Roy Orbison was an iconic American singer-songwriter and musician, known for his powerful and emotive voice, as well as his influential contributions to rock and roll, rockabilly, and country music. Born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, Orbison rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s with hits like “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “Oh, Pretty Woman.”
Orbison’s distinctive vocal range, which spanned three octaves, coupled with his heartfelt lyrics and melodramatic balladry, earned him the nickname “The Big O” and established him as one of the most distinctive voices in popular music. His songs often explored themes of love, heartache, and longing, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Throughout his career, Orbison achieved numerous accolades, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Despite facing personal tragedies and professional setbacks, Orbison’s enduring legacy continues to influence generations of musicians and fans alike. He passed away on December 6, 1988, but his music remains timeless and continues to captivate audiences around the world.
1. Oh, Pretty Woman
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is one of Roy Orbison’s most iconic songs, released in 1964. Written by Orbison and Bill Dees, the song features a distinctive guitar riff and Orbison’s signature operatic vocals. With its catchy melody and memorable hook, “Oh, Pretty Woman” became a massive commercial success, topping charts worldwide.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman walking down the street and is immediately captivated by her. Despite its upbeat tempo and catchy rhythm, the song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and desire.
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is characterized by its rock and roll influences, blending elements of pop, R&B, and country music. The song’s success propelled Orbison to international stardom and solidified his reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in rock music history. It remains a timeless classic and is often regarded as one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time.
2. Crying
“Crying” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1961. It was written by Orbison and Joe Melson and became one of Orbison’s signature songs.
The song features Orbison’s powerful and emotive vocals, backed by a dramatic orchestral arrangement. “Crying” is a ballad about heartbreak and lost love, with Orbison lamenting the end of a relationship.
“Crying” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since been covered by numerous artists and is considered one of Orbison’s most iconic songs. The song’s haunting melody and Orbison’s vocal performance have made it a classic of the rock and roll era.
3. In Dreams
“In Dreams” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Roy Orbison, released in 1963 as a single and later included on his album of the same name. Written by Orbison himself, the song is notable for its dream-like atmosphere, lush orchestration, and Orbison’s powerful and emotive vocals.
The lyrics of “In Dreams” explore the theme of longing and desire, with Orbison expressing his yearning to be reunited with a lost love in his dreams. The song’s evocative imagery and poetic lyricism contribute to its emotional impact, creating a sense of melancholy and nostalgia.
“In Dreams” is characterized by its dramatic orchestral arrangement, featuring sweeping strings and ethereal backing vocals. Orbison’s distinctive voice soars over the orchestration, conveying a depth of emotion that resonates with listeners.
The song has been widely acclaimed for its beauty and emotional resonance, and it remains one of Orbison’s most beloved and enduring classics. “In Dreams” has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films and television shows, cementing its status as a timeless masterpiece in the realm of popular music.
4. Only the Lonely
“Only the Lonely” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1960. It was written by Orbison and Joe Melson and became one of Orbison’s first major hits.
“Only the Lonely” is a ballad about heartbreak and loneliness, with Orbison’s powerful vocals conveying the pain of lost love. The song features a haunting melody and a dramatic arrangement, with strings and backing vocals adding to its emotional impact.
“Only the Lonely” was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It helped establish Orbison as a major recording artist and is considered one of his signature songs. The song’s timeless appeal and Orbison’s masterful vocal performance have made it a classic of the rock and roll era.
5. Running Scared
“Running Scared” is a timeless classic by Roy Orbison, released in 1961 as a single and later included on his album “Crying.” The song, co-written by Orbison and Joe Melson, is renowned for its powerful vocals, dramatic orchestration, and captivating storytelling.
“Running Scared” tells the story of a man who is afraid to lose his lover, fearing that she will leave him for someone else. Orbison’s emotive delivery and soaring falsetto perfectly capture the desperation and vulnerability of the song’s protagonist.
Musically, “Running Scared” features a dynamic arrangement, with a lush orchestral backing that builds to a dramatic crescendo. The song’s driving rhythm, punctuated by staccato strings and pounding drums, adds to its sense of urgency and tension.
“Running Scared” was a commercial and critical success, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning Orbison widespread acclaim. It remains one of his most beloved and enduring songs, admired for its timeless appeal and emotional depth.
6. You Got It
“You Got It” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1989 on his album *Mystery Girl*. The song was written by Orbison, along with Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, who also produced the track.
“You Got It” is an upbeat and catchy pop-rock song with a classic Orbison-style melody. The lyrics are about love and admiration, with Orbison singing about how his partner has everything he could ever want.
“You Got It” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was Orbison’s first hit single in over 20 years and helped reintroduce him to a new generation of listeners. The song’s infectious melody and Orbison’s smooth vocals made it a standout track on *Mystery Girl* and a favorite among fans of Orbison’s music.
7. Dream Baby
“Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)” is a classic song by Roy Orbison, released in 1962. Written by Cindy Walker, the song showcases Orbison’s distinctive voice and emotive delivery, along with his talent for crafting memorable melodies.
“Dream Baby” tells the story of a man longing for his lost love, expressing his desire to be reunited with her in his dreams. Orbison’s heartfelt vocals, combined with the song’s upbeat tempo and catchy rhythm, create a sense of yearning and nostalgia.
Musically, “Dream Baby” features a driving rock and roll beat, complemented by twangy guitars and a lively piano accompaniment. The song’s infectious energy and infectious melody make it a standout track in Orbison’s discography.
“Dream Baby” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains a beloved classic, admired for its timeless appeal and Orbison’s remarkable vocal performance.
8. Blue Bayou
“Blue Bayou” is a song written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. It was originally recorded by Orbison in 1963 and became one of his most iconic songs.
“Blue Bayou” is a ballad with a country feel, featuring Orbison’s distinctive vocals and a sweeping orchestral arrangement. The lyrics are about longing and nostalgia, with Orbison singing about wanting to return to a place called Blue Bayou where he can find peace and happiness.
“Blue Bayou” was a commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since been covered by many artists and has become a classic of the country and pop genres. Orbison’s emotive delivery and the song’s timeless melody have made it a favorite among fans of his music.
9. Mean Woman Blues
“Mean Woman Blues” is a classic rock and roll song by Roy Orbison, released in 1963. Written by Claude Demetrius, the song features Orbison’s trademark vocals and a catchy, blues-inspired melody.
In “Mean Woman Blues,” Orbison sings about a woman who is causing him trouble and heartache, describing her as a “mean woman” who brings nothing but trouble. The song’s lyrics reflect the frustration and angst of dealing with a difficult relationship, while its upbeat tempo and lively rhythm add to its energetic appeal.
Musically, “Mean Woman Blues” is characterized by its driving rockabilly beat, twangy guitar riffs, and honky-tonk piano. Orbison’s powerful vocals soar over the infectious groove, conveying a sense of urgency and emotion.
“Mean Woman Blues” was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains a beloved classic in Orbison’s catalog, admired for its catchy melody, spirited performance, and timeless rock and roll vibe.
10. It’s Over
“It’s Over” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1964. It was written by Orbison and Bill Dees and became one of Orbison’s most successful songs.
“It’s Over” is a dramatic ballad about the end of a relationship, with Orbison’s powerful vocals conveying heartbreak and sadness. The song features a lush orchestral arrangement, with strings and backing vocals adding to its emotional impact.
“It’s Over” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since been covered by many artists and is considered one of Orbison’s signature songs. The song’s haunting melody and Orbison’s masterful vocal performance have made it a classic of the rock and roll era.