Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, was a multifaceted artist whose life encompassed more than his renowned country music career. Here are some lesser-known aspects of his life:
1. Early Aspirations in Baseball
Before his musical breakthrough, Twitty was a talented baseball player and was scouted by the Philadelphia Phillies. However, his aspirations were interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
2. The Origin of ‘Conway Twitty’
His stage name was a combination of two towns: Conway, Arkansas, and Twitty, Texas. He believed this name had a more appealing ring for a performer than his birth name.
3. Entrepreneurial Ventures and Legal Challenges
Twitty ventured into the restaurant business with a chain called Twitty Burger, which eventually failed. Demonstrating integrity, he repaid investors from his own funds. In a notable 1983 tax court case, the IRS allowed him to deduct these repayments as business expenses, recognizing his commitment to his reputation.
4. Estate Disputes After His Passing
Following his death in 1993, Twitty’s estate became the center of legal disputes among family members and associates. Issues arose due to an outdated will and verbal agreements, leading to prolonged litigation and highlighting the complexities of estate planning.
5. A Sudden and Tragic Demise
Twitty collapsed after a performance in Branson, Missouri, in June 1993 and died the following day from an abdominal aortic aneurysm at the age of 59. His passing was a significant loss to the music community.