It's Only Make Believe

"It's Only Make Believe" is a song written by drummer Jack Nance and Mississippi-born singer Conway Twitty, while both were touring across Ontario, Canada in 1958. The song was recorded on May 7 for MGM Records; produced by Jim Vienneau, it featured Floyd “Lightnin’” Chance on double bass.[1] It was released on side B of "I'll Try" on July 14, 1958. Known as Harold Lloyd Jenkins until changing his name in 1957, Twitty was a relatively unknown rock n' roll singer at the time. That all changed when side B finally hit the chart in September, then made No. 1 twice, on November 10[2] and 24.[3] The single topped both U.S.[4] and the UK Singles Chart,[5] and became the only No. 1 pop single of his career. Years later, on a segment of 'Pop Goes The Country', Twitty stated it was a hit in 22 countries, and sold over 8 million copies.[6] He did not become a country music star until he crossed over in 1966.

"It's Only Make Believe"
Single by Conway Twitty
from the album Conway Twitty Sings
B-side	"I'll Try"
Released	July 14, 1958
Recorded	May 7, 1958
Studio	Bradley Film & Recording, Nashville
Genre	Country, rockabilly, pop
Length	2:10
Label	MGM
Songwriter(s)	Jack Nance, Conway Twitty
Producer(s)	Jim Vienneau
Conway Twitty singles chronology
"I Need Your Lovin'" (1957) "It's Only Make Believe" (1958) "The Story of My Love" (1958)
Audio sample
file help

Though Twitty recorded subsequent versions of "It's Only Make Believe", his original 1958 hit never entered the Country & Western charts. He recorded a 1970 duet with Loretta Lynn, on their first collaborative album, We Only Make Believe. Twitty joins in on the last verse in a 1988 uptempo cover by Ronnie McDowell, which was a No. 8 hit on the country music charts. Additionally, Twitty contributed to an alternative cover by McDowell.