Roy Orbison (April 23, 1936 – December 6, 1988) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his powerful and emotive voice, as well as his timeless contributions to the rock and roll and country genres. Born in Vernon, Texas, Orbison rose to prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s with a string of hits.
Orbison’s distinctive voice, coupled with his knack for writing poignant and often operatic ballads, set him apart in the rock and roll era. His breakthrough came with the song “Only the Lonely” in 1960, which marked the beginning of a series of chart-topping hits. Other notable songs from this era include “Crying,” “Running Scared,” and “Oh, Pretty Woman.”
With his trademark sunglasses and dark clothing, Orbison created a mysterious and iconic stage persona. His songs often explored themes of heartbreak, unrequited love, and longing, resonating with audiences and earning him a dedicated fan base.
In addition to his solo career, Roy Orbison was a member of the supergroup Traveling Wilburys, which included Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne.
Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife and two of his sons, Orbison continued to make music throughout his career. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Roy Orbison’s influence on the rock and roll genre and his timeless ballads have endured through the decades. His impact is celebrated not only for his chart successes but also for his unique voice and ability to convey deep emotions through his music.
1. “Oh, Pretty Woman”
- "Oh, Pretty Woman" is one of Roy Orbison's most iconic songs.
- The song was released in 1964 and quickly became a smash hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries.
- Its memorable guitar riff, powerful vocals, and catchy lyrics make it a timeless classic.
- The song was featured in the popular movie "Pretty Woman" starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
- Over the years, it has been covered by numerous artists, including Van Halen and Al Green.
Fun Fact: "Oh, Pretty Woman" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, recognizing its significance in the music industry both culturally and historically.
2. “Crying”
"Crying" is one of the most iconic songs by Roy Orbison. Here are the steps to appreciate and enjoy this timeless classic:
- Listen to the original version of "Crying" released in 1961.
- Pay attention to Orbison's powerful and emotive vocals.
- Notice the haunting melodies and the sweeping orchestration.
- Read the lyrics to appreciate the heartfelt and melancholic themes.
- Explore different cover versions by artists like k.d. lang and Don McLean.
True story: A friend of mine once played "Crying" during a road trip, and it instantly created a nostalgic and emotional atmosphere. We found ourselves singing along and reminiscing about past loves. The song truly has a magical way of connecting people through its universal emotions.
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, known for its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics. Released in 1960, it reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song perfectly captures the feeling of loneliness and longing, resonating with listeners around the world.
Interestingly, Orbison wrote the song in just 20 minutes while sitting in his car outside his house. This timeless classic continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest songs of all time.
4. “In Dreams”
"In Dreams" is a timeless classic by Roy Orbison, known for its haunting melody and emotionally charged lyrics. The song showcases Orbison's powerful vocals and his ability to convey intense emotions through his music. With its dramatic orchestration and heartfelt storytelling, "In Dreams" remains one of Orbison's most beloved songs. It's a must-listen for any fan of his music and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time.
5. “You Got It”
"You Got It" by Roy Orbison is a timeless classic that showcases his incredible vocal range and emotional depth. Here are five steps to fully appreciate this iconic song:
- Listen to the song with headphones to fully immerse yourself in the rich instrumentation and Orbison's powerful vocals.
- Pay attention to the song's catchy melody and memorable chorus, which make it instantly recognizable.
- Read the lyrics to appreciate the heartfelt and romantic message behind the song.
- Watch the music video to see Orbison's charisma and stage presence as he performs the song.
- Share the song with friends and family who appreciate great music to spread the joy and admiration for Roy Orbison.
Pro-tip: Try singing along to "You Got It" to fully appreciate the vocal talent and range of Roy Orbison.
6. “Blue Bayou”
"Blue Bayou" is one of the most beloved songs by Roy Orbison. Here are some steps to fully appreciate this classic:
- Listen to the original recording by Roy Orbison.
- Pay attention to Orbison's haunting vocals and emotional delivery.
- Appreciate the nostalgic lyrics that evoke a longing for a lost love.
- Notice the beautiful orchestration and arrangement, featuring lush strings and a memorable melody.
- Watch live performances of "Blue Bayou" to witness Orbison's captivating stage presence.
- Explore different cover versions by artists like Linda Ronstadt and Norah Jones.
Get lost in the enchanting world of "Blue Bayou" and discover why it remains one of Roy Orbison's greatest hits.
7. “Running Scared”
"Running Scared" is one of the most iconic songs by Roy Orbison, known for its haunting melody and powerful vocals. To fully appreciate this timeless classic, here are some steps to take:
- Listen to the original version released in 1961.
- Pay attention to the intricate orchestration and the way Orbison's voice soars effortlessly.
- Notice the emotional depth of the lyrics, describing the fear and vulnerability of being in love.
- Explore the song's impact and influence on subsequent artists and music genres.
- Watch live performances of "Running Scared" to witness Orbison's captivating stage presence.
Fact: "Running Scared" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidified Roy Orbison's status as a legendary singer-songwriter.
8. “It’s Over”
"It's Over" is a timeless classic by Roy Orbison that showcases his incredible vocal range and emotional depth. To truly appreciate this song, follow these steps:
- Find a quiet space where you can listen to the song without any distractions.
- Close your eyes and allow the music to transport you to another world.
- Pay attention to Orbison's powerful vocals and the haunting melody of the song.
- Listen to the lyrics and feel the emotions that Orbison pours into every word.
- Allow yourself to connect with the feelings of heartbreak and loss conveyed in the song.
Fact: "It's Over" was released in 1964 and became one of Roy Orbison's biggest hits, reaching the top ten on the charts in both the US and the UK.
9. “Love Hurts”
"Love Hurts" is one of Roy Orbison's most beloved songs, capturing the universal theme of heartbreak. To fully appreciate this iconic track, follow these steps:
- Listen to the original version by the Everly Brothers, released in 1960.
- Discover the soulful rendition by Roy Orbison, released in 1961.
- Pay attention to Orbison's powerful and emotive vocals, perfectly conveying the pain of lost love.
- Notice the haunting melody, with its melancholic guitar and soaring strings.
- Appreciate the timeless lyrics, which resonate with anyone who has experienced the sting of a broken heart.
- Explore the song's enduring popularity, with numerous cover versions by artists such as Nazareth and Cher.
- Reflect on the song's lasting impact, as it continues to connect with audiences around the world.
"Love Hurts" was originally written by Boudleaux Bryant and recorded by the Everly Brothers. However, it was Roy Orbison's soulful interpretation that truly cemented the song's place in music history. With his unique vocal range and emotive delivery, Orbison transformed "Love Hurts" into a timeless classic that still resonates with listeners today. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to Orbison's talent and the universal nature of heartbreak.
10. “Pretty Paper”
"Pretty Paper" is a classic holiday song by Roy Orbison. Here are the steps to fully appreciate this beautiful track:
- Listen to the original version of "Pretty Paper" by Roy Orbison.
- Pay attention to the heartfelt lyrics that tell the story of a lonely street vendor.
- Appreciate Orbison's emotive and soulful vocals.
- Notice the gentle and soothing melody that captures the essence of the holiday spirit.
- Take note of the simple and elegant instrumentation that enhances the song's charm.
- Reflect on the universal themes of kindness, compassion, and empathy that the song conveys.
If you enjoy "Pretty Paper," you might also like other classic holiday songs by Roy Orbison such as "Blue Christmas" and "Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)." These songs are sure to evoke nostalgia and warm feelings during the holiday season.
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.
