Conway Twitty

Conway Twitty, originally a '50s rock & roll singer, reigned as the top country superstar of the '70s and '80s, earning a record 40 number one hits over two decades. Twitty's smooth, resonant voice and adventurous style helped him sell country as "adult" music, incorporating subtly suggestive lyrics into lush productions that were sensitive and sensual. Born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in Mississippi, Twitty's career evolved from rock & roll to country in the '60s, eventually collaborating with Loretta Lynn for a successful series of duets. His solo hits like "You've Never Been This Far Before" and "Hello Darlin'" showcased his mature, string-laden sound, solidifying his status as a chart-topping artist until his sudden death in 1993.

Twitty's career spanned various labels, from Mercury to Decca and MCA to Warner Bros., where he continued to dominate the charts with hits like "I Don't Know a Thing About Love (The Moon Songs)" and "Desperado Love." Despite the rise of new country in the early '90s, Twitty maintained his popularity through record sales and live performances until his passing from an abdominal aneurysm. Praised for his contribution to country music, Twitty's legacy endures with over 40 number one hits, a feat matched only by George Strait in 2009.