He sure did! I remember listening to Conway Twitty before I knew he was country. Sometime around 1959 or 60 I saw him at a place called Devil's Lake Pavilion in Michigan. And, I don't think I'm dreaming this, but I believe Peggy Lee was there also.
Speaking of singers from Arkansas, we can't forget - - raising my voice to a high pitch - - Glen "The Rhinestone Cowboy" Campbell from Delight Arkansas.