I may be up to my eyeballs in Christmas music but if you think I am going to skip over a very sad day in music history, you’re wrong.
On December 6, 1988, Roy Orbison was in the midst of a massive career resurgence. After being out of the limelight for almost two decades, he had rebounded, first as a 1987 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, then as a member of The Traveling Wilburys, and was also planning a release for Mystery Girl, his comeback solo album.
He died of a massive heart attack that night at the age of 52.
On the 33rd anniversary of his passing, I am playing a nine-song medley of his music, beginning with one of his earliest recordings in 1959 all the way through his final recording (Careless Heart) in 1988.
Wait, that’s not quite true. I was going to end with that song from Mystery Girl but I decided to end the medley with his signature song from 1964.
It just felt like the right thing to do.
I have long believed Roy Orbison had the sweetest voice this side of heaven. Nothing or no one has ever changed my opinion. There are a few singer/songwriters who have the ability to make me ache inside and cause me to marvel at the beauty of the art of song. Virtually every Roy Orbison song did that.
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
The Roy Orbison Medley
Wow, Dream Baby brought back memories if my parents dancing and laughing, they where not into the music us kids liked at all but music was a big part of our life as we did not have a television in our home so we listened to music almost all the time. It made doing our chores and or everything else pass by more quickly and alot more fun then when we didn’t have music playing.
Thank you for a wonderful tribute to a great singer.
Thank you, Victoria. Roy’s music was a vital part of my teenage years and I’m glad the medley brought back some wonderful memories for you. 🥰
great tribute to a great man and what a way to end with Pretty Woman!!
Thanks, Penny 🙂
I could listen to Roy all day! 🥰
This was so nostalgic to listen to. Going back in time I can remember how much I absolutely adore the singer. His voice was so melodic and just touched you to the very back bone of your existence. I’ve always been an admirer, and was so sad that he died at such a young age. Listening to all of us all over again, makes me want to hear more!! Just the power alone!! Thank you Ray for sharing such a very special person, who had such a tremendous career cut short. Loved every single second, and sang along! 🥰
Thanks, Sandy. 🙂
I thought I could hear you singing. You’re pretty darn good!
Seriously, I’m very happy you enjoyed it.🥰
We talk about the Beatles Elvis and others but Ray this man was such a talent!! If you look up the word talent it says listen to Roy Orbision!! The range of his voice is crazy!! One can only wonder!! Such a great talent glad I got to listen to this!! Pretty woman couldn’t possibly walk by this man!!
Thanks, Fred. 🙂
As I said in the post, Roy had the sweetest voice this side of heaven. 🥰
So love his music….thank you!
No, Susan, thank YOU! 🥰
Roy Orbison what a talent, what a voice quality, totally unappreciated for most of his career
Thank you for this tribute, not an Xmas music fan for all of December, only Xmas Eve and Day so this was a treat
Thank you, Mary Helen. We were so lucky to have Roy to fall back on in our youth. He was an absolute treasure. 🥰