Roy Orbison (1936–1988) was an American singer-songwriter and musician, renowned for his distinctive voice, emotive ballads, and timeless hits. Born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, Orbison began his music career in the mid-1950s, achieving widespread success in the 1960s with a string of iconic songs.
Orbison’s music is characterized by his powerful and versatile tenor voice, which allowed him to effortlessly soar from low to high notes with incredible range and control. His songs often explored themes of love, heartbreak, and longing, resonating with audiences around the world.
One of Orbison’s most famous songs is “Oh, Pretty Woman,” released in 1964. The song topped charts worldwide and became Orbison’s signature song, known for its catchy melody, memorable guitar riff, and Orbison’s emotive vocal performance.
Orbison’s other notable hits include “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” “In Dreams,” and “You Got It,” among many others. His distinctive sound and timeless songs have earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a lasting legacy as one of the greatest voices in the history of popular music.
In addition to his solo career, Orbison was a member of the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys, alongside Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty. The group released two albums in the late 1980s, featuring Orbison’s vocals on tracks such as “Handle with Care” and “End of the Line.”
Tragically, Orbison passed away on December 6, 1988, at the age of 52, but his music continues to live on, inspiring new generations of artists and fans alike. His timeless songs and unforgettable voice ensure that he remains a beloved and influential figure in the history of popular music.
1. “Oh, Pretty Woman”
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is one of Roy Orbison’s most iconic and enduring songs, released in 1964. Written by Orbison and Bill Dees, the song features a distinctive guitar riff and Orbison’s powerful, emotive vocals, making it instantly recognizable and universally beloved.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman walking by, and he can’t help but be captivated by her. Throughout the song, the narrator expresses his admiration for the woman’s beauty and fantasizes about being with her.
“Oh, Pretty Woman” became a massive commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries around the world. It also earned Orbison his first Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary (R&R) Performance – Male. The song’s popularity was further boosted by its inclusion in the soundtrack of the 1990 romantic comedy film “Pretty Woman,” starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
Beyond its commercial success, “Oh, Pretty Woman” has left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring countless covers and references in film, television, and other media. Its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and Orbison’s incomparable vocal performance have cemented its status as a timeless classic and a defining song of the 1960s.
2. “Crying”
“Crying” is a classic song by American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison, released in 1961. It was written by Orbison and Joe Melson and became one of Orbison’s signature songs.
“Crying” is known for its emotional lyrics and Orbison’s powerful, operatic vocal delivery. The song explores themes of heartbreak and longing, with Orbison lamenting the loss of a romantic relationship and expressing his sadness through tears.
The song’s arrangement features a dramatic orchestral backing, including sweeping strings and haunting background vocals. Orbison’s soaring vocals, coupled with the lush instrumentation, create a sense of grandeur and intensity that is characteristic of his style.
“Crying” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It has since become one of Orbison’s most enduring and beloved songs, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
With its heartfelt lyrics, powerful vocals, and lush orchestration, “Crying” remains a classic in the realm of pop and rock music, solidifying Roy Orbison’s legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
3. “Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)”
“Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)” is a song by American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison, released in 1960. It was written by Orbison and Joe Melson and became one of Orbison’s first major hits.
“Only the Lonely” is characterized by its haunting melody and Orbison’s distinctive, emotive vocals. The lyrics convey a sense of loneliness and heartache, with Orbison singing about the pain of unrequited love and the longing for companionship.
The song’s arrangement features a simple yet effective combination of guitar, piano, and strings, creating a moody and atmospheric backdrop for Orbison’s vocals. The soaring chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Only the lonely, know the way I feel tonight,” has become iconic and instantly recognizable.
“Only the Lonely” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It established Orbison as a major force in the world of rock and roll and laid the foundation for his subsequent success.
With its timeless appeal and universal themes of heartbreak and longing, “Only the Lonely” remains one of Roy Orbison’s most beloved songs and a classic in the realm of pop and rock music.
4. “In Dreams”
“In Dreams” is a haunting and emotive song by Roy Orbison, released in 1963. It’s renowned for its melancholic melody, Orbison’s distinctive vocals, and its evocative lyrics.
The song depicts a dream in which the narrator is reunited with a lost love, experiencing moments of joy and happiness, only to wake up and realize it was just a dream. Orbison’s powerful vocals convey a sense of longing and heartache, adding depth and emotion to the song.
“In Dreams” became one of Orbison’s signature songs, earning critical acclaim and commercial success upon its release. It’s known for its lush orchestration, featuring strings and dramatic crescendos that heighten the emotional impact of the song.
The song’s enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years, further cementing its status as a classic in the realm of popular music. With its timeless melody and poignant lyrics, “In Dreams” continues to resonate with listeners, capturing the universal experience of love, loss, and longing.
5. “You Got It”
“You Got It” is a song by American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison, released in 1989. It was written by Orbison, along with his Traveling Wilburys bandmates Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty.
“You Got It” is characterized by its upbeat tempo and catchy melody. The lyrics express admiration and affection, with Orbison singing about the qualities he admires in his romantic partner. The chorus features the repeated refrain, “Anything you want, you got it; anything you need, you got it,” conveying a sense of unconditional love and support.
The song’s production features a polished pop-rock sound, with jangly guitars and a driving rhythm section. Orbison’s smooth vocals add depth and emotion to the track, showcasing his ability to convey genuine sentiment through his singing.
“You Got It” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It became one of Orbison’s most popular songs in the late 1980s and remains a favorite among fans of his music.
With its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, “You Got It” is regarded as one of Roy Orbison’s signature songs and a classic in the realm of pop-rock music.
6. “Blue Bayou”
“Blue Bayou” is a timeless classic originally recorded by Roy Orbison in 1963. Written by Orbison and Joe Melson, the song is characterized by its dreamy melody, Orbison’s emotive vocals, and its evocative lyrics.
In “Blue Bayou,” the narrator expresses a longing to return to a place of tranquility and happiness, symbolized by the titular “Blue Bayou.” The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a serene waterfront setting, where the narrator yearns to find solace and escape from the troubles of the world.
Orbison’s vocal performance on “Blue Bayou” is both soulful and heartfelt, conveying a sense of nostalgia and longing that resonates with listeners. The song’s lush instrumentation, featuring strings and a gentle rhythm, adds to its ethereal and romantic atmosphere.
“Blue Bayou” became one of Orbison’s most beloved and enduring songs, earning critical acclaim and commercial success upon its release. It reached the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has since been covered by numerous artists across various genres.
With its timeless melody and poignant lyrics, “Blue Bayou” continues to captivate audiences and evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing. It remains a cherished classic in the realm of popular music, showcasing Orbison’s talent as a singer-songwriter and his ability to craft emotionally resonant songs.
7. “Running Scared”
“Running Scared” is a song by American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison, released in 1961. It was written by Orbison and Joe Melson and became one of Orbison’s most iconic songs.
“Running Scared” is known for its dramatic and haunting melody, as well as Orbison’s powerful vocal performance. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is afraid to face the consequences of his actions and is running scared from the woman he loves.
The song’s arrangement features a lush orchestral backing, with sweeping strings and a driving rhythm section. Orbison’s soaring vocals, coupled with the emotional intensity of the music, create a sense of urgency and tension that is characteristic of his style.
“Running Scared” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It became one of Orbison’s signature songs and remains a classic in the realm of pop and rock music.
With its unforgettable melody, powerful vocals, and evocative lyrics, “Running Scared” solidified Roy Orbison’s reputation as one of the greatest vocalists of all time and remains a beloved classic in the world of music.
8. “It’s Over”
“It’s Over” is a poignant and emotionally charged song by Roy Orbison, released in 1964. Written by Orbison and Bill Dees, the song is renowned for its powerful vocals, dramatic orchestration, and heartbreaking lyrics.
In “It’s Over,” the narrator laments the end of a relationship and the pain of heartbreak. Orbison’s emotive vocals convey a sense of despair and resignation as he sings about the finality of the breakup and the realization that the relationship is truly over.
The song’s orchestration, featuring lush strings and a dramatic arrangement, adds to its emotional impact, heightening the sense of heartache and longing conveyed in Orbison’s performance. The soaring crescendos and haunting melody further enhance the song’s dramatic intensity.
“It’s Over” became one of Orbison’s most acclaimed and enduring songs, earning praise from critics and audiences alike for its raw emotion and powerful delivery. It reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has since been covered by numerous artists across various genres.
With its timeless appeal and universal themes of love and loss, “It’s Over” continues to resonate with listeners, capturing the pain and anguish of heartbreak in a way that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. It remains a classic in the realm of popular music, showcasing Orbison’s talent as a singer-songwriter and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound emotional level.
9. “Love Hurts”
“Love Hurts” is a song written and composed by Boudleaux Bryant, an American songwriter. It was first recorded by the Everly Brothers in July 1960, and their version became the most famous rendition of the song.
“Love Hurts” is a ballad that explores the pain and heartache that often accompanies romantic relationships. The lyrics describe the emotional toll of love, portraying it as a source of both joy and sorrow. The refrain “Love hurts, love scars, love wounds, and mars” is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the theme of love’s painful nature.
The Everly Brothers’ version of “Love Hurts” is characterized by their close harmony singing and acoustic guitar accompaniment. The song’s melancholic melody and poignant lyrics struck a chord with listeners, and it became one of the duo’s most enduring hits.
“Love Hurts” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Roy Orbison, Nazareth, and Cher, among others. Each rendition brings its own interpretation to the song, but the theme of love’s bittersweet nature remains a central focus in all versions.
10. “Pretty Paper”
“Pretty Paper” is a beloved Christmas song originally written by country music legend Willie Nelson in 1963. The song tells the story of a street vendor selling Christmas wrapping paper and other holiday decorations on a bustling city street.
Nelson’s heartfelt lyrics describe the scene of the vendor standing in the cold, surrounded by shoppers bustling about with their holiday purchases. Despite the festive atmosphere, the vendor is lonely and yearning for companionship, as he watches couples holding hands and children laughing.
The song’s chorus features the poignant refrain, “Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue / Wrap your presents to your darlin’ from you.” These lines capture the essence of the holiday spirit and the tradition of gift-giving, while also conveying a sense of longing and melancholy.
“Pretty Paper” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Roy Orbison, who released a version of the song in 1963. Orbison’s rendition became a hit, reaching the top 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning widespread acclaim for its emotive vocals and lush orchestration.
With its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Pretty Paper” has become a cherished classic in the realm of Christmas music, evoking feelings of nostalgia and warmth during the holiday season. It remains a beloved favorite among listeners of all ages, serving as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of spreading love and goodwill to others.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
