Roy Orbison was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his powerful and emotive voice, as well as his distinctive sound blending rock and roll, country, and pop influences. He was born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, and passed away on December 6, 1988.
Orbison began his music career in the 1950s, initially finding success as a songwriter for other artists before launching his own solo career. He signed with Sun Records in 1956 and released a series of singles that failed to gain much attention. However, he achieved commercial success in the early 1960s with hits like “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “Running Scared,” which showcased his powerful vocals and dramatic ballad style.
Orbison’s distinctive voice, often described as operatic and haunting, set him apart from his contemporaries and earned him the nickname “The Big O.” He continued to release successful singles throughout the 1960s, including “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which became his signature song and a global hit.
Despite facing personal and professional challenges in the late 1960s and 1970s, Orbison experienced a career resurgence in the late 1980s. He collaborated with the supergroup Traveling Wilburys and released the album “Mystery Girl,” which featured the hit single “You Got It.”
Orbison’s impact on popular music is profound, with his distinctive voice and emotional delivery influencing generations of singers and songwriters. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and received numerous accolades throughout his career. Orbison’s music continues to be celebrated for its timeless quality and enduring appeal, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest voices in rock and roll history.
1. Oh, Pretty Woman
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is a song written and performed by Roy Orbison, along with co-writer Bill Dees. It was released as a single in 1964 and later included on Orbison’s album “Orbisongs.”
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is one of Orbison’s most iconic and enduring songs. It features a distinctive guitar riff, a catchy melody, and Orbison’s powerful and emotive vocals. Lyrically, the song tells the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman walking down the street and is captivated by her, expressing his admiration and desire for her.
The song’s memorable guitar riff was reportedly inspired by Orbison’s wife, Claudette, who walked into the room while Orbison and Dees were writing the song and said she was going out. Orbison replied, “Pretty woman don’t walk out on me,” which became the basis for the song.
“Oh, Pretty Woman” was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. It became Orbison’s signature song and remains one of the most recognizable and beloved songs in rock and roll history.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a classic of popular music. In 1990, “Oh, Pretty Woman” gained renewed popularity when it was prominently featured in the film “Pretty Woman,” starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
2. Crying
“Crying” is a song by American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison. It was released as a single in 1961 and later included on his album “Crying” in 1962.
“Crying” is characterized by its dramatic and emotional lyrics, expressing the pain and heartache of lost love. Orbison’s powerful and soaring vocals, coupled with the song’s lush orchestration, create a haunting and unforgettable ballad.
The song became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and topping the charts in several other countries. It has since become one of Orbison’s signature songs and is considered a classic in the realm of pop and rock music.
The emotional impact of “Crying” has resonated with listeners for decades, and it has been covered by numerous artists across different genres. Orbison’s impassioned delivery and the timeless quality of the song continue to captivate audiences, cementing its status as a masterpiece of popular music.
3. In Dreams
“In Dreams” is a song by American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison. It was released as a single in 1963 and later included on his album “In Dreams” in 1963.
“In Dreams” is characterized by its haunting melody and Orbison’s distinctive and emotive vocals. Lyrically, the song explores the theme of longing and desire, with Orbison singing about being able to find solace and fulfillment in his dreams when he is unable to find it in reality.
The song became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and charting well in other countries as well. It has since become one of Orbison’s most beloved and enduring songs, regarded as a classic in the realm of pop and rock music.
“In Dreams” has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials over the years. Orbison’s powerful vocal performance and the song’s timeless appeal continue to resonate with audiences, making it a cherished part of his musical legacy.
4. Only the Lonely
“Only the Lonely” is a song by American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison. It was released as a single in 1960 and later included on his album “Lonely and Blue” in 1961.
“Only the Lonely” is characterized by its melancholic lyrics and Orbison’s soaring vocals. Lyrically, the song portrays the feelings of heartbreak and loneliness experienced by someone who has been left by their lover. The narrator expresses how they feel lost and isolated without their partner, with the refrain “Only the lonely know the way I feel tonight” emphasizing their sense of solitude.
The song became a major commercial success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and topping the charts in several other countries. It was also well-received by critics, who praised Orbison’s powerful vocal performance and the song’s emotive melody.
“Only the Lonely” is regarded as one of Orbison’s signature songs and a classic in the realm of pop and rock music. It has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, television shows, and commercials over the years. Orbison’s ability to convey raw emotion through his vocals and the timeless quality of the song continue to resonate with audiences, making it a cherished part of his musical legacy.
5. Running Scared
“Running Scared” is a song by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. It was released as a single in 1961 and later included on Orbison’s album “Crying.”
“Running Scared” is a dramatic ballad that features Orbison’s powerful and emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is afraid to lose his lover and is haunted by the possibility of her leaving him. He describes feeling like a “fool” and “running scared” because he knows he will be heartbroken if she goes.
The song’s arrangement is characterized by its pulsating rhythm, sweeping strings, and Orbison’s soaring falsetto vocals. Orbison’s vocal performance, with its raw emotion and intensity, adds to the song’s dramatic impact.
