop charts, becoming Twitty’s only number one single outside the country realm.
Despite its pop success, “It’s Only Make Believe” didn’t find a place on the Country & Western charts at the time. This highlights the distinct lines between pop and country music in the late 1950s. However, the song’s enduring popularity helped pave the way for future country artists to explore crossover appeal.
While Twitty would later find immense fame within country music, “It’s Only Make Believe” stands as a unique chapter in his career. It’s a reminder of his early experimentation and the ever-evolving soundscape of American music in the late 50s. So, put on your blue suede shoes and crank up the volume, because even though “It’s Only Make Believe,” this song remains a rockin’ good time.