Harold Lloyd Jenkins, known professionally as Conway Twitty, was a legendary American singer and songwriter born September 1, 1933, and died June 5, 1993. Initially part of the 1950s rockabilly scene, Twitty became best known for his country music. He earned numerous Country Music Association awards for duets with Loretta Lynn.
Nicknamed “The High Priest of Country Music” by Jerry Clower, he had 40 Billboard Hot Country Songs No. 1 hits, including “Hello Darlin'”, “You’ve Never Been This Far Before”, and “Linda on My Mind”. His crossover hit “It’s Only Make Believe” topped the Billboard Hot 100.
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Conway Twitty Net Worth
Conway Twitty had a net worth of $14 million at his death in 1993. He died at age 59, leaving a $15-million estate to his four children. Twitty was a highly successful country music artist with numerous hit songs and albums, recognized by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
He collapsed on his tour bus after a show and was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery but died from an abdominal aortic aneurysm. His net worth remains partly private.
Early life
Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins on September 1, 1933, in Friars Point, Mississippi, was of Welsh descent. Named after silent film star Harold Lloyd, his family moved to Helena, Arkansas, when he was 10. There, he performed on radio, formed the Phillips County Ramblers at age 12, and preached at church revivals.
A talented baseball player, he was offered a contract by the Philadelphia Phillies, but was drafted into the U.S. Army. Serving in the Far East, he formed the band Cimmarons, later choosing to pursue music over baseball.
Career
A Cimmarons member introduced Don Seat as manager for Harold Jenkins, who advised a name change. In 1957, Jenkins became Conway Twitty, inspired by Conway, Arkansas, and Twitty, Texas, as confirmed on the David Letterman Show in 1989.
Though Don Seat claimed his girlfriend coined the name earlier, Twitty stuck with it. Initially, he considered separating genres under different names but chose to fully pursue country by 1965. In 1957, he signed with Mercury Records, releasing unsuccessful singles like “I Need Your Lovin'”, which peaked at #93.
Personal life
Conway Twitty was married four times to three women. His first wife, Ellen Matthews, married him in 1953 due to pregnancy and had son Michael; they divorced in 1954. He wed Temple “Mickey” Medley in 1956, with whom he had Kathy, Joni Lee, and Jimmy Twitty.
After divorcing and remarrying, they finally split in 1984; Mickey died in 2021. In 1987, he married Delores “Dee” Henry. Twitty lived in Oklahoma City and Norman, ran Twitty Burger, and in 1981 suffered a head injury that reportedly changed his personality.
Who Got Conway Twitty’s Money When He Died?
Upon his death, Twitty’s estate, valued at $15 million, was intended for his four children, as stated in his will. This decision led to a legal battle involving his widow, who was legally entitled to a portion of his estate.
Conclusion
Conway Twitty’s legacy in country music is unmatched, with a career that not only showcased his versatility across genres but also cemented his status as a music icon. His net worth at the time of his death reflects not just the financial success he achieved but also the timeless appeal of his music, which continues to enchant listeners around the world.
FAQs about Conway Twitty
- What genres did Conway Twitty perform in before settling on country music?
- Early life
- How many number one hits did Conway Twitty have?
- Conway Twitty achieved an impressive feat with 40 number one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart throughout his career.
- Was Conway Twitty ever inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame?
- Yes, Conway Twitty was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a testament to his significant contributions to the genre.
- How did Conway Twitty come up with his stage name?
- Twitty adopted his stage name by combining the names of two towns, Conway, Arkansas, and Twitty, Texas, to create a name with star quality.
- Did Conway Twitty have any other interests outside of music?
- Besides music, Twitty was passionate about baseball and even considered pursuing a professional career in the sport before fully committing to his musical endeavors.