“Running Scared” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and several other countries. It became one of Orbison’s most beloved and enduring songs, showcasing his talent for crafting poignant and memorable ballads.
The song has been covered by various artists over the years and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, solidifying its status as a classic of popular music. Orbison’s powerful performance on “Running Scared” continues to captivate listeners and cement his legacy as one of the greatest voices in rock and roll history.
6. You Got It
“You Got It” is a song co-written and performed by Roy Orbison. It was released as a single in 1989 and later included on Orbison’s album “Mystery Girl,” which was released posthumously in 1989.
“You Got It” is a pop rock song with a catchy melody and Orbison’s signature emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics express admiration and affection for a romantic partner, with Orbison singing about how “you got it” – meaning that the person possesses qualities that make them special and desirable.
The song was co-written by Orbison, along with Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty of the Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup that Orbison was a part of. The Traveling Wilburys also provided backing vocals for the song.
“You Got It” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and topping the charts in several other countries. The song’s upbeat and catchy sound appealed to audiences, and Orbison’s distinctive vocals added depth and emotion to the track.
The success of “You Got It” helped to revive Orbison’s career in the late 1980s, and the song remains one of his most popular and enduring hits. It has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a classic of popular music.
7. Dream Baby
“Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)” is a song written by American country music singer Cindy Walker. It was first recorded and released by Roy Orbison in 1962 as a single, and later included on his album “Crying.”
“Dream Baby” is characterized by its catchy melody and upbeat tempo, with Orbison’s distinctive vocals. Lyrically, the song portrays the narrator’s longing and desire for a lost love, expressing the pain of separation and the hope of reuniting with their beloved.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and topping the charts in several other countries. It was also well-received by critics, who praised Orbison’s vocal performance and the song’s catchy hook.
“Dream Baby” has since become one of Orbison’s most beloved and enduring songs, regarded as a classic in the realm of pop and rock music. It has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials over the years. Orbison’s emotive delivery and the timeless quality of the song continue to resonate with audiences, making it a cherished part of his musical legacy.
8. Blue Bayou
“Blue Bayou” is a song written by American songwriters Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. It was originally recorded by Orbison in 1963 and released as a single, later included on his album “In Dreams” the same year.
“Blue Bayou” is characterized by its dreamy melody and Orbison’s emotive vocals. Lyrically, the song expresses the longing and nostalgia of someone who yearns to return to the tranquility and beauty of their childhood memories by the blue bayou. The narrator reminisces about the simple joys and peaceful moments they experienced in their past, and expresses a desire to find solace and happiness there once again.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It was also well-received by critics and has since become one of Orbison’s most beloved and enduring songs, regarded as a classic in the realm of pop and rock music.
“Blue Bayou” has been covered by numerous artists across different genres, and has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials over the years. Orbison’s emotive delivery and the timeless quality of the song continue to resonate with audiences, making it a cherished part of his musical legacy.
9. Mean Woman Blues
“Mean Woman Blues” is a song written by American songwriter Claude Demetrius. It was originally recorded by Elvis Presley for the soundtrack of the 1957 film “Loving You,” in which Presley starred.
“Mean Woman Blues” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy rhythm, and Presley’s energetic vocals. Lyrically, the song depicts the narrator’s frustration and exasperation with a troublesome woman who causes trouble and heartache wherever she goes. Despite the difficulties she brings, the narrator admits to being irresistibly drawn to her.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard pop chart in the United States. It has since become one of Presley’s well-known and enduring songs, often featured in compilations and retrospectives of his career.
“Mean Woman Blues” has been covered by various artists over the years, and its catchy melody and lively rhythm continue to make it a popular choice for performances and recordings. It remains a classic in the realm of rock and roll music, showcasing Presley’s charismatic vocal delivery and his ability to bring energy and emotion to his songs.
10. It’s Over
“It’s Over” is a song written by Roy Orbison and Bill Dees. It was released as a single in 1964 and later included on Orbison’s album “More of Roy Orbison’s Greatest Hits.”
“It’s Over” is a poignant ballad that features Orbison’s powerful vocals and a lush orchestral arrangement. The song’s lyrics tell the story of heartbreak and loss, with Orbison singing about the end of a relationship and the pain of letting go. Despite the sadness conveyed in the lyrics, the song also carries a sense of acceptance and resignation.
Orbison’s emotive performance on “It’s Over” is widely praised, with his distinctive voice capturing the emotion and depth of the song’s lyrics. The arrangement, with its sweeping strings and dramatic crescendos, adds to the song’s emotional impact.
“It’s Over” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and topping the charts in several other countries. It became one of Orbison’s most beloved and enduring songs, showcasing his talent for crafting powerful and moving ballads.
The song has been covered by various artists over the years and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a classic of popular music. Orbison’s haunting performance on “It’s Over” continues to resonate with listeners and cement his legacy as one of the greatest voices in rock and roll history.