Roy Orbison, born April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his distinctive voice, emotive ballads, and pioneering contributions to rock and roll. His career spanned several decades, and he remains an influential figure in the music industry.
Orbison’s early hits in the 1960s included classics like “Only the Lonely” (1960), “Crying” (1961), and “Oh, Pretty Woman” (1964). His music is characterized by its dramatic and emotional delivery, often featuring lush orchestrations and his trademark soaring vocals. Orbison’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music, combined with his unique baritone voice and intricate songwriting, set him apart from his contemporaries.
He was known for his distinctive style and the way he combined elements of rock and roll, pop, and country. His influence extended beyond his own era, inspiring a range of artists from various genres. Orbison’s later work in the 1980s, including his participation in the Traveling Wilburys (a supergroup that also featured George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne), introduced him to a new generation of listeners.
Orbison’s contributions to music were widely recognized, and he received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. His legacy endures through his timeless songs, which continue to resonate with audiences around the world. Roy Orbison passed away on December 6, 1988, but his impact on music remains significant.
1. Oh, Pretty Woman
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is one of Roy Orbison’s most iconic songs, released on August 24, 1964. Written by Orbison, along with Bill Dees, the track is celebrated for its catchy melody and Orbison’s distinctive, emotive vocal performance.
The song tells the story of a lonely man who encounters a beautiful woman and expresses his hope to win her affection. With its upbeat tempo and memorable guitar riff, “Oh, Pretty Woman” combines rock and roll with a touch of pop, creating a timeless hit.
The track was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for three weeks. It also topped the charts in several other countries and has since become one of Orbison’s signature songs.
The accompanying music video, featuring Orbison performing in a simple yet captivating style, complements the song’s charm and straightforward appeal. “Oh, Pretty Woman” remains a classic and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Orbison’s impact on rock and roll and his ability to craft songs that resonate with audiences across generations.
2. Crying
“Crying” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1961. Written by Orbison and Joe Melson, the track is a powerful ballad that showcases Orbison’s emotive vocal style and dramatic storytelling. The song’s lyrics convey deep sorrow and heartache over a lost love, capturing the pain of unrequited feelings and the struggle to move on.
With its lush orchestral arrangement and Orbison’s soaring, operatic vocals, “Crying” became one of his most iconic hits. The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It remains a classic, celebrated for its emotional depth and Orbison’s ability to convey intense vulnerability and longing through his music.
3. In Dreams
“In Dreams” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1963 as part of his album *In Dreams*. Written by Orbison and his frequent collaborator, Joe Melson, the track is known for its hauntingly beautiful melody and Orbison’s dramatic, emotional vocal delivery.
The song features a dreamy, ethereal quality, with its lush orchestration and Orbison’s powerful baritone voice creating a sense of otherworldliness. The lyrics describe a poignant and surreal experience of longing and heartbreak, with Orbison singing about a love that exists only in dreams.
“In Dreams” was not as commercially successful as some of Orbison’s other hits, but it is highly regarded for its artistic and emotional depth. The song is often praised for its innovative production and Orbison’s ability to convey deep emotion through his performance.
The track gained renewed attention when it was featured prominently in David Lynch’s 1986 film *Blue Velvet*, further cementing its place in popular culture. “In Dreams” remains a standout example of Orbison’s unique ability to blend rock and roll with orchestral pop, showcasing his distinctive style and emotional range.
4. Only the Lonely
“Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)” is a classic song by Roy Orbison, released in 1960. Written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, the track is one of Orbison’s most iconic hits and is renowned for its emotional depth and orchestral arrangement.
The song features a dramatic and poignant melody, with Orbison’s rich, baritone voice delivering the lyrics with a sense of vulnerability and longing. The lyrics express the pain of unrequited love and the solitude felt by someone who has been left alone. The orchestral accompaniment, including strings and backing vocals, adds to the song’s melancholic and cinematic quality.
“Only the Lonely” was a major commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the charts in the UK. The song’s success helped solidify Orbison’s reputation as a master of emotional ballads and established him as a major force in the rock and roll genre.
The track’s influence extends beyond its original release, having been covered by various artists and featured in numerous films and TV shows. Its timeless appeal and Orbison’s powerful performance continue to resonate with audiences, making “Only the Lonely” a defining piece of his musical legacy.
5. Running Scared
“Running Scared” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1961. Written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, the track is a dramatic and evocative ballad that tells the story of a man who is heartbroken and overwhelmed by his emotions after a romantic breakup. The song’s lyrics describe the protagonist’s feelings of fear and anxiety about losing his love, with a sense of urgency and despair.
With its sweeping orchestral arrangement and Orbison’s powerful, emotive vocal delivery, “Running Scared” showcases his signature style of blending melancholy with grandeur. The song became a major hit, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains one of Orbison’s most celebrated tracks, admired for its emotional intensity and cinematic quality.
6. You Got It
“You Got It” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1989 as the lead single from his album *Mystery Girl*. Written by Orbison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty, the track marks a comeback for Orbison with its modern production while retaining his classic, emotive style.
The song features Orbison’s distinctive, rich vocals and a smooth, contemporary arrangement that blends rock, pop, and a hint of soul. The lyrics express a deep and affirming love, celebrating the unique qualities of the beloved. “You Got It” was a commercial success, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning critical acclaim for its timeless appeal. It is widely regarded as one of Orbison’s signature songs and a highlight of his later career.
7. Dream Baby
“Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1962. Written by Orbison and his frequent collaborator, Joe Melson, the track features a lush, melodic arrangement and Orbison’s signature dramatic vocal style.
The song’s lyrics express the longing and frustration of a person waiting for their dreams and desires to be fulfilled, with a focus on the emotional turmoil of unrequited love. The melody combines elements of rock and roll with orchestral pop, creating a rich, captivating sound.
“Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)” was a commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the UK Singles Chart. The song’s success contributed to Orbison’s growing reputation as a leading artist in rock and roll and pop.
The track is celebrated for its emotional depth and Orbison’s powerful, heartfelt performance. Its blend of rock and orchestral elements, along with its poignant lyrics, exemplifies Orbison’s unique ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners.
8. Blue Bayou
“Blue Bayou” is a song written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, first released by Orbison in 1963. The track is a poignant ballad that expresses longing and nostalgia for a simpler, happier time. The lyrics describe a yearning to return to a place of comfort and contentment, with the “blue bayou” symbolizing an idealized past.
Orbison’s original version features his signature rich, emotive vocals and a lush orchestral arrangement. The song was a moderate hit, reaching number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Blue Bayou” was later famously covered by Linda Ronstadt in 1977, whose version became a major hit, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning acclaim for its heartfelt delivery and Ronstadt’s powerful vocal performance. Ronstadt’s rendition helped solidify the song’s place as a classic in both pop and country music.
9. Mean Woman Blues
“Mean Woman Blues” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1963. Written by Claude Demetrius, the track is a vibrant rockabilly and rhythm and blues song that features Orbison’s powerful vocals and dynamic musical arrangement. The song’s lyrics describe the troubles caused by a difficult and demanding romantic partner, reflecting a sense of frustration and longing.
With its catchy melody, driving rhythm, and Orbison’s emotive delivery, “Mean Woman Blues” became a popular hit, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is celebrated for its energetic vibe and Orbison’s ability to blend rock and roll with blues influences, making it a standout track in his discography.
10. It’s Over
“It’s Over” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1964. Written by Roy Orbison and his frequent collaborator Joe Melson, the track is a poignant ballad that showcases Orbison’s signature style of emotional storytelling.
The song features a dramatic, orchestral arrangement that complements Orbison’s powerful, expressive vocal delivery. The lyrics convey a deep sense of loss and resignation, reflecting on the end of a relationship and the heartbreak that follows. Orbison’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music is evident in this track, with his rich baritone voice capturing the sorrow and finality of the song’s theme.
“It’s Over” was well-received upon its release, although it did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Orbison’s other hits. However, it remains an important part of his discography and is celebrated for its emotional depth and Orbison’s masterful performance. The song continues to be appreciated by fans for its classic sound and the way it exemplifies Orbison’s talent for blending rock and roll with orchestral pop.