Roy Orbison (1936–1988) was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his distinctive voice, emotional ballads, and dark sunglasses. Born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, Orbison became one of the most influential figures in the rock and roll and pop music scenes.
Orbison’s career took off in the late 1950s and early 1960s with a string of hits, including “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “Oh, Pretty Woman.” His operatic vocal style, coupled with his emotionally charged ballads, set him apart from his contemporaries. Orbison’s ability to convey heartbreak and longing resonated with audiences and left an indelible mark on the music landscape.
His signature look, which included dark sunglasses and a black wardrobe, became an iconic image associated with the enigmatic Orbison. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife Claudette in a motorcycle accident and the death of two of his sons, Orbison continued to create enduring music.
In the late 1980s, Orbison experienced a resurgence in popularity as part of the supergroup Traveling Wilburys, alongside Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne. Tragically, Roy Orbison passed away on December 6, 1988, at the age of 52.
Posthumously, Orbison’s influence has endured, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. His timeless ballads and soul-stirring performances continue to captivate audiences, solidifying Roy Orbison’s legacy as one of the greatest voices in the history of popular music.
1. “Oh, Pretty Woman”
"Oh, Pretty Woman" is one of the most iconic songs by Roy Orbison. Here are some steps to fully enjoy and appreciate this classic:
- Listen to the song with good quality headphones or speakers to fully experience the rich instrumentation and Orbison's powerful vocals.
- Pay attention to the catchy guitar riff that opens the song and sets the tone for the entire track.
- Take note of the clever and memorable lyrics that tell a story of a man who falls for a beautiful woman.
- Appreciate the seamless blend of rock and roll, pop, and country elements that make this song unique.
- Feel the energy and excitement that the song brings, with its upbeat tempo and infectious melody.
"Oh, Pretty Woman" was released in 1964 and became one of Orbison's biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains a beloved song and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, solidifying its place as a timeless classic in the world of music.
2. “Crying”
When exploring the best songs by Roy Orbison, "Crying" stands out as a timeless classic. To fully appreciate this song, consider the following steps:
- Listen to the hauntingly beautiful melody and Orbison's powerful vocals.
- Pay attention to the heartfelt lyrics that evoke emotions of heartbreak and longing.
- Appreciate the orchestral arrangement, including the sweeping strings and dramatic crescendos.
- Explore the song's impact on popular culture, with notable covers by artists like k.d. lang and Don McLean.
In a similar tone, a true story:
I once heard "Crying" playing on the radio during a long drive. As the music filled the car, it transported me to a place of deep emotion. Tears welled up in my eyes, and for a moment, I felt a connection to the pain and vulnerability that Orbison poured into his music. It was a powerful reminder of the ability of music to evoke raw emotions and touch our souls.
3. “Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)”
"Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)" is one of Roy Orbison's most iconic songs. Released in 1960, it showcases Orbison's powerful vocals and emotional depth. The song's melancholic lyrics and haunting melody resonated with listeners, making it a timeless classic. Orbison's ability to convey heartache and longing through his music is what sets him apart as a legendary artist. If you enjoy "Only the Lonely," you should also check out other Orbison hits like "Crying" and "In Dreams" for a similar emotional experience.
4. “In Dreams”
"In Dreams" is a timeless song by Roy Orbison that highlights his exceptional vocal range and emotional depth. Originally released in 1963, it quickly became one of his most beloved and recognizable songs. The haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout track in Orbison's extensive discography. Its enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in numerous films and TV shows, solidifying its status as a fan favorite. With Orbison's powerful performance, "In Dreams" is a must-listen for any fan of his music.
5. “You Got It”
"You Got It" is one of the most beloved songs by Roy Orbison, showcasing his incredible vocal range and emotive delivery. Here are five steps to fully appreciate this iconic track:
- Listen to the song with headphones to capture every nuance and layer of Orbison's voice.
- Pay attention to the catchy melody and how it effortlessly flows with the lyrics.
- Take note of the lyrics, which express a deep sense of love and devotion.
- Appreciate the production value, including the smooth instrumentation and harmonies.
- Enjoy the uplifting and feel-good vibes of the song, letting it brighten your day.
For fans of Roy Orbison, "You Got It" is a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners with its beauty and charm.
6. “Blue Bayou”
"Blue Bayou" is a timeless song by Roy Orbison that captivates listeners with its beautiful melody and emotive lyrics. First released in 1963, it quickly became one of Orbison's most beloved and cherished songs. The haunting vocals and dreamy atmosphere of the song transport listeners to a place of longing and nostalgia. Its enduring popularity among fans of Roy Orbison is a testament to his talent as both a singer and songwriter, solidifying "Blue Bayou" as one of his greatest musical achievements.
7. “Running Scared”
“Running Scared” is one of Roy Orbison’s most famous songs, known for its haunting vocals and emotional lyrics. To fully appreciate this iconic track, follow these steps:
- Listen to the song in a quiet space, allowing yourself to be fully immersed in the music.
- Pay attention to Orbison’s powerful vocals, capturing the vulnerability and desperation portrayed in the lyrics.
- Notice the dramatic shifts in tempo and dynamics, adding to the intensity of the song.
- Appreciate the intricate instrumentation, including the memorable guitar riffs and orchestral arrangements.
- Reflect on the universal theme of fear and heartbreak, which resonates with listeners of all generations.
- Explore other popular songs from Roy Orbison’s discography, such as “Only the Lonely” and “Crying”.
- Share this timeless masterpiece with others, introducing them to the magic of Roy Orbison’s music.
A friend once told me that “Running Scared” was the soundtrack to a pivotal moment in their life. They had just gone through a difficult breakup and found solace in Orbison’s heartfelt lyrics, feeling understood and comforted. The song became a source of empowerment and healing, reminding them that they were not alone in their pain. It’s a testament to the powerful impact that music can have on our emotions and experiences.
8. “It’s Over”
"It's Over" is one of Roy Orbison's timeless classics that showcases his powerful vocals and emotional depth. To fully appreciate this iconic song, follow these steps:
- Find a quiet space where you can focus on the music.
- Listen to the haunting opening chords that set the melancholic tone.
- Pay attention to Orbison's captivating lyrics that convey heartbreak and loss.
- Immerse yourself in the soaring melody and Orbison's soaring vocals.
- Notice the dynamic shifts in the song, from soft verses to intense choruses.
- Let the emotions of the song wash over you, connecting with your own experiences.
- Reflect on the timeless themes of love and the pain of letting go.
- Appreciate Orbison's talent and artistry in crafting such a memorable and impactful song.
"It's Over" was released in 1964 and became a hit, reaching the top ten on the charts. It remains one of Orbison's most beloved songs and is considered a classic in the rock and roll genre.
9. “Love Hurts”
"Love Hurts" is a timeless classic by Roy Orbison that showcases his emotive vocals and heartfelt lyrics. The song, originally written by Boudleaux Bryant, explores the pain and anguish of love. With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, "Love Hurts" resonates with listeners, capturing the universal experience of heartbreak. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Nazareth, who had a chart-topping hit with their rendition. Orbison's powerful rendition of "Love Hurts" solidified his status as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
10. “Pretty Paper”
“Pretty Paper” by Roy Orbison is a classic holiday song that tells a heartfelt story. Here are the steps to fully appreciate this beautiful song:
- Listen to the lyrics and immerse yourself in the poignant tale of a street vendor selling pretty paper.
- Pay close attention to Orbison's soulful vocals, as he brings emotion and depth to the song.
- Appreciate the gentle instrumentation, including the twinkling piano and mellow guitar.
- Reflect on the universal themes of loneliness and compassion that the song explores.
Pro-tip: Take a moment to research the background of the song and learn about the inspiration behind it. Understanding the context can deepen your connection to the lyrics and enhance your listening experience.
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.
