Country music legend Conway Twitty first released his sorrowful ballad “Hello Darlin‘” 1970 off his album of the same name, and ever since then, it has been breaking hearts with its melancholy lyrics.
Over the decades, many artists have covered the classic song too. Here are some of our hand-picked favorites.
George Jones
Is there anything more powerful than one legend honoring another? Days after the world lost the great Conway Twitty, country music legend George Jones paid an emotional tribute to the late singer with a tearful rendition of his iconic “Hello Darlin’.”
Conway Twitty died at the age of 59 after suffering an abdominal aortic aneurysm in 1993. In honor of the passing of the music icon, Jones released his own rendition of “Hello Darlin’,” featured off his 1993 album High Tech Redneck.
Brad Paisley
If he’s not melting your heart with his coy smile, Brad Paisley’s rendition of “Hello Darlin'” will surely do. It’s no secret that Paisley has quite the knack for eliciting tearful and emotional reactions from his fans. However, this was definitely a moving performance that no one had expected.
Back in September of 2009, Paisley was seen on a dimly lit stage centered around an eager crowd. He broke the audience into applause just by merely uttering the words “Hello, darlin’,” setting the audience in an eruption of cheers. The band leisurely begins the music, and we are introduced to a familiar tune.
Loretta Lynn
Their friendship was one of the most beloved in the world of country music. Every time Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn performed together, there’s magic all over.
But even though they often sang together, it was pretty rare for either to sing one of the other’s solo hits. Finally, during a television appearance in the 1970s, Lynn did just that, much to everyone’s surprise. Sitting on a bench surrounded by stunning plants, Lynn delivered a beautiful rendition of Twitty’s most loved song, “Hello Darlin’.”
For You
But not only that, Lynn also recorded a cover version of the song on her 1971 album Coal Miner’s Daughter.
Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery proved on American Idol that he could really sing — and he showed off his exceptional talent during his Grand Ole Opry appearance in 2015 with a cover of “Hello Darlin’.”
While Conway Twitty would often open his concerts with “Hello Darlin’,” McCreery chose to close his time at the Opry with the track. As he launched into the smooth song, the audience started cheering, excited for what’s to come. McCreery’s rich, deep voice is absolutely the perfect fit for Twitty’s certified hit.
“That’s Conway Twitty, y’all,” McCreery said at the end of the song.
Michael Twitty
Conway Twitty is a country music singer with a one-in-a-million type of talent. So his son, Michael, has been working extremely hard to keep his father’s legacy alive by traveling the country singing his music.
During Michael’s performance on Country’s Family Reunion in 2016, in front of several legends, he immortalized his legendary father with a wonderful cover of “Hello Darlin’.”
It did not take a second after Michael spoke the opening “Hello, Darlin'” line when his peers erupted in cheers. They knew right then and there that they were in store for some treat. His heartfelt rendition of the classic song is absolutely moving and might even bring a tear to your eye.
But even though these talented covers are amazing, there is no way you can replace someone like Conway Twitty. No one can sing “Hello Darlin'” quite like this legend. With such a distinct voice and signature growl, he can never be replaced nor forgotten.
