About the song
In the realm of country music, few songs have captured the hearts of listeners as profoundly as Conway Twitty’s “Hello Darlin'”. Released in March 1970, this iconic tune has stood the test of time, becoming a country standard and a testament to Twitty’s enduring legacy. As the first single and title track from his album of the same name, “Hello Darlin'” marked a significant milestone in Twitty’s career, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and earning the distinction of being named the No. 1 song of 1970.
The song’s origins can be traced back to Twitty’s dissatisfaction with the opening line he had written during the recording process. Record producer Owen Bradley’s suggestion to speak the line “Hello darlin’, nice to see you” proved to be a masterstroke, resulting in a hook that has become instantly recognizable to fans. The song’s narrative revolves around a man who runs into an old flame and, despite his initial bravado, is unable to hide his deep sorrow for the mistakes that led to the breakup of their relationship.
Over the years, “Hello Darlin'” has been covered by a diverse range of artists, including George Jones, Lynn Anderson, Bobby Bare, Wanda Jackson, and Scotty McCreery, among others. Loretta Lynn, with whom Twitty frequently performed, recorded a cover version on her 1971 album Coal Miner’s Daughter. The song has also made appearances in popular culture, featuring in episodes of Family Guy and Friday Night Lights, as well as being played during the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975.
The Russian language version of the song, “Privet Radost”, was recorded by Twitty in collaboration with a language professor from the University of Oklahoma and was played by American astronauts to Russian cosmonauts as a gesture of goodwill. Although it did not chart, “Privet Radost” is available on The Conway Twitty Collection box set.
The personnel involved in the original recording of “Hello Darlin'” included Conway Twitty on lead vocals, Joe E. Lewis and The Anita Kerr Singers on background vocals, Harold Bradley on electric 6-string bass guitar, Grady Martin on electric guitar, Larry Butler on piano, Ray Edenton on acoustic guitar, John Hughey on steel guitar, Tommy Markham on drums, and Bob Moore on bass.
In conclusion, “Hello Darlin'” is a timeless country classic that has captured the hearts of listeners for generations. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Twitty’s skill as a songwriter and performer, and its influence can be seen in the many cover versions and references in popular culture. As a country music standard, “Hello Darlin'” continues to be a beloved and iconic song that will be cherished for years to come.
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Lyrics
Hello darlin’
Nice to see you
It’s been a long time
You’re just as lovely
As you used to be
How’s your new love
Are you happy
Hope your doin’ fine
Just to know it
Means so much to me
What’s that darlin’
How am I doin’
I’m doin’ alright except I can’t sleep
And I cry all night ’til dawn
What I’m trying to say is I love you and I miss you
And I’m so sorry that I did you wrong
Look up darlin’
Let me kiss you
Just for old time sake
Let me hold you
In my arms one more time
Thank you darlin’
May God bless you
And may each step you take
Bring you closer
To the things you seek to find
Goodbye darlin’
Gotta go now
Gotta try to find a way
To lose these memories
Of a love so warm and true
And if you should ever find it
In your heart to forgive me
Come back Darlin’
I’ll be waitin’ for you…