Conway Twitty and Country Music...
Beginning in the 1969, I recorded and sang country
music professionally for about 13 years. I was very blessed to be surrounded by
Christian entertainers who mentored and protected me. Conway Twitty took me under his wing when I was 13 years old
and let me be a part of his road show. At
that time, Conway flew my parents and me to his home in Oklahoma where he
produced a demo session on me. Due to Conway’s confidence in me and his
influence, this demo led to my debut on the Grand Ole Opry and a recording
contract with Columbia Records. I
was also booked by United Talent, which was co-owned by Conway Twitty &
Loretta Lynn. I may best be
remembered for my rendition of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”.
My rendition of that song and several others charted nationally in
Billboard and Record World.
I
cherish the memories of performing on Conway’s shows around the country.
What an opportunity he gave me in welcoming me as part of his entourage.
I was honored to have the privilege to sometimes open the show.
Often, Conway would call me back to sing an additional song or two during
the midst of his show while he played lead guitar along with his band, the
Twitty Birds. Conway was the
epitome of a gentleman and lived his Christian beliefs.
He was the real deal. He was
one of the most thoughtful, kind, and compassionate people I have ever known.
Conway’s first love was his family and I am so thankful for the
precious time I spent in their home as I was growing up and since then.
I am forever grateful for the genuine Christian example of Conway &
Mickey Twitty as a couple and as individuals, and for the inspiration they have
provided me throughout the years .
This season in my life as a country artist was simply
my training ground for what God would have me do now.
God has clearly shown to me my purpose, enabling me through my music to
encourage others to trust Him and to persevere in the midst of adversity.
God is in control and we must continually make a deliberate choice to
trust Him and to have the faith that He will enable us, come what may. I believe
with all of my heart that God’s grace, His supernatural ability to do in us
and through us what we could never do on our own, will always be sufficient.
“And we know
that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are
the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28