Once in 1964, Roy Orbison and his friend Bill Dees were just hanging out and talking. Roy’s wife, Claudette, told them she was going to the store. Roy asked if she needed some cash for her trip.
Bill laughed and said a pretty woman never needs any money.
That tiny joke turned into a song that reached number one in just a few weeks. This moment gave us the legendary hit Oh Pretty Woman.
After two decades, Roy stood on the stage in 1987 wearing his famous dark sunglasses. He did not move a muscle while he played this song on his guitar. This special show happened just one year before he passed away.
A Black and White Night: Oh Pretty Woman
Fans still talk about the legends standing behind Roy on that stage. Famous stars like Bruce Springsteen and Bonnie Raitt were just there to sing backup for him. Fans said it was the greatest collection of talent ever seen in one place.
That gentle kitchen joke traveled through time. A young band with loud guitars decided to take that same riff and turn up the volume. They wanted to show that a great song can live in many different ways.
Van Halen: (Oh) Pretty Woman
Van Halen brought a heavy and wild sound to the old favorite in 1982. Eddie Van Halen used his guitar to make a clicking sound. Their producer hated the idea when they first talked about it. But the fans loved the grit and the energy of this new rock version.
Roy Orbison had a way of singing that resonated with our hearts. You should follow Roy Orbison on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. His music still feels like home to anyone who listens to those classic notes.