Conway Twitty’s “The Rose” Brings a Country Soul to a Timeless Classic
By the time Conway Twitty released his version of The Rose in 1983, the song had already made waves in popular music. Originally recorded by Bette Midler for the 1979 film of the same name, the song had become a massive hit, known for its deeply poetic lyrics and soaring melody. But Twitty, a master of emotional storytelling in country music, took the song and transformed it into something uniquely his own. His rendition, drenched in warmth and sincerity, topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and gave The Rose a second life—this time, as a country classic.
Conway Twitty was no stranger to success. Born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in 1933, Twitty started as a rock and roll singer before fully transitioning into country music in the late 1960s. His smooth baritone and knack for heart-wrenching ballads made him one of the most beloved figures in country music. Over the years, he amassed an astounding number of number-one country hits, a record that stood for decades. His ability to take a song and make it feel deeply personal was a signature trait, and The Rose was a perfect example of that artistry.
The song itself, written by Amanda McBroom, was inspired by the idea of love as a force of resilience, often misunderstood but ultimately beautiful. McBroom initially struggled to get anyone to record the song, believing in its power but unsure if the industry would embrace it. That all changed when Bette Midler recorded it for the film The Rose, and it became one of the defining ballads of the era. The song’s introspective lyrics and grand orchestration made it a staple of pop music, but it took Twitty’s touch to translate its message into something country audiences could embrace.
Twitty’s approach to recording The Rose was simple yet profound. Stripping away the dramatic orchestration of Midler’s version, he opted for a more understated arrangement, allowing his rich, velvety voice to carry the emotional weight. His delivery was full of longing and wisdom, making the song feel like it was always meant to be a country ballad. Instead of theatrical highs, he let the song simmer, bringing out the gentle ache of its lyrics.
Upon release, Twitty’s The Rose quickly resonated with country audiences. It climbed to the top of the country charts, becoming his 30th number-one hit. For many listeners, it was an introduction to the song, as Twitty’s version reached an audience that may not have connected with its original pop release. Country radio embraced it wholeheartedly, further solidifying Twitty’s reputation as one of the greatest interpreters of songs in the genre.
Beyond its chart success, the song helped further blur the lines between country and pop, something Twitty had done many times before. His ability to take a song from another genre and infuse it with authentic country emotion showcased the versatility of the genre itself. It also highlighted Twitty’s gift for storytelling, proving that a song’s emotional core mattered more than where it originally came from.
For Twitty, The Rose was another defining moment in a career already filled with them. It reinforced his ability to reinvent songs and make them feel brand new. While he had written and recorded countless original hits, his knack for breathing new life into existing material set him apart from many of his contemporaries. He had previously done this with Danny Boy and Slow Hand, but The Rose stood out because of the delicate balance he struck between reverence for the original and his own artistic identity.
Twitty’s influence on country music is immeasurable, and The Rose remains one of his most poignant recordings. His interpretation proved that a great song can transcend genres, and his ability to deliver it with such sincerity ensured its place in country music history. Many country artists have since taken on crossover material, but few have managed to make it feel as seamless as Twitty did.
While Twitty’s version remains the definitive country rendition, The Rose has been covered by many other artists over the years. Some stayed close to Midler’s original arrangement, while others leaned toward Twitty’s more subdued take. Yet, his version continues to be the one that resonates most deeply with country audiences, standing as a testament to his interpretive genius.
At the time of the song’s release, Twitty was enjoying the latter half of an already legendary career. He continued to tour and record prolifically, never losing his ability to connect with audiences. His passing in 1993 was a massive loss to the music world, but his recordings, including The Rose, have ensured that his legacy remains intact.
Decades after its release, Twitty’s The Rose still holds a special place in country music history. It continues to be played on classic country stations, proving its lasting power. The song’s message about love, perseverance, and hope remains just as relevant today as it was when Twitty recorded it, making it one of those rare covers that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the original.
In many ways, The Rose is a perfect example of why Twitty was such an enduring artist. He had an unmatched ability to take a song and make it feel personal, as if it had been written just for him. His voice, smooth yet full of emotion, brought out the heart of every lyric, turning even the most well-known songs into something deeply personal and profoundly moving.
Ultimately, The Rose is not just another hit in Twitty’s long list of chart-toppers—it is a defining moment that showcases his ability to bridge genres and emotions with unparalleled ease. His rendition stands as one of the finest examples of how a great song, when placed in the right hands, can find new meaning and touch the hearts of an entirely new audience.
