Post by CaptainFreedom on Aug 28, 2012 12:04:09 GMT -5
The Big O enjoyed a string of hits in the early 60s and when the first British Invasion began to dominate, Roy were one of very few American artist who came out on top with big sales both in America and in England.
But from the mid 60s and up till the mid 80s his career had began to suffer from poor sales and the music press ruled him out as a "has been".
In the same period Roy had been struck by several personal tragedy's when his first wife and two oldest sons died in fatal accidents and himself underwent a triple heart bypass in the late 70s.
Then came the 80s and his career suddenly got resurrected.
Roy was now finally getting the attention and respect that he truly deserved after almost a decade in the shadows.
Filmmakers such as David Lynch had began to use his older hits in their movies and younger artists talked about how much he had influenced their life and careers.
In 1988 "You Got It" came out and gave Roy his biggest hit since "Pretty Woman" from 1964.
At the same time he enjoyed both success with his own album "Mystic Girl" and with his friends and fellow musicians as part of the Traveling Wilbury's.
Sadly Roy Orbison died at the age of 52.
Only a year before one of the many highlights in Roy Orbison's career happened when fellow fans, friends and musicians collaborated on the legendary live show titled "Roy Orbison and Friends, A Black and White Night" and gave a new generation the chance to catch up with one of Rock 'n' Roll's finest voices.
Ive always known songs like "Pretty Woman" and "You Got It" maybe because they are used in so many different movies and television shows or played constantly on the radio, but I never took the time sit down and listen to more of his work.
Well all that changed after having seen the brilliant "A Black and White Night" on DVD.
I can't believe how great this man's voice was.
Even at a time when his health was getting worse, Roy's performance gave you the chills.
Brilliantly used in "Blue Velvet" as Frank's (Dennis Hopper) psychotic theme.
One hell of way to build up and then finish a song within barely 2 minutes.
Roy's finest vocal performance in my opinion.
A haunting and beautiful song written by Boon and The Edge for Roy's final album "Mystic Girl" (1988).