About The Song
When music aficionados discuss the monumental career of Conway Twitty, the conversation inevitably turns to his unparalleled success in country music. His smooth baritone, emotive delivery, and incredible string of number-one hits defined a generation of country sound. However, for those who trace his journey back to its very beginnings, a different, yet equally compelling, musical identity emerges. Before the heartfelt country ballads, Harold Lloyd Jenkins – the man who would become Conway Twitty – was channeling the raw, vibrant energy of mid-century rock ‘n’ roll. A fascinating artifact from this formative period is the track “A’Huggin’ And A’Kissin'”, released around 1957 on Mercury Records, typically found as the B-side to the single “Double Talk Baby.”
This recording catches Twitty right in the midst of the rock ‘n’ roll explosion. The year 1957 was a high watermark for the genre, with artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis dominating the airwaves and capturing the spirit of youthful rebellion and excitement. It was within this electrifying atmosphere that Conway Twitty began shaping his sound. Penned by Jack Hammer (who later co-wrote “Great Balls of Fire”) and Joe Sherman, “A’Huggin’ And A’Kissin'” is pure, unadulterated rockabilly – a style blending blues, country, and rhythm and blues into a potent, danceable brew.
Listening to “A’Huggin’ And A’Kissin'” today offers a stark contrast to the measured, often slow-burning intensity of Twitty‘s later country hits. The song crackles with youthful energy. The instrumentation is characteristic of the era: a driving beat likely laid down by drums and an upright bass providing a solid rhythmic foundation, overlaid with insistent, possibly twangy, electric guitar work. The tempo is brisk, designed to get listeners moving, reflecting the dance craze culture that rock ‘n’ roll fueled. The production values are typical of the period – perhaps a touch raw, with an immediacy that captures the live energy of the musicians. The focus is less on polished perfection and more on capturing a feeling of unbridled enthusiasm.
Conway Twitty‘s vocal performance here is also markedly different from his later country persona. While hints of the resonant baritone might be present, his delivery is infused with the stylistic mannerisms of early rock ‘n’ roll. There’s an urgency, a propulsive quality to his singing that matches the instrumental fervor. While perhaps not as wild as some of his contemporaries, his voice carries the energetic spirit essential to the genre. The phrasing itself, including the titular phrase “A’Huggin’ And A’Kissin'”, possesses a rhythmic bounce and colloquial charm typical of the lyrical conventions found in many rockabilly tunes of the time. The emphasis is squarely on conveying vigor and excitement through the sound and rhythm of the words and melody.
This track, and others from his Mercury Records tenure, represent a crucial developmental stage for Twitty. While he hadn’t yet achieved the massive breakthrough success that would come shortly after with 1958‘s “It’s Only Make Believe” (a rock ‘n’ roll power ballad that hit number one on the pop charts), songs like “A’Huggin’ And A’Kissin'” show him honing his craft and exploring the dominant musical language of the day. It’s a snapshot of an artist finding his voice, experimenting with different facets of the rock ‘n’ roll sound – from upbeat rockers to more ballad-oriented material.
Hearing “A’Huggin’ And A’Kissin'” from our vantage point in 2025 provides valuable context for appreciating the full arc of Conway Twitty‘s remarkable career. It reminds us that before he became the “High Priest of Country Music,” he was a young musician channeling the electrifying sounds of rockabilly. This track is a vibrant piece of musical history, showcasing the raw energy and undeniable talent present even in his earliest recordings. It stands as a testament to his versatility and offers a fascinating listen for anyone interested in the roots of rock ‘n’ roll or the formative years of one of music’s most enduring legends. It’s pure sonic energy from a bygone era, delivered by a voice destined for greatness, albeit eventually in a different musical landscape.