There's absolutely no doubt that Roy Orbison was one of the greatest singers/performers in the history of Rock & Roll. His magical voice could not be compared to any other singer in Rock & Roll history. It was such a tragic loss that we lost him at such a young age. A true genius in Rock & Roll history.
I saw Roy Orbison in 1988 four months before his death. It was on Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas. There was 15 thousand people there. It was HOT August night but he simply tore the house down! I mean I never heard anyone like that. When he hit those high notes, my friend and I just looked at each in amazement. it was a life changing experience.
Roy Orbison's voice . . . . words cannot express the wonder of it. I have heard or listened to many great singers in my life. There is only ONE Roy Orbison.
Holy god. That's an amazing version, my eyes misted up--thinking about how we lost Elvis & Roy way too soon, Both were jaw-dropping talents, And both were genuinely decent, kind, and generous people as well.
Many years ago someone told me you can't sing the blues, til you have had them...Roy was pure magic-and he had a really tough life-with sadness and heartache...we just got the best part of that left to us.
Both Elvis And Roy had Similar Vocal Timbre and Range just different singing technique Roy's Falsetto was fabulous But Elvis was the hunk of hunks and the greatest performer we will probably ever see again at least in our life time ..
Roy Orbison = the Caruso of rock singing. So much finesse and elegance in the way he sings those powerful high notes, without any sign of brute force whatsoever.
I would have given everything I own to have that memory. You are a lucky person, indeed. Although I do remember seeing it on TV in 82. That's when Roy instantly became my #1 for all time. Incredible is all I can say about the man. I was a budding teenager at the time, and all that teenage angst w/girls and the like - Roy sounded as if he knew exactly what I was feeling at times. Only the Lonely, Crying, In Dreams, etc. Really helped me through. Thanks with all my heart, Roy!
gosh I would of loved to be there. Roy is one of the few Greatest singers/ song writers ever.still today 10-21-22 .......RIP Roy such a beautiful soft voice....
It's the passion in Roy's voice when he sings!! Awesome!!! Roy also did an encore & the audience gave 2 standing ovations!! Roy Orbison Rules the Universe!! Both he & his music are timeless!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for posting this. I remember seeing this back in 1982. It was an amazing performance then and is all the more amazing today given the sorry state that popular music has fallen into. Ah, for the good old days when songs had melodies and the lyrics actually expressed real emotions.
Yep, and the kids today just give me a blank stare when I ask them if they have listened to any of his music. It's a shame, but it can't be denied that Orbison was one of the greatest, if not the greatest male vocalists ever. His peers knew it.
A masterwork in song construction... the way it keeps extending the verses with new parts, playing with different rhyming patterns, using different pitches, all gradually building to a crescendo... yet it sounds so simple, and with such a basic sentiment. 'I love you even more than I did before" is just devastating.
What a spectacular performance!!!! I spent a lot of time in Austin in the early 80s but missed this ACL. What I'd give to go back in time so I could be there. Simply superb.
Well, gosh. Stand back in awe. Unreal. The Great Man was certainly in fine form in this 1982 performance. Same gig had incredible version of Only The Lonely.
You are right. I was a huge fan. Still am. I used to have an article (magazine of some sort) from not long before he passed, and admitted he still smoked, even though he knew his wife Barbara didn't allow it. It was funny because the interviewer was asking him about losing weight and looking better than he had in years, and if quitting smoking was one of the habits he kicked. He said he just exercised more, and ate a bit differently. In my book, YOU 'DA MAN, ROY! FOREVER THE BIG "O"
Wow. I was 18 when I saw this concert. Had no idea at the time the Genius I sat with that morning. Thanks guys, for your care, your respect and yes Barb - even the interesting experience I had with your daughter. Richard..... I'll always remember. Cheers.
It is wonderful to see a performer so talented that no electronic manipulations are necessary to make them sound good. Roy's falsetto is flawless, it is difficult to hear the "switch". The closest artist I know is J. D. Souther.
Nobody will ever come close to that MAN vocal range on one note and not come up for air , Elvis bow your head . Yes I know Elