Roy Orbison was an American singer, songwriter, and musician born on April 23, 1936, and passed away on December 6, 1988. He was known for his distinctive voice, which spanned three octaves, and his unique blend of rockabilly, pop, and country music. Orbison’s career peaked in the 1960s with hits like “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Crying,” and “Only the Lonely.” His songs often featured dramatic, emotionally charged lyrics and soaring melodies, earning him the nickname “The Big O.” Orbison’s influence on pop and rock music is profound, and he remains a revered figure in the history of American popular music.
1. Oh, Pretty Woman
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is a classic rock and roll song written and performed by Roy Orbison. Released in 1964, it became one of Orbison’s signature songs and a landmark in rock music history. The song features Orbison’s powerful and emotive vocals, characterized by his distinctive three-octave range. “Oh, Pretty Woman” is known for its catchy, upbeat melody, memorable guitar riff, and playful lyrics about a man who encounters a beautiful woman while walking down the street. The song topped charts around the world, solidifying Orbison’s status as a leading figure in rock and roll during the 1960s.
2. Crying
“Crying” is a classic ballad by Roy Orbison, released in 1961. It’s known for its emotive lyrics and Orbison’s distinctive vocal performance, showcasing his ability to convey heartbreak and longing. The song features a dramatic arrangement with a soaring string section and Orbison’s trademark falsetto, which became one of his signature vocal styles. “Crying” tells the story of a man who is heartbroken and unable to stop crying over lost love. It was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on charts in multiple countries and solidifying Orbison’s reputation as a masterful singer and songwriter in the realm of pop and rock ballads.
3. In Dreams
“In Dreams” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1963 as a single and later included on his album of the same name. It is known for Orbison’s distinctive and emotive vocal delivery, characterized by his powerful and operatic tenor voice.
Lyrically, “In Dreams” explores themes of longing, heartache, and the power of dreams. Orbison’s lyrics depict a narrative where dreams provide solace and escape from the pain of lost love. The song’s melancholic melody and orchestral arrangement enhance its emotional impact, creating a haunting and evocative atmosphere.
“In Dreams” became one of Roy Orbison’s signature songs and remains a classic in the realm of pop and rock music. It has been covered by various artists over the years and is celebrated for its timeless appeal, capturing Orbison’s ability to convey deep emotion and vulnerability through his music.
4. Only the Lonely
“Only the Lonely” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1960 as a single and later included on his album of the same name. It is one of Orbison’s most iconic songs, known for its haunting melody and Orbison’s emotive vocal performance.
Lyrically, “Only the Lonely” explores themes of heartache and loneliness. Orbison’s lyrics depict a narrative of unrequited love and longing, where the protagonist laments being alone and yearns for companionship. The song’s melancholic tone is enhanced by its orchestral arrangement and Orbison’s powerful vocal delivery, which showcases his distinctive falsetto and rich vocal range.
“Only the Lonely” became a commercial success for Roy Orbison, reaching high positions on music charts and solidifying his reputation as a talented singer-songwriter. It remains a classic in the realm of pop and rock music, celebrated for its timeless appeal and Orbison’s ability to evoke deep emotion through his music.
5. Running Scared
“Running Scared” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1961. It is known for its dramatic narrative and Orbison’s powerful vocal performance. The song features a distinctive arrangement with a haunting melody and orchestral backing, enhancing its emotional impact. “Running Scared” tells the story of a man who is afraid to confront his girlfriend’s ex-lover, fearing for his own safety. Orbison’s soaring vocals and the song’s intense build-up reflect the tension and desperation of the protagonist. “Running Scared” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and further establishing Orbison as a pioneer in emotional and cinematic rock ballads.
6. You Got It
“You Got It” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1989 as a single from his album “Mystery Girl.” It was written by Orbison, along with Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, who also contributed to the production. The song became one of Orbison’s most successful singles in the late 1980s, reaching high positions on music charts globally.
Lyrically, “You Got It” is a love song that expresses admiration and affection. Orbison’s lyrics convey a sense of admiration for someone special, celebrating their qualities and expressing his feelings of joy and contentment. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and Orbison’s emotive vocal delivery contributed to its popularity and widespread appeal.
“You Got It” marked a successful comeback for Roy Orbison in the late 1980s, reintroducing him to a new generation of listeners while reaffirming his status as a legendary figure in rock and roll music. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Orbison’s enduring influence and musical legacy.
7. Dream Baby
“Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1962. It’s known for its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, characteristic of Orbison’s early rockabilly and pop style. The song features Orbison’s smooth vocals and a lively arrangement with prominent guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section. “Dream Baby” tells the story of longing and yearning for a lost love, with Orbison expressing his desire to reunite with his dream girl. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and remains a beloved classic in Orbison’s discography.
8. Blue Bayou
“Blue Bayou” is a song originally written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, released by Orbison in 1963. It’s known for its dreamy, melancholic melody and Orbison’s soulful vocal delivery. The song depicts a longing for the peacefulness and nostalgia of a past life by the “blue bayou,” where the singer yearns to return. Orbison’s emotive performance, combined with the song’s lush orchestration and gentle rhythm, creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. “Blue Bayou” became one of Orbison’s most enduring hits, reaching high positions on charts around the world and solidifying its place as a classic in the realm of pop and rock ballads.
9. Mean Woman Blues
“Mean Woman Blues” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by Roy Orbison in 1963. It was written by Claude Demetrius, who also penned hits like “Blue Suede Shoes” for Elvis Presley. Orbison’s version of “Mean Woman Blues” features his distinctive vocals and a lively, uptempo beat typical of the rockabilly style popular in the early 1960s.
Lyrically, the song depicts a man lamenting the troubles caused by a difficult and temperamental woman, often described in the lyrics as a “mean woman.” The lyrics play on the traditional blues theme of relationship woes but set to an upbeat and energetic rock and roll rhythm.
“Mean Woman Blues” became a hit for Roy Orbison, charting well and becoming a staple in his live performances. Over the years, the song has been covered by various artists, further solidifying its status as a classic in rock and roll history.
10. It’s Over
“It’s Over” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1964. It is a powerful ballad that showcases Orbison’s vocal range and emotional depth. The song features a dramatic orchestral arrangement with sweeping strings and a poignant melody, enhancing its melancholic tone. “It’s Over” tells the story of heartbreak and acceptance, with Orbison lamenting the end of a relationship and coming to terms with the inevitability of moving on. His emotive delivery and the song’s evocative lyrics resonate with themes of loss and closure. “It’s Over” was a chart-topping hit in several countries and is considered one of Orbison’s greatest achievements in his career.
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.
