Roy Orbison was a legendary American singer-songwriter and musician, known for his distinctive voice, emotional ballads, and timeless hits in the rock and roll and pop genres. Born in 1936 in Texas, Orbison’s career spanned several decades, from the 1950s to the 1980s. He gained fame for his operatic vocal range and heartfelt delivery, which brought depth and emotion to his songs.
Orbison’s notable songs include “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “You Got It,” among many others. His music often explored themes of love, heartbreak, and longing, resonating with audiences around the world. Orbison’s influence on rock and pop music is profound, and his distinctive style continues to inspire generations of musicians.
Tragically, Roy Orbison passed away in 1988, but his legacy as a masterful vocalist and songwriter lives on through his timeless music.
1. Oh, Pretty Woman
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is one of Roy Orbison’s most iconic songs, released in 1964. It features a distinctive, catchy guitar riff that instantly captures attention. The song tells the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman walking by, and it expresses his admiration and desire to get to know her better. Orbison’s powerful and emotive vocals, combined with the song’s upbeat tempo and memorable melody, made it an instant hit. “Oh, Pretty Woman” topped the charts in multiple countries and solidified Orbison’s reputation as a rock and roll legend. Its enduring popularity has led to numerous covers and appearances in films and commercials, further cementing its status as a classic.
2. Crying
“Crying” is a classic ballad by Roy Orbison, released in 1961. It’s known for its emotional intensity and Orbison’s haunting vocal performance. The song depicts the heartache of lost love, with Orbison’s powerful voice conveying deep sorrow and vulnerability. “Crying” features a dramatic orchestral arrangement that enhances its melancholic atmosphere, with lyrics that capture the pain of longing and regret. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes and Orbison’s ability to evoke raw emotion through his soulful delivery. “Crying” remains a timeless masterpiece in Orbison’s discography, showcasing his talent as a singer and songwriter.
3. In Dreams
“In Dreams” is a 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 characterized by its haunting melody, Orbison’s powerful vocals, and its dreamlike atmosphere. “In Dreams” features lush orchestration and lyrical themes of longing and romantic reverie.
Roy Orbison’s version of “In Dreams” became a classic and is considered one of his signature songs, known for its emotional depth and Orbison’s distinctive vocal range. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, showcasing its enduring popularity and influence in the realm of rock and pop music.
4. Only the Lonely
“Only the Lonely” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1960 as a single and later included on his album *Lonely and Blue*. Written by Orbison and Joe Melson, the song is a ballad that showcases Orbison’s powerful and emotive vocal delivery. “Only the Lonely” features a melancholic melody and lyrics that convey themes of heartbreak and loneliness, resonating with listeners for its heartfelt sincerity and Orbison’s ability to evoke deep emotions through his music.
The song became a major hit for Orbison, reaching the top 10 on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. “Only the Lonely” solidified Orbison’s reputation as a masterful singer-songwriter and remains one of his most beloved and enduring songs, remembered for its timeless appeal and Orbison’s distinctive vocal style.
5. Running Scared
“Running Scared” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1961 as a single and later included on his album *Crying*. Written by Orbison and Joe Melson, the song is known for its dramatic orchestration, haunting melody, and Orbison’s powerful vocal performance. “Running Scared” tells the story of a man who is afraid to lose his lover, expressing fear and vulnerability in the face of impending heartbreak.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Orbison critical acclaim for his emotive singing and innovative approach to rock and roll. “Running Scared” is considered one of Orbison’s signature songs, celebrated for its cinematic quality and Orbison’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music.
6. You Got It
“You Got It” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1989 as part of his album “Mystery Girl.” Co-written by Orbison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty, the song is known for its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and Orbison’s signature vocals. “You Got It” became a major hit, reaching the top 10 on charts worldwide. Its lyrics convey a message of admiration and affection, celebrating the positive qualities of the person being addressed. The song’s success revitalized Orbison’s career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, earning him renewed acclaim as a rock and roll legend.
7. Dream Baby
“Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1962 as a single and later included on his album *Crying*. Written by Orbison, the song features his trademark soaring vocals and rockabilly-inspired sound. “Dream Baby” showcases Orbison’s ability to blend pop, rock, and country influences, with its upbeat tempo and catchy melody. The song became a hit, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying Orbison’s reputation as a versatile and talented performer. “Dream Baby” remains a classic in Orbison’s discography, known for its energetic rhythm and Orbison’s distinctive vocal style.
8. Blue Bayou
“Blue Bayou” is a soulful ballad originally recorded by Roy Orbison in 1963. The song is known for its dreamy, melancholic melody and Orbison’s emotive vocals. “Blue Bayou” reflects themes of longing and nostalgia, with lyrics that express a desire to return to a place of tranquility and happiness. Orbison’s smooth and expressive voice, combined with the song’s gentle orchestration and twangy guitar, create a wistful and evocative atmosphere. The song became a significant hit for Orbison and has since been covered by numerous artists, cementing its status as a timeless classic in the realm of pop and country music.
9. Mean Woman Blues
“Mean Woman Blues” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by Roy Orbison in 1963. It features a lively, uptempo rhythm with a prominent guitar riff that gives it a distinctive sound. Orbison’s smooth yet powerful vocals convey the frustration and exasperation of dealing with a difficult woman. The lyrics describe the challenges and troubles caused by this “mean woman” who brings nothing but trouble and heartache. “Mean Woman Blues” showcases Orbison’s versatility as a singer and his ability to infuse emotion and energy into his rockabilly and rock and roll tracks, making it a memorable addition to his repertoire.
10. It’s Over
“It’s Over” is a poignant ballad by Roy Orbison, released in 1964. The song features Orbison’s trademark emotive vocals, backed by a lush orchestral arrangement. “It’s Over” tells the story of heartbreak and acceptance after a relationship has ended. Orbison’s powerful delivery captures the pain of letting go and moving on, with lyrics that express resignation and sadness. The song’s dramatic instrumentation and Orbison’s soaring vocal performance elevate its emotional impact, making it a standout track in his discography. “It’s Over” remains a classic example of Orbison’s ability to convey deep emotions through his music, resonating with listeners for its heartfelt sincerity.