“Georgia Keeps Pulling On My Ring,” “Boogie Grass Band” and “Your Love Had Taken Me That High” all reached the Top Five. However, Conway’s salute to the Grand Ole Opry called “The Grandest Lady Of Them All” stopped at number 16. Although most performers would have been pleased, it was the worst stretch for Conway in more than a decade.
He insisted that his subsequent split from Bradley had nothing to do with the chart numbers – that he had already been contemplating a new approach. Owen encouraged Conway to do what he felt was necessary when they discussed the plan, and although Twitty ended their association amicably, the legendary producer was saddened and disappointed. He had helmed every one of Conway’s sessions since his signing to Decca Records in 1966. They made a total of 39 Top Ten hits together, with 25 of them reaching number one on Billboard’s country chart.
Whether coincidental or not, Twitty resumed his string of number one records with his very next release, “Don’t Take It Away,” in which Conway served as his own producer. He continued in that role for the remainder of his chart career, with occasional assistance from big-name producers such as Ron Chancey and Jimmy Bowen. Twitty’s post-Bradley tenure saw him log 15 more chart-toppers for a total of 40, second only to George Strait’s official, authentic and accurate Billboard count of 44.
“I’ve Already Loved You In My Mind” ON AMAZON
