Conway Twitty's daughter Joni Twitty Ryles spearheaded the release of Timeless, an album of her late father's unreleased material. Recorded live on May 24, 1972 at Elvis Presley cohort Scotty Moore's studio, the 14 song collection aired once on the Navy Hoedown radio show. It's Twitty's first vinyl release since 1991's Even Now, the final album released before his passing.
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The presence of backing band the Twitty Birds differentiates these recordings from Twitty's staggering 55 No. 1 hits. While Twitty often recorded with ace Nashville producers and session musicians, he performed live with the likes of steel guitarist John "Buttermilk" Hughey, bassist "Big Joe" Lewis and drummer Tommy "Pork Chop" Markham. These recordings shed some light on why his late '60s and early '70s live show remains the stuff of legend.
The album features versions of Twitty's earliest hits, including "Hello Darlin'" and "How Much More Can She Stand." An equally rewarding traditional country take on "Proud Mary" best proves the versatility and skill of Twitty and his supporting cast. Also, few country legends over the decades sang "Honky Tonk Man" and "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (and Loud, Loud Music)" with more style or conviction.
READ MORE: Do You Remember When Conway Twitty Sang "Hello Darlin'" in Russian?
Tom Gramuglia of Country Rewind Records discovered the obscure recordings. Ryles and her husband, country singer John Wesley Ryles, recorded backup vocals and oversaw additional tweaks at Ricky Skaggs' studio.
Timeless Track Listing:
1. "(Lost Her Love) On Our Last Date"
2. "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud, Loud Music)"
3. "Hello Darlin'"
4. "How Much More Can She Stand"
5. "Working Girl"
6. "I Can't See Me Without You"
7. "I Love You More Today"
8. "Crazy Arms"
9. "15 Years Ago"
10. "Honky Tonk Man"
11. "The Image Of Me"
12. "If You Were Mine To Lose"
13. "Proud Mary"
14. "Next In Line"
