Why isn’t modern country music still like this? Purely classic!
“Holding Her and Loving You” is a poignant song by Earl Thomas Conley, released in August 1983 as the second single from his album “Don’t Make It Easy for Me.” The track, penned by Walt Aldridge and Tom Brasfield, achieved significant success, becoming Conley’s fourth number one hit on the country charts. Its emotional depth is conveyed in a runtime of 3:09, under the RCA label, with Nelson Larkin and Conley himself as producers. The song’s commercial performance was noteworthy, reaching the pinnacle of the US Hot Country Songs chart and securing the number two spot on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks. By April 2019, it had sold 156,000 digital copies, highlighting its enduring appeal .
Earl Thomas Conley’s career trajectory offers a fascinating backdrop to this song’s success. Initially struggling to make an impact in Nashville, Conley moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where he connected with record producer Nelson Larkin. This pivotal meeting led to a contract with GRT in 1974, although it took some time for Conley to find chart success. His perseverance paid off when he signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1979, leading to his first Top 40 hit. Conley’s partnership with Larkin continued to flourish, culminating in a string of hits in the early 1980s, including “Holding Her and Loving You.” This track was part of the album “Don’t Make It Easy for Me,” which set a record by producing four Number One singles, a first for any genre at the time. Conley’s ability to blend country with other genres was further evidenced in his 1986 duet with Anita Pointer of the Pointer Sisters, demonstrating his versatility and appeal across music spectrums.
Conley’s later years saw a mix of continued creativity and challenges. Despite facing industry shifts and personal health issues, he left an indelible mark on country music, collaborating with artists like Randy Scruggs to return to his roots. His co-written track with Blake Shelton in 2002, “All Over Me,” reached the Top 20, showcasing his lasting influence on the genre. Earl Thomas Conley passed away on April 10, 2019, but his musical legacy, characterized by heartfelt lyrics and a unique blend of country and pop, continues to resonate with fans old and new.
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