Recorded in 1969
Written by Jack Nance • Conway Twitty • Unreleased
Last updated on March 8, 2025
Timeline This song was recorded in 1969
This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:
The "Get Back / Let It Be" sessions • Day 7
Jan 10, 1969
From Wikipedia:
“It’s Only Make Believe” is a song written by drummer Jack Nance and Mississippi-born singer Conway Twitty, while both were touring across Ontario, Canada in 1958. The song was recorded on May 7 for MGM Records; produced by Jim Vienneau, it featured Floyd “Lightnin’” Chance on double bass. It was released on side B of “I’ll Try” on July 14, 1958. Known as Harold Lloyd Jenkins until changing his name in 1957, Twitty was a relatively unknown rock n’ roll singer at the time. That all changed when side B finally hit the chart in September, then made no. 1 twice, on November 10 and 24. The single topped both U.S. and the UK Singles Chart, and became the only #1 pop single of his career. Years later, on a segment of ‘Pop Goes The Country’, Twitty stated it was a hit in 22 different countries, and sold over 8 million copies. He did not become a country music star until he crossed over in 1966.
Though Twitty recorded subsequent versions of “It’s Only Make Believe”, his original 1958 hit never entered the Country & Western charts. He recorded a 1970 duet with Loretta Lynn, on their first collaborative album, We Only Make Believe. Twitty joins in on the last verse in a 1988 uptempo cover by Ronnie McDowell, which was a #8 hit on the country music charts. Additionally, Twitty contributed to an alternative cover by McDowell. […]
On January 10, 1969, during the “Get Back” sessions, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Ringo Starr played a version of “It’s Only Make Believe” after George Harrison announced he was leaving the Beatles.
A/B Road Complete Get Back Sessions - Jan 10th, 1969 - 3 & 4
Unofficial album • Released in 2004
1:42 • Rehearsal • Jan.10 - D3-26 - It's Only Make Believe 10.72
Performed by : Paul McCartney • Ringo Starr • John Lennon
Session Recording: Jan 10, 1969 • Studio Twickenham Film Studios, London, UK
"It's Only Make Believe" was covered during The Beatles' "Get Back" sessions in January 1969. Here is the complete list of covers recorded by Paul McCartney, either alone or with other Beatles, during these sessions:
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