Roy Orbison was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his distinctive voice, complex compositions, and dark emotional ballads. He was born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, and rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s with a series of hit songs. Orbison’s music was characterized by its dramatic arrangements, soaring melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, which often explored themes of love, loss, and loneliness.
Some of Orbison’s most famous songs include “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Crying,” “Only the Lonely,” and “In Dreams.” His powerful voice and operatic style set him apart from other artists of his time and earned him a reputation as one of the greatest vocalists in rock and roll history.
Orbison’s career experienced a revival in the late 1980s and early 1990s, thanks in part to his participation in the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys, alongside Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty. Orbison’s influence can be heard in the work of many artists, and he is often cited as a major influence by musicians across genres. Orbison passed away on December 6, 1988, but his music continues to be celebrated and revered by fans around the world.
1. Oh, Pretty Woman
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1964 as a single. It became one of Orbison’s most famous songs and is considered one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time. “Oh, Pretty Woman” features Orbison’s signature operatic voice and a catchy, memorable melody. The lyrics tell the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman while walking down the street and tries to catch her attention. The song’s upbeat tempo and lively arrangement helped it become a commercial success, topping the charts in the United States and several other countries. “Oh, Pretty Woman” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films and TV shows, cementing its status as a classic rock song.
2. Crying
“Crying” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1961 as a single. It is a ballad about heartbreak and lost love, featuring Orbison’s powerful and emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics describe a man who is crying over the loss of his love and struggling to cope with the pain. “Crying” is known for its dramatic melody and arrangement, with sweeping strings and Orbison’s trademark falsetto. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries. “Crying” has since become one of Orbison’s most enduring and iconic songs, covered by many artists over the years.
3. In Dreams
“In Dreams” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1963 as a single. It is known for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, which describe a man who dreams of his lost love. The song features Orbison’s powerful vocals, with a dramatic arrangement that includes strings and a prominent guitar riff. “In Dreams” was not initially a commercial success but gained popularity after being featured in the 1986 film *Blue Velvet* directed by David Lynch. The song has since become one of Orbison’s most famous and beloved songs, known for its emotional depth and Orbison’s vocal performance.
4. Only the Lonely
“Only the Lonely” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1960 as a single. It is a ballad about loneliness and unrequited love, featuring Orbison’s distinctive vocals and a memorable melody. The song’s lyrics describe a man who is heartbroken and longing for the love of someone who does not return his feelings. “Only the Lonely” was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It became one of Orbison’s signature songs and is considered one of the greatest songs of the rock and roll era. The song’s emotional depth and Orbison’s vocal performance have made it a classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
5. Running Scared
“Running Scared” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1961 as a single. It is a dramatic ballad about a man who is afraid of losing his lover, featuring Orbison’s powerful vocals and a sweeping orchestral arrangement. The song’s lyrics describe the man’s fear and desperation as he tries to hold on to his relationship. “Running Scared” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries. It is known for its emotional intensity and Orbison’s vocal range, with the singer hitting high notes that showcase his operatic style. “Running Scared” is considered one of Orbison’s greatest songs and has been praised for its innovative production and timeless quality.
6. You Got It
“You Got It” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1989 on his album *Mystery Girl*. It was written by Orbison, along with Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty of the Traveling Wilburys. “You Got It” is an upbeat pop-rock song with a catchy melody and positive lyrics. It became one of Orbison’s biggest hits in the late 1980s, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries. The song’s success was partly due to its inclusion in a popular television commercial for jeans, which helped introduce Orbison to a new generation of listeners. “You Got It” is often regarded as one of Orbison’s signature songs and is a favorite among fans.
7. Dream Baby
“Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)” is a song written by Cindy Walker and recorded by Roy Orbison. It was released as a single in 1962 and became a hit, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is an upbeat rock and roll tune with a catchy melody and Orbison’s signature vocal style. “Dream Baby” features a prominent guitar riff and a driving beat, typical of Orbison’s early rockabilly sound. The lyrics describe a man who is longing for his lost love and asking how long he must dream about her. “Dream Baby” is considered one of Orbison’s classic songs and is a fan favorite.
8. Blue Bayou
“Blue Bayou” is a song written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. It was originally recorded by Orbison in 1963 and later became a hit for Linda Ronstadt in 1977. Orbison’s version of “Blue Bayou” is a heartfelt ballad with a country-pop sound. The lyrics describe a longing to return to a place of happiness and peace, represented by the “Blue Bayou.” Orbison’s emotive vocals and the song’s lush arrangement contribute to its melancholic and nostalgic feel. Linda Ronstadt’s cover of “Blue Bayou” was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her version is slightly more uptempo and features Ronstadt’s powerful vocals, but it retains the emotional core of Orbison’s original recording. Both versions of “Blue Bayou” are considered classics and are among the most memorable songs in Orbison’s and Ronstadt’s respective careers.
9. Mean Woman Blues
“Mean Woman Blues” is a song written by Claude Demetrius. It was originally recorded by Elvis Presley for the soundtrack of his 1961 film, *Blue Hawaii*. The song has a bluesy rock and roll sound and features Presley’s energetic vocals. The lyrics describe a man who is troubled by a woman who mistreats him and causes him trouble. Despite the negative subject matter, the song has an upbeat tempo and catchy melody typical of Presley’s early rock and roll hits. “Mean Woman Blues” was a moderate success for Presley, reaching the top 20 on the charts in the United States. The song has since been covered by several artists and remains a popular rock and roll classic.
10. It’s Over
“It’s Over” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1964 as a single. It is a dramatic ballad about the end of a relationship, featuring Orbison’s powerful vocals and a lush orchestral arrangement. The song’s lyrics describe a man who is heartbroken and coming to terms with the fact that his relationship is over. “It’s Over” is known for its emotional intensity and Orbison’s vocal range, with the singer hitting high notes that showcase his operatic style. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries. “It’s Over” is considered one of Orbison’s greatest songs and has been praised for its innovative production and timeless quality.