Introduction
“Slow Hand” is a song that was popularized by Conway Twitty in 1982, but its origins trace back to the Pointer Sisters, who originally recorded it in 1981. The song was written by Michael Clark and John Bettis, and it was initially a crossover hit for the Pointer Sisters, blending country with pop and R&B influences. Twitty’s version gave the song a new life in the country music world, showcasing his smooth vocal delivery and ability to adapt a song into his style.
When Twitty covered “Slow Hand,” it was included on his album Dream Maker. The song’s sensual, slow-burning lyrics about a lover taking their time resonated with fans of Twitty’s romantic, often intimate style. His rendition went on to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in September 1982, further solidifying Twitty’s status as a dominant figure in the country music industry.
The success of “Slow Hand” highlighted Twitty’s skill in selecting songs that appealed to both traditional country fans and those open to more contemporary sounds. His version of the song stripped away some of the R&B elements of the original and added a country feel with acoustic guitars and a laid-back rhythm, making it a staple of country music radio throughout the 1980s.
With its memorable melody and sensual lyrics, “Slow Hand” became one of Twitty’s signature hits, helping to define his career in the 1980s and cementing his reputation as a master of love ballads.