Roy Orbison (1936–1988) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known for his distinctive voice, emotive ballads, and dramatic stage presence. He was born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, USA.
Orbison’s music encompassed a variety of genres, including rock and roll, rockabilly, pop, and country. He first gained attention in the late 1950s with songs like “Ooby Dooby” and “Only the Lonely (Know How I Feel),” which showcased his powerful and operatic tenor voice.
Orbison achieved widespread fame in the early 1960s with a string of hit singles, including “Crying,” “Running Scared,” “In Dreams,” and “Oh, Pretty Woman.” These songs were characterized by their haunting melodies, lush orchestration, and Orbison’s heartfelt vocal delivery.
Orbison’s distinctive image, which often included dark sunglasses and a black suit, added to his mystique and stage presence. He became known for his dramatic and emotional performances, earning him the nickname “The Big O.”
Despite facing personal tragedies, including the deaths of his wife and two of his children in a tragic accident, Orbison continued to create music throughout his career. He experienced a career resurgence in the late 1980s, with the success of the Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup he formed with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne.
Orbison’s influence on popular music is profound, with artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Chris Isaak citing him as a major inspiration. His songs have been covered by countless artists and continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
Roy Orbison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, just one year before his untimely death from a heart attack on December 6, 1988. He left behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
1. Oh, Pretty Woman
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is one of Roy Orbison’s most famous songs. It was released in 1964 as a single and later included on his album “Orbisongs.” The song was written by Orbison and Bill Dees.
“Oh, Pretty Woman” features a distinctive and catchy guitar riff that is instantly recognizable. The lyrics tell the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman walking down the street and becomes captivated by her. Despite its upbeat melody, the song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and desire.
The song’s bridge, where Orbison sings “Mercy,” is particularly memorable and adds to the song’s charm. The use of strings in the arrangement adds depth and drama to the overall sound.
“Oh, Pretty Woman” was a massive commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the charts in several other countries around the world. It became one of Orbison’s signature songs and remains a classic of the rock and roll genre.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials. Its enduring popularity has solidified its status as one of the most iconic songs in popular music history.
2. Crying
“Crying” is a song by American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison, released in 1961. It was written by Orbison and Joe Melson and produced by Fred Foster.
The song is characterized by its dramatic melody, Orbison’s powerful vocals, and its emotional lyrics. “Crying” explores the pain of heartbreak and lost love, with Orbison’s haunting falsetto conveying a sense of longing and sorrow.
“Crying” was a commercial success, reaching high positions on the charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It became one of Roy Orbison’s signature songs and remains a classic of the rock and pop genres.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and its timeless appeal has made it a favorite among fans of Orbison’s music and classic rock in general. “Crying” has also been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as an iconic song in music history.
3. In Dreams
“In Dreams” is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison, released in 1963. It was produced by Fred Foster and recorded at Monument Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.
The song is characterized by its haunting melody, Orbison’s distinctive vocals, and its dreamlike atmosphere. “In Dreams” features lyrics that evoke surreal and imaginative imagery, with Orbison singing about longing for a lost love and finding solace in dreams.
“In Dreams” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It became one of Roy Orbison’s most iconic songs and remains a classic of the rock and pop genres.
The song has been covered by various artists over the years and has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as an enduring classic in music history. Notably, director David Lynch used “In Dreams” in his 1986 film “Blue Velvet,” which brought renewed attention to the song and introduced it to a new generation of listeners.
4. Only the Lonely
“Only the Lonely (Know How I Feel)” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1960 as a single from his album “Lonely and Blue.” It was written by Orbison and Joe Melson.
The song is a haunting and emotive ballad that showcases Orbison’s powerful and distinctive voice. In “Only the Lonely,” Orbison sings about the pain and isolation of unrequited love, expressing the feeling of being alone even in the presence of others. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and vulnerability, as Orbison sings about the sadness of heartbreak and the longing for companionship.
“Only the Lonely” was a commercial success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Orbison’s signature songs. Its lush orchestration, dramatic melody, and Orbison’s heartfelt vocal performance contributed to its enduring popularity.
The song’s melancholy lyrics and Orbison’s emotive delivery struck a chord with audiences, earning it critical acclaim and establishing Orbison as one of the leading figures in the rock and roll genre. “Only the Lonely” remains a classic of Orbison’s repertoire and a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with listeners around the world.
5. Running Scared
“Running Scared” is a song by American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison. It was released as a single in 1961 and later included on his album “Roy Orbison’s Greatest Hits.”
The song is notable for its dramatic and operatic style, with Orbison’s soaring vocals conveying a sense of urgency and fear. Lyrically, “Running Scared” tells the story of a man who is afraid to face his romantic rival and the consequences of losing the woman he loves.
“Running Scared” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It became one of Roy Orbison’s signature songs and remains a classic of the rock and pop genres.
The song’s innovative production and Orbison’s powerful vocal performance have earned it widespread acclaim from critics and music fans alike. “Running Scared” has been covered by various artists over the years and continues to be celebrated as one of Orbison’s greatest achievements.
6. You Got It
“You Got It” is a song co-written and performed by American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison. It was released in 1989 as a single from his album “Mystery Girl,” which was released posthumously.
“You Got It” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and Orbison’s smooth vocals. Lyrically, the song expresses admiration and affection for someone special, with Orbison singing about the joy and happiness that person brings into his life.
“You Got It” was a commercial success, reaching high positions on the charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It became one of Roy Orbison’s most popular and enduring songs, and it remains a favorite among fans of his music.
The song’s success was bolstered by its use in various films, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a classic of the pop genre. “You Got It” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and continues to be celebrated as one of Orbison’s most beloved songs.
7. Dream Baby
“Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)” is a song written by Cindy Walker, which was recorded and released by Roy Orbison in 1962. The song became a hit for Orbison, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number two on the UK Singles Chart.
“Dream Baby” features Orbison’s distinctive vocal style and a catchy melody. The lyrics speak of longing and yearning for a lost love, with the singer expressing his desire to dream about the person until they are reunited.
The song’s upbeat tempo, combined with Orbison’s emotive delivery, gives it a bittersweet feel that resonated with audiences. “Dream Baby” became one of Orbison’s most popular songs and remains a classic of the early 1960s rock and roll era.
Over the years, “Dream Baby” has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials. Its timeless appeal and Orbison’s enduring popularity have ensured its place in the pantheon of rock and roll classics.
8. Blue Bayou
“Blue Bayou” is a song originally written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. It was first recorded and released by Orbison in 1963 as a single. The song later appeared on Orbison’s album “In Dreams” in 1963.
“Blue Bayou” is a soulful and melancholic ballad that features Orbison’s trademark soaring vocals and emotive delivery. The lyrics describe a longing to return to a peaceful and idyllic place called “Blue Bayou,” where the singer’s troubles can be forgotten. The song’s wistful melody and nostalgic lyrics evoke a sense of yearning and homesickness.
Orbison’s version of “Blue Bayou” achieved moderate success upon its release, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, it became more widely recognized and popular when Linda Ronstadt covered the song in 1977. Ronstadt’s version reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of her signature songs.
“Blue Bayou” has since been covered by numerous artists from various genres, and it remains a beloved classic that is often associated with Orbison’s and Ronstadt’s iconic interpretations. Its timeless appeal and evocative imagery have cemented its status as one of the standout tracks in Orbison’s discography.
9. Mean Woman Blues
“Mean Woman Blues” is a song originally written and recorded by American rock and roll musician Roy Orbison. It was released as a single in 1963 and later included on his album “Crying.”
The song is characterized by its energetic rhythm, catchy melody, and Orbison’s dynamic vocals. Lyrically, “Mean Woman Blues” tells the story of a man who is dealing with the troubles caused by his mean-spirited partner.
“Mean Woman Blues” was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and becoming one of Orbison’s signature songs. It has since been covered by numerous artists across different genres and continues to be a popular choice for rock and roll enthusiasts.
10. It’s Over
“It’s Over” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1964 as a single from his album “More of Roy Orbison’s Greatest Hits.” The song was written by Orbison and Bill Dees.
“It’s Over” is a powerful and emotional ballad that showcases Orbison’s distinctive voice and talent for conveying heartache and longing. The lyrics describe the end of a relationship, with Orbison lamenting the loss of love and expressing resignation to the inevitable breakup.
The song’s dramatic arrangement, with its sweeping strings and soaring vocals, adds to its emotional impact. Orbison’s heartfelt delivery and the haunting melody make “It’s Over” one of his most memorable and enduring songs.
“It’s Over” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Orbison’s signature songs. Its melancholy lyrics and powerful vocals struck a chord with audiences, earning it critical acclaim and cementing Orbison’s reputation as one of the greatest balladeers of his era.
Over the years, “It’s Over” has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials. Its timeless appeal and Orbison’s enduring popularity have ensured its place as a classic of the rock and roll genre.
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.
