Music
Five of the Best: Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison was a legend of music having produced a slew of top 40 hits both as a solo artist and during his brief time with the Traveling Wilburys supergroup.
Orbison’s success peaked in the 1960s when 22 of his songs charted on the Billboard Top 40. His career was revived in the 1980s due to several covers of his songs and his inclusion in the Traveling Wilburys, alongside Beatle George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and ELO’s Jeff Lynne.
Orbison’s dark but powerful vocals were perfect for his style of music. He was known for his ballads that were full of emotion and vulnerability but he also showed his pop credentials with upbeat, chart toppers, most notably our number one pick below.
The impressive and catchy back catalogue of The Big O has made him one of the popular choices for cover artists the world over. While nothing will ever beat seeing Roy Orbison live in concert, a tribute act is as close you will get. To celebrate the various tribute acts of Roy Orbison we have selected the Texas-born singer-songwriter as our subject for this edition of Five of the Best. We hope you enjoy it!
5 In Dreams
It was claimed that Roy Orbison’s song In Dreams came to him in his dreams. Roy Orbison said it was no uncommon for him to dream of songs while sleeping and in an ironic twist of fate, In Dreams was one of them. Released in 1963, In Dreams is a ballad of lost love and it is an excellent example of Roy Orbison’s vocal nous. In Dreams became the title of Roy Orbison’s fourth studio album and the song was a chart success in many countries, particularly the UK where it charted for five months, thanks in part to Orbison sharing billing with the Beatles at the time. In Dreams enjoyed a resurrection in the late 1980s when David Lynch used the song in his acclaimed film, Blue Velvet. Overall, it is a beautiful song and a wonderful example of both Orbison’s writing and signing abilities.
4 Only the Lonely
Only the Lonely was the first major hit for Roy Orbison and marked a change in musical style thanks to his decision to join Monument Records (his career started at Sun Records). The song is considered ground-breaking for its time, with only Elvis’ It’s Now or Never featuring the operatic rock ballad sound of Only the Lonely. The track, which was released in 1960, reached number one on the UK charts and number two on the Billboard US chart and was honoured with a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999. The song is quintessentially Orbison and shows a clear starting point of the artist he was to become.
3 You Got It
Released posthumously, You Got It marked a return to the Top 10 chart for Roy Orbison after a 25-year absence. The song was written by Orbison alongside his Traveling Wilburys bandmates, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, and was released in 1989 (Orbison died of a heart attack in late 1988). The track was a top 10 hit in the USA, UK and Canada and is an upbeat, rockabilly-flavoured song. Sadly, Orbison only performed the single to the public once, at the Diamond Awards Festival in Belgium just weeks before his death. Footage from the performance is incorporated into the music video. The song is a fine example of Orbison’s talent and the very fact he released top 10 singles more than 25 years apart highlights his longevity and timeless appeal.
2 Crying
Roy Orbison wrote Crying alongside regular writing partner, Joe Melson, and released the track in 1961. It was a major hit for Orbison and retains a place in music’s history with many accolades and awards including the Grammy Hall of Fame, which Crying was awarded in 2002. The song has been the subject of many cover versions from artists such as Don McLean, Gene Pitney, Clay Aiken and Il Divo. But the best known version by another artist is the 1987 collaboration between Roy Orbison and KD Lang. The due recorded the song for the film, Hiding Out, and the track was awarded the Grammy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. While the track enjoyed only mild success throughout the world, it remains one of KD Lang’s most performed songs and a highlight of her concerts. The song is stunningly beautiful and heart-wrenching and Orbison’s sublime vocals only add to its charm.
1 Oh, Pretty Woman
Roy Orbison was onto a winner when he and Bill Dees wrote Oh, Pretty Woman. Released in 1964, the upbeat rock song was a departure from the Roy Orbison ballads people had come to expect from the singer. The song rocketed up the charts and was a number one hit in more than 10 countries worldwide. The narrative track tells the tale of a ‘pretty woman’ who walks by Roy Orbison. The track was used heavily in the 1990 hit film, Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The song has a distinctive bassline and remains a classic hit to this day. While Orbison has a huge number of phenomenal hits, we think Oh, Pretty Woman is the finest example of his work both as a writer and performer. Have a look at the music clip below and we are sure you’ll agree!
And as a special treat…
To celebrate Roy Orbison’s short stint with the Traveling Wilburys, we’ve included two of the group’s singles that featured Roy Orbison. The group was formed in early 1988 and featured Orbison alongside fellow musical icons, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty. Roy Orbison sadly died in December 1988. Below are two of the group’s best and most successful songs featuring Orbison.
Handle With Care
Handle With Care was the Traveling Wilbury’s first single and was hit in many countries, including Australia where it peaked at number three on the charts. All five members of the group lend their voices to the track and the unmistakable deep Orbison vocal is a standout.
End of the Line
End of the Line was released in 1989 following Roy Orbison’s death. It was the second single from the group’s debut album and enjoyed success throughout the world. The music video for End of the Line was filmed after Orbison’s death. To commemorate their late band mate, a guitar in a rocking chair is shown when the vocals of Orbison can be heard. A framed photo of Roy Orbison also features.
Roy Orbison Tribute Acts
Damien Leith: Roy – A Tribute to Roy Orbison
The Palms at Crown Melbourne
April 29
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A Tribute Concert to Roy Orbison & The Everly Brothers
State Theatre Sydney
July 23
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A Black & White Night Concert – A Tribute to Roy Orbison
The Palms at Crown Melbourne
August 20
Crown Theatre Perth
August 27
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