COUNTRY MUSIC Twitty's son, grandson perform in tribute

The show is coming to the W.D. Packard Music Hall.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
For years after the death of his country music superstar father, Conway Twitty, Michael Twitty eschewed offer after offer from promoters looking for the Nashville singer to perform his dad's hits.
Though Michael had been singing professionally since the early '70s, having recorded numerous albums for Capitol and RCA Records, he wasn't interested in imitating his father. That's when the oldest Twitty son dreamed up "Memories of Conway."
"It's not an imitation show," said Twitty, calling from his Nashville home. "It's kind of a tribute to my father and his music. And not only his music but the stories of his life, personally and professionally. And songs he came to write and what inspired him to write them. All different aspects of the life of Harold Jenkins, from a little boy in Mississippi all the way up to Conway Twitty, one of the most loved artists the world has ever known."
In fact, "Memories of Conway," which comes through Warren with a Saturday show at the W.D. Packard Music Hall, features seemingly three generations of Twitty, including Michael and his son Tre taking audiences back through decades of hits. With 55 No. 1 records in Conway Twitty's career, there's plenty of material. Twitty said he concentrates on the country hits ("Tight Fittin' Jeans," "Linda in My Mind" and more), while his 26-year old son, who apparently looks like a young Elvis Presley, tackles his grandfather's more rocking material ("Lonely Blue Boy," "Lay You Down" and more).
Dedicated performer
"I know how hard he worked for the 36 years he was in this business and put every ounce of energy he had into it," Twitty said. "He even passed away on the road, out there [after a show] in Branson, Missouri. He was on his way back home to Nashville for Fan Fair when he left this world. So we kind of took up where he left off. I think he'd be very proud of not only what we're doing but how we're doing it with the love, the stories and the respect that's felt at that show."
Nearly 13 years have passed since Conway Twitty's death from an aneurysm, but his legacy remains strong. Michael Twitty said his dad's catalog still sells between 300,000 to 500,000 units a year.
Invariably, "Memories of Conway" is an apropos appellation that is bound to entice Twitty fans to join together for an evening of memories involving one of country music's biggest stars. Said Michael Twitty, "It's something that's different, but I guarantee you we'll make you laugh, we'll make you cry, and we'll certainly entertain you."