Thank you, Beth. My parents were married for 63 years and when my dad passed, my mom told me that Blue Bayou was the song she related to most at that time. 6 months later they were reunited. Thanks again.
Roy was a true original. Just love how smooth his voice was. He really inspired many songwriters and singers. When Linda Ronstadt covered this, she made it her own.
"Roy Orbison is the finest singer I've ever heard !!!" - Elvis Presley. "I could tell you, both Elvis and Roy Orbison could tear a ballad to pieces. !" - Sam Phillips of Sun Records, who was the first to record Elvis, Roy, among others, rock and roll's first great producer
Roy is a deserving rock and roll hall of Famer. What a voice(falsetto I guess) I always thought that was hautingly beautiful.Oh pretty woman,Only the lonely ,it's over,etc. He had a rather tough like losing some of his children in a house fire. He really didn't need the the other Travelling Wilburys. No disrespect to George Harrison(quiet Beatle) or Tom Pettty or Bob Dylan.
i grew up with roy orbison in my house playing non-stop, he's one of my biggest musical inspirations and he's just unmatched for hits. his music was 40 years from my generation but it's just timeless and so beautiful. thank you for reacting to him, i thoroughly enjoyed the video :)
OH my . . . I get chills every time I hear his voice. One of the greatest vocalists of all time (and Elvis thought so too ...). One of my favorite vocal songs ever and the best of what Roy could offer is "Leah". He takes a bit different approach and hits you with his angelica falsetto right from the start. His rendition for his awe inspiring all star concert, "Black and White Nights" is jaw dropping.
Roy had one of the clearest and smoothest voice ever. Elvis love Roy's voice and paid him compliments saying that Orbison had "the most perfect voice".
To me Roy has one of the most wonderful and distinct voices I have ever heard. What a career. And the stuff he did with the Traveling Wilburys, was fantastic.
He has one of the greatest voices in rock and roll history. A few songs of his that really showcases his vocals are: California Blue, In Dreams and Not Alone Anymore (with George Harrison, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne providing backing vocals).
My parents knew how to pick em! My mom absolutely adored Roy, and my dad was all about the Everly Brothers! They appreciated Elvis, but these were their top singers of the day! Roy's voice was ethereal. It seemed so effortless - he opened (slightly LOL) his mouth and this angelic voice came out! Even his later tracks like Mystery Girl, I Drove All Night - he still had it! I will never tire of hearing his voice - thanks mom (RIP)!
"Roy Orbison, is the finest singer I've ever heard!" - Elvis Presley......."Elvis, and Roy Orbison...now, those 2 boys, they could really SING you a song!" - Sam Phillips of Sun Records, the first to produce Elvis and Roy's songs
Great video. Roy Orbison was such a legend. Not only a great singer, but one of the greatest songwriters of all time. It's coincidental that I watched this today, because last night I literally referred to myself as a mediocre singer. But I do think I have a unique voice and I'm happy with it. And, of course, I've learned a lot from watching your channel over the past year or so.
The respect between him and Elvis was mutual. Elvis was asked what it was like having the best voice in the world. He replied you'd have to ask Roy Orbison. Most of the time he has to restrain the volume of his voice because it was so powerful
Roy is so, so awesome. Thank you for this nostalgic treat. What a career. What an artist. What an icon. I only wish he could have made more albums with the Traveling Wilbury's. Thank you Beth.
Roy was THE voice for the early 60s. I was really devastated by his passing. I grew up with an older brother whose 60s record collection filled my childhood and I was so excited by Roy's big comeback in the 80s as a solo artist and with the Wilbury's. When he died, it was such a sad moment for me. He wrote such beautifully melodramatic songs and his voice was amazing!
I really appreciate how often you reinforce the idea that we all have unique voices. Someone might want to sound like Orbison/Jagger/Joplin, etc. But what makes those singers so outstanding is that they sound like themselves. Thanks for the reminder that we shouldn't strive to imitate.
Another nice choice Beth. Roy and Gene Pitney were magnificent natural tenors of the 60s who were masters of the slow-build power ballad, but from very different backgrounds both geographically and musically. Roy's legacy has perhaps proved the more enduring with his solid southern rockabilly roots, whereas Pitney, from New England, was closer to the pop 'Brill building' sound, and tended to over-use double-tracking. Both could unleash killer falsettos demand, and both were estimable songwriters in their own right, They still have legions of admirers despite their demise (Orbison 1988, Pitney 2006). I love the female chorus on the original Monument recording of this. The whole catalogue of both artists is well worth exploring.
Should do the "Travelling wilburies - End of the line", Roy sung in it but unfortunately past away before he could do the film clip for it ( which is why the song became a memorial for Roy ) beautiful song 👌
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Linda Ronstadt were close friends with Roy, Elvis, Johnny, Jerry Lee and Waylon...they played music together and talked about career moves with each other....Roy was happy to let Linda sing his song Blue Bayou...when she did she made it her own...
Roy's biggest hit may have been "Pretty Woman". If you've ever seen the film 'Blue Velvet', David Lynch made good use of Orbison's "In Dreams". One of my greatest regrets in life, is that I never saw Chet Atkins perform live. He used to tour every year and even though Chet was my favorite guitarist, I'd always budget my concert money to see other acts. Then one day, Chet announced his retirement from touring. He died soon after. At that point I vowed not to make the same mistake again and the next time Roy Orbison came to town, I was there. Please check out his version of Elvis Costello's "The Comedians"...wonderful. Sam Phillips really had an ear for hits and a wealth of talent in Memphis, TN. Sun Records was the first label to record Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. Chet Atkins was pretty good with talent too. We wouldn't have the wealth of Everly Brothers hits without Chet.
Roy had a fantastic voice. I saw him many times in the 60's and 70's. Was blessed to see those icons of the million dollar quartet several times. Yes I am old but you can bet I saw and heard the best.
I trained myself on Roy, Beth. An uncle of mine who loved him pointed out - look at his neck... there's no stress. Obviously later, I understood how important that was. My early vocal training was based on Roy. Later ; learning saw me find people like Chris Cornell, or (fellow Aussie) John Farnham were/are the same. I don't blow my own horn, but I've been told I'm a dead ringer for Roy. I'll take that.
🥰LOVE Orbison and your reaction, but I also most love what you said right there at the end about us being used to our own voices or our uniqueness ...sorry I can't remember exactly how you said it... but it is SO encouraging for everyone who enjoys singing. Thank you for that, Beth! I'm among those who has a hard time believing when someone says wonderful things about my singing, but I arrived at a place where I know my voice and instrument-playing abilities are enough for my mission and purpose of being a light and brightening someone else's day. Thanks for your lovely channel, Beth! 💜👍🏽710
Thanks for the shout out for one of my favorite groups, The Traveling Wilbouries! Such a collection of talent, you should do a reaction to their big hit with all the duets ( the name escapes this am! The curse of being a night o we l when it's too early !)
Was very fortunate just a few years ago to see a holographic concert in London, with Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly. Separate acts, and performing alternately. It was sensational and very emotional
One more...I remember Roy Orbison being interviewed by Tom Snyder on the old "Tomorrow" show (NBC). Tom asked him whats up with the sunglasses? Roy said that he was invited to England on a tour with The Beatles. He wore his sunglasses for the flight over and realized that he'd left his regular glasses at home. Roy was very far sited and had to wear his shades 24-hours-a-day on that tour, in performances, interviews, et.al. After that, they were his "trademark".
Just last week I was searching for a react to Roy Orbinson's, but couldn't find one... Glad to see him around! I woud suggest Beth reacts to "She is a Mystery to me" that, besides great lyrics, presents some more aspects of his voice! Thanks for your work, by the way!
There was one week in the spring of 1989 where three of the Top 20 Country singles in the US were by posthumous performers... Robison, Keith Whitley, and a duet from Hank Williams Sr and Jr.
He is my favorite singer/songwriter. He may have wrote Only The Lonely for Elvis, perhaps rejected, then released himself. His massive constant vibrato somehow is so easily digestable whereas when others try, it bothers me... He was very shy about his voice, especially later on when his vibrato was less controllable and sung a lot of his parts at home away from the studio.
Great reaction as always, Beth. Another song of his that is phenomenal is "Running Scared." The last note is mindblowing considering...well, I won't spoil it for you. I think it'd be a great song for you to react to. Cheers!
Consider that this is a live performance when he was older. I have a small collection of his late 1950's/ early 1960's albums on vinyl, and his voice was definitely stronger and more pure. He never seem to be the type for studio tricks, and his East Texas influences can be heard in his voice.
He grew up in a very small town in Texas and he used to sit in his parent’s car and sing to himself. He said there was a lot of lonesome there. I doubt he had formal music training. I grew up in Texas too so I understand exactly what he means.
Roy was one of the greats of this era. He had a very powerful voice and great range. You mentioned that he didn't open his mouth very far and this was a practice that a lot of country singers used. The country great George Jones sang like he had his jaw wired shut. It is a practice to make it a little easier to use a more nasally voice that way.
I don’t think he ever realized how great he was. He was a humble person. When he became a member of the Traveling Wilburys and the group all thought his voice was really special. His wife said he was the happiest she ever saw him. I think he sort of isolated him self from other.
When you mentioned Roy Orbison being famous for Only the Lonely, I thought, "yes and the Traveling Wilburys!" He is fantastic in it. One of the videos from the first album honors Orbison in a photo. I don't recall which song. He was legendary. Linda Ronstadt does a powerful cover of this song if you are interested.
Roy Orbison was a very special talent using his unique voice to convey emotion with seemingly very little effort. For a special treat check out the duet with kd lang singing Crying. Two incredible voices producing a very memorable performance. (A review of kd lang herself would also be appreciated. Maybe her live version of Hallelujah.
Early 60's both Elvis and John Lennon were quoted as saying Orbison had the best voice they'd ever heard. And you mentioned The Wilburys, half the group joined when Jeff Lynn said he was bringing him along. He had huge admirers.
I'll never forget a qoute from Tom Petty during the recording of Vol 1, "We all went around the house telling each other, We're in a band with Roy Freaking Orbison"
I was brought up in a religious family and when I was five, six and seven, I used to add Roy Orbison and his sunglasses 😎 in my prayers. No longer religious but still a huge fan of the big O. ps. My family are still close and the prayers to Roy are a family memory. I'm the youngest of eight.
Someone once asked Elvis what it was like to be the world's greatest singer.....he said "Ask Roy Orbison". Elvis took inspiration from Roy, rather than the other way round.
Bono talked about Roy barely opening his mouth while they were recording together in a vocal booth. Bono was standing right next to Roy and couldn't hear Roy. Bono figured that Roy was just getting the cadence of the song since it was their first take. When they played the track back, all they could hear was Roy's voice. Roy barely opened his lips and blew Bono out of the water...
In the mid-50's my dad was attending what is now known as the University of North Texas. He and a few guys would "pick and grin" late into the night, go to a local burger for something, then pick and grin some more. One summer, one of those guys invited my dad to go to Lubbock, Texas with him and be a rock star. My dad declined saying he was going to work a REAL job in the wheat fields. That guy was Roy Orbison. My dad would go on to sing in a rockabilly group called The Strikes. Here is my dad singing lead in the original "If You Can't Rock Me" that Ricky Nelson would later record. th-cam.com/video/Tl1SjBx16uc/w-d-xo.html
It’s hard to appreciate just how great of a Singer he is-until you actually try to sing his songs. 1:56 He dropped the key for this live performance, but on the original version, those notes are G4s. I had no idea they were that high before I tried to sing it. He makes them sound so easy. (They’re timestamped): th-cam.com/video/cf6GAzYDKxs/w-d-xo.htmlm56s It’s the same with “Crying” and “It’s Over; Those are two of the most difficult Vocals I’ve ever tried to sing. The climaxes are insanely high and they have multiple notes that are sustained for a long time, there are parts where you have to transition from singing low-to high, very quickly, and on top of all that-there are a lot of parts that require good breath support. So many of Roy’s songs are like that, yet Roy would nail every note, in every performance-like it was nothing, despite having horrible stage fright.
Lol - I never noticed Roy didn't often open his mouth wide... I could have sworn he slowed it down _Blue Bayou_ when he re-recorded it in 1986. But I went and hunted it up and if it was slower, it was nearly undetectable. Maybe I've just got Linda Ronstadt's tempo stuck in my grooves. Her version was definitely slower, right? In any case, whoever slowed it down made a good choice. The slower tempo evokes a lovely quiet bayou day, making the wistful longing for home and his one true love more pronounced. If nobody slowed it down then I may be ready for assisted living... Lol
No one sounded like Roy Orbison. Beth should listen to "Crying" if she really wants to be blown away. No one else can do that song the way he did. No one. It's operatic country rock. Let's see anyone duplicate that. I haven't - not anywhere close to his level.
If anyone in the world has an opinion on Roy's vocal talents. Then try singing any of his songs. If you can go from baritone to falsetto and still sound like molten toffee is pouring out somewhere, then only can you speak of an equal.
Thank you, Beth. My parents were married for 63 years and when my dad passed, my mom told me that Blue Bayou was the song she related to most at that time. 6 months later they were reunited. Thanks again.
Sorry for the loss of your dad, my mom and dad where a month away from being married 50 years, but sadly he passed at 72 from Alzheimer’s last year
how were they reunited?
@rocknroll1973 that made no sense.
@rocknroll1973 for an atheist to say that… 😅😂🤣 i too am an atheist, so you make zero sense to me.
@rocknroll1973 “bruh”… ?
Roy was a true original. Just love how smooth his voice was. He really inspired many songwriters and singers. When Linda Ronstadt covered this, she made it her own.
Linda and Roy did a duet album, that is a must-have in any collectors library.
"Roy Orbison is the finest singer I've ever heard !!!" - Elvis Presley. "I could tell you, both Elvis and Roy Orbison could tear a ballad to pieces. !" - Sam Phillips of Sun Records, who was the first to record Elvis, Roy, among others, rock and roll's first great producer
Roy is a deserving rock and roll hall of Famer. What a voice(falsetto I guess) I always thought that was hautingly beautiful.Oh pretty woman,Only the lonely ,it's over,etc. He had a rather tough like losing some of his children in a house fire. He really didn't need the the other Travelling Wilburys. No disrespect to George Harrison(quiet Beatle) or Tom Pettty or Bob Dylan.
He had a bunch of great hit records. A gorgeous voice.
i grew up with roy orbison in my house playing non-stop, he's one of my biggest musical inspirations and he's just unmatched for hits. his music was 40 years from my generation but it's just timeless and so beautiful. thank you for reacting to him, i thoroughly enjoyed the video :)
OH my . . . I get chills every time I hear his voice. One of the greatest vocalists of all time (and Elvis thought so too ...). One of my favorite vocal songs ever and the best of what Roy could offer is "Leah". He takes a bit different approach and hits you with his angelica falsetto right from the start. His rendition for his awe inspiring all star concert, "Black and White Nights" is jaw dropping.
To me, he's the greatest singer of all time
Roy had one of the clearest and smoothest voice ever. Elvis love Roy's voice and paid him compliments saying that Orbison had "the most perfect voice".
He and Elvis had a mutual respect for each other. Elvis declared Roy had the greatest voice in rock at the time. Early 60s.
Yep
To me Roy has one of the most wonderful and distinct voices I have ever heard. What a career. And the stuff he did with the Traveling Wilburys, was fantastic.
He has one of the greatest voices in rock and roll history. A few songs of his that really showcases his vocals are: California Blue, In Dreams and Not Alone Anymore (with George Harrison, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne providing backing vocals).
Roy had an incredible voice and range!
My parents knew how to pick em! My mom absolutely adored Roy, and my dad was all about the Everly Brothers! They appreciated Elvis, but these were their top singers of the day!
Roy's voice was ethereal. It seemed so effortless - he opened (slightly LOL) his mouth and this angelic voice came out! Even his later tracks like Mystery Girl, I Drove All Night - he still had it! I will never tire of hearing his voice - thanks mom (RIP)!
"Roy Orbison, is the finest singer I've ever heard!" - Elvis Presley......."Elvis, and Roy Orbison...now, those 2 boys, they could really SING you a song!" - Sam Phillips of Sun Records, the first to produce Elvis and Roy's songs
His hit Crying is one of my personal favorites!💖💖💖
Great video. Roy Orbison was such a legend. Not only a great singer, but one of the greatest songwriters of all time. It's coincidental that I watched this today, because last night I literally referred to myself as a mediocre singer. But I do think I have a unique voice and I'm happy with it. And, of course, I've learned a lot from watching your channel over the past year or so.
The respect between him and Elvis was mutual. Elvis was asked what it was like having the best voice in the world. He replied you'd have to ask Roy Orbison. Most of the time he has to restrain the volume of his voice because it was so powerful
Roy is so, so awesome. Thank you for this nostalgic treat. What a career. What an artist. What an icon. I only wish he could have made more albums with the Traveling Wilbury's. Thank you Beth.
Roy was THE voice for the early 60s. I was really devastated by his passing. I grew up with an older brother whose 60s record collection filled my childhood and I was so excited by Roy's big comeback in the 80s as a solo artist and with the Wilbury's. When he died, it was such a sad moment for me. He wrote such beautifully melodramatic songs and his voice was amazing!
When Roy sung Blue Bayou live he seemed to sing it in the key of E natural whereas he sang recorded versions in F natural. ❤ Great video Beth.
Roy was a straight up Legend.
Roy O's singing voice is instantly recognisable.
I really appreciate how often you reinforce the idea that we all have unique voices.
Someone might want to sound like Orbison/Jagger/Joplin, etc. But what makes those singers so outstanding is that they sound like themselves.
Thanks for the reminder that we shouldn't strive to imitate.
Another example of his amazing vocals is "Walk On" or "She's a Mystery to Me."
Roy's version of The Comedians written by Elvis Costello is impressive as well.
True, walk on is so intense!💘
♥ I also love Roy Orbison's lead vocals in "Not Alone Any More" by the Traveling Wilburys.
Another nice choice Beth. Roy and Gene Pitney were magnificent natural tenors of the 60s who were masters of the slow-build power ballad, but from very different backgrounds both geographically and musically. Roy's legacy has perhaps proved the more enduring with his solid southern rockabilly roots, whereas Pitney, from New England, was closer to the pop 'Brill building' sound, and tended to over-use double-tracking. Both could unleash killer falsettos demand, and both were estimable songwriters in their own right, They still have legions of admirers despite their demise (Orbison 1988, Pitney 2006). I love the female chorus on the original Monument recording of this. The whole catalogue of both artists is well worth exploring.
Should do the "Travelling wilburies - End of the line", Roy sung in it but unfortunately past away before he could do the film clip for it ( which is why the song became a memorial for Roy ) beautiful song 👌
The empty rocking chair!
Yes please!!
Surprise from the future!
Check out the live performance of this - and other hits - on the "Black and White Nights" concert video.
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Linda Ronstadt were close friends with Roy, Elvis, Johnny, Jerry Lee and Waylon...they played music together and talked about career moves with each other....Roy was happy to let Linda sing his song Blue Bayou...when she did she made it her own...
Yes, he is said to have described it as "her song now".
Roy's biggest hit may have been "Pretty Woman". If you've ever seen the film 'Blue Velvet', David Lynch made good use of Orbison's "In Dreams". One of my greatest regrets in life, is that I never saw Chet Atkins perform live. He used to tour every year and even though Chet was my favorite guitarist, I'd always budget my concert money to see other acts. Then one day, Chet announced his retirement from touring. He died soon after. At that point I vowed not to make the same mistake again and the next time Roy Orbison came to town, I was there. Please check out his version of Elvis Costello's "The Comedians"...wonderful. Sam Phillips really had an ear for hits and a wealth of talent in Memphis, TN. Sun Records was the first label to record Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. Chet Atkins was pretty good with talent too. We wouldn't have the wealth of Everly Brothers hits without Chet.
Most emanated voice but has never and will not be duplicated just amazing
And a masterful songwriting a major phenomenal talent.
Roy had a fantastic voice. I saw him many times in the 60's and 70's. Was blessed to see those icons of the million dollar quartet several times. Yes I am old but you can bet I saw and heard the best.
Great analysis as always, Beth. For me, Roy Orbison and Freddie Mercury were the two best male vocalists of the modern (ie: post rock and roll) era.
His voice is so beautiful it brings a tear to my eye
Beth hes one of my all time favourites as mentioned in the comments hes a one off original artist I love his voice.
Roy's voice is eerily angelic
No one can match him
I have seen imitators, impersonators...none could copy him.
I trained myself on Roy, Beth. An uncle of mine who loved him pointed out - look at his neck... there's no stress. Obviously later, I understood how important that was. My early vocal training was based on Roy. Later ; learning saw me find people like Chris Cornell, or (fellow Aussie) John Farnham were/are the same. I don't blow my own horn, but I've been told I'm a dead ringer for Roy. I'll take that.
Linda Ronstadt did a great cover of this. Probably the best known version. Roy also did a fantastic duet with KD Lang: Crying.
And with the wilburys on the traveling wilburys albums
Who could forget his mega-hit Oh Pretty Woman?
Awsome vocals on Roy orbison, powefull voice projection.
🥰LOVE Orbison and your reaction, but I also most love what you said right there at the end about us being used to our own voices or our uniqueness ...sorry I can't remember exactly how you said it... but it is SO encouraging for everyone who enjoys singing. Thank you for that, Beth! I'm among those who has a hard time believing when someone says wonderful things about my singing, but I arrived at a place where I know my voice and instrument-playing abilities are enough for my mission and purpose of being a light and brightening someone else's day. Thanks for your lovely channel, Beth! 💜👍🏽710
You want a sample of Mr Orbison's range try It's Over, the range is incredible
Roy Orbison was unique!!!
Think Roy could sing just about anything and it would be great. What a song, love the Linda Ronstadt version as well.
My favorite singer❤
Thanks for the shout out for one of my favorite groups, The Traveling Wilbouries! Such a collection of talent, you should do a reaction to their big hit with all the duets ( the name escapes this am! The curse of being a night o we l when it's too early !)
Im 34 and the legend of the big O will be passed onto my children just like it was to me by my father.
Was very fortunate just a few years ago to see a holographic concert in London, with Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly. Separate acts, and performing alternately. It was sensational and very emotional
As mentioned by others, he was a machine at being on pitch as shown by voice analyst software.
His vibrato though!!!
No one can sing like Roy!🎸🎤👍
His singing voice is a machine. He sings on a opera level and with eaze
Somone described Roy as "the worlds only operatic rockabilly singer."
Great Dissertation (?) look forward to more cheers from Aus 🇦🇺🦘
only the lonely was a monster hit when i was a youngster....all his songs were great...i really like in dreams...it is most difficult to sing
One more...I remember Roy Orbison being interviewed by Tom Snyder on the old "Tomorrow" show (NBC). Tom asked him whats up with the sunglasses? Roy said that he was invited to England on a tour with The Beatles. He wore his sunglasses for the flight over and realized that he'd left his regular glasses at home. Roy was very far sited and had to wear his shades 24-hours-a-day on that tour, in performances, interviews, et.al. After that, they were his "trademark".
Love the D&D reference. 🙂
Just last week I was searching for a react to Roy Orbinson's, but couldn't find one... Glad to see him around! I woud suggest Beth reacts to "She is a Mystery to me" that, besides great lyrics, presents some more aspects of his voice! Thanks for your work, by the way!
There was one week in the spring of 1989 where three of the Top 20 Country singles in the US were by posthumous performers... Robison, Keith Whitley, and a duet from Hank Williams Sr and Jr.
He is my favorite singer/songwriter. He may have wrote Only The Lonely for Elvis, perhaps rejected, then released himself. His massive constant vibrato somehow is so easily digestable whereas when others try, it bothers me... He was very shy about his voice, especially later on when his vibrato was less controllable and sung a lot of his parts at home away from the studio.
Great reaction as always, Beth. Another song of his that is phenomenal is "Running Scared." The last note is mindblowing considering...well, I won't spoil it for you. I think it'd be a great song for you to react to.
Cheers!
Best rock opera voice ever no review needed
Roy was almost a baritone and a tenor in one. Almost 3 octaves in the song In Dreams.
My mom was a huge Ronstadt fan when I a younster. I still know 50% of the words
One of the best voices ever
Consider that this is a live performance when he was older. I have a small collection of his late 1950's/ early 1960's albums on vinyl, and his voice was definitely stronger and more pure. He never seem to be the type for studio tricks, and his East Texas influences can be heard in his voice.
I’d love to see you do two versions of a song to contrast the various approaches- Linda Ronstadt did a great version of this one
He grew up in a very small town in Texas and he used to sit in his parent’s car and sing to himself. He said there was a lot of lonesome there. I doubt he had formal music training. I grew up in Texas too so I understand exactly what he means.
As stated below from others Linda Ronstadt covered this and it's amazing.
So glad I got to catch him live just before he passed.
Roy was one of the greats of this era. He had a very powerful voice and great range. You mentioned that he didn't open his mouth very far and this was a practice that a lot of country singers used. The country great George Jones sang like he had his jaw wired shut. It is a practice to make it a little easier to use a more nasally voice that way.
It's possible that his performance on "In Dreams" is even more astounding.
Elvis really liked Roy's voice, too.
Pretty Woman and Crying are probably his two biggest hits.
I don’t think he ever realized how great he was. He was a humble person. When he became a member of the Traveling Wilburys and the group all thought his voice was really special. His wife said he was the happiest she ever saw him. I think he sort of isolated him self from other.
In Dreams is one of his more Beautiful efforts!
When you mentioned Roy Orbison being famous for Only the Lonely, I thought, "yes and the Traveling Wilburys!" He is fantastic in it. One of the videos from the first album honors Orbison in a photo. I don't recall which song. He was legendary.
Linda Ronstadt does a powerful cover of this song if you are interested.
Roy Orbison was a very special talent using his unique voice to convey emotion with seemingly very little effort. For a special treat check out the duet with kd lang singing Crying. Two incredible voices producing a very memorable performance.
(A review of kd lang herself would also be appreciated. Maybe her live version of Hallelujah.
Now just for a second imagine that Elvis was still alive, and he sang with Roy in the travelling wilburys!
Early 60's both Elvis and John Lennon were quoted as saying Orbison had the best voice they'd ever heard. And you mentioned The Wilburys, half the group joined when Jeff Lynn said he was bringing him along. He had huge admirers.
I'll never forget a qoute from Tom Petty during the recording of Vol 1, "We all went around the house telling each other, We're in a band with Roy Freaking Orbison"
When Bono recorded She's a Mystery to Me with Roy he was amazed because he said Roy did not sing so much as whisper.
Wow... not very often do you applaud... if ever there was a performance deserving of it, it is Mr. Orbison...
I was brought up in a religious family and when I was five, six and seven, I used to add Roy Orbison and his sunglasses 😎 in my prayers.
No longer religious but still a huge fan of the big O.
ps. My family are still close and the prayers to Roy are a family memory.
I'm the youngest of eight.
Someone once asked Elvis what it was like to be the world's greatest singer.....he said "Ask Roy Orbison". Elvis took inspiration from Roy, rather than the other way round.
Beth, thought you might enjoy this also one of my favorites (Celtic Thunder - Ireland's Call (Live From Poughkeepsie / 2010)
Bono talked about Roy barely opening his mouth while they were recording together in a vocal booth. Bono was standing right next to Roy and couldn't hear Roy. Bono figured that Roy was just getting the cadence of the song since it was their first take. When they played the track back, all they could hear was Roy's voice. Roy barely opened his lips and blew Bono out of the water...
In the mid-50's my dad was attending what is now known as the University of North Texas. He and a few guys would "pick and grin" late into the night, go to a local burger for something, then pick and grin some more. One summer, one of those guys invited my dad to go to Lubbock, Texas with him and be a rock star. My dad declined saying he was going to work a REAL job in the wheat fields. That guy was Roy Orbison. My dad would go on to sing in a rockabilly group called The Strikes. Here is my dad singing lead in the original "If You Can't Rock Me" that Ricky Nelson would later record. th-cam.com/video/Tl1SjBx16uc/w-d-xo.html
I wonder what Beth would think of the Highway men. Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristopherson, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash
It’s hard to appreciate just how great of a Singer he is-until you actually try to sing his songs.
1:56 He dropped the key for this live performance, but on the original version, those notes are G4s. I had no idea they were that high before I tried to sing it. He makes them sound so easy. (They’re timestamped):
th-cam.com/video/cf6GAzYDKxs/w-d-xo.htmlm56s
It’s the same with “Crying” and “It’s Over;
Those are two of the most difficult Vocals I’ve ever tried to sing. The climaxes are insanely high and they have multiple notes that are sustained for a long time, there are parts where you have to transition from singing low-to high, very quickly, and on top of all that-there are a lot of parts that require good breath support.
So many of Roy’s songs are like that, yet Roy would nail every note, in every performance-like it was nothing, despite having horrible stage fright.
I had a lovely sing a long, thank you!
What ever happened to your previous Roy Orbison reaction? I loved that vid.
I'd love to hear you react to the Kingston Trio. Tijuana Jail, The MTA, Whre have all the Flowers Gone, Tom Dooley. Tons of good harmonies there
Lol - I never noticed Roy didn't often open his mouth wide...
I could have sworn he slowed it down _Blue Bayou_ when he re-recorded it in 1986. But I went and hunted it up and if it was slower, it was nearly undetectable. Maybe I've just got Linda Ronstadt's tempo stuck in my grooves. Her version was definitely slower, right?
In any case, whoever slowed it down made a good choice. The slower tempo evokes a lovely quiet bayou day, making the wistful longing for home and his one true love more pronounced.
If nobody slowed it down then I may be ready for assisted living... Lol
Aí e sim um cantor sensacional
Thank you Beth. Johnny Cash and Roy have voices on opposite sides of the range. But are both incredible.
Beth, you need to react to Sandy. She's a brazilian singer with an impecable voice!
Pleaseee! You gonna love her♥️🇧🇷
I wonder if you’ve reacted to “I drove all night”? It was on the radio just now, and as usual made me cry!
🥰🥲
No one sounded like Roy Orbison. Beth should listen to "Crying" if she really wants to be blown away. No one else can do that song the way he did. No one. It's operatic country rock. Let's see anyone duplicate that. I haven't - not anywhere close to his level.
Please, Beth, consider reacting to Blackbriar - The Séance (Acoustic) [Live]
🙏🙏🙏
If anyone in the world has an opinion on Roy's vocal talents. Then try singing any of his songs. If you can go from baritone to falsetto and still sound like molten toffee is pouring out somewhere, then only can you speak of an equal.
You need to check out Linda Ronstadt singing this song! And check out some of other songs they are outstanding!!!