RIP Dwight Twilley

Long considered one of the prime architects of what came to be considered power-pop music, Dwight Twilley, best known for the Top 20 hit singles “I’m On Fire” and “Girls” has died at the age of 72.

A lifelong disciple of The Beatles who also harbored an enduring love for Elvis Presley, Twilley devoted his career to hooks, harmonies and ringing guitars.

Twilley started his music career in Tulsa with Phil Seymour before the two of them moved to Memphis where they happened upon Sun Studios where Sam Phillips’ son liked their songs so much that he sent them to Tupelo to work with former Sun artist Ray Harris who helped further shape their sound.

The record label they signed to had offices in both Los Angeles and Tulsa so they were able to self-produce many of their songs in their hometown including “I’m On Fire” which they recorded in one night. The full album had many issues in getting released, eventually coming out in 1976 to underwhelming sales results.

After one more album, Twilley went solo releasing his debut album, Twilley, in 1979 which continued his Beatles-inspired sound. It wasn’t until 1984 when he found his greatest success with his album Jungle. It blended his early rock songs with enough 80s synthesized sounds to create an album filled with quick, clever rock songs. Find it on your favorite streaming service, you won’t regret it.

Twilley opened his own studio in Tulsa and launched his own record label, spending the last half of his life releasing song after song of power-pop magic. There were Beatles cover albums he released and largely played to a cult audience who shared his passion for immaculately crafted pop-rock.

I’ve created a mixtape of his band and solo work. Enjoy.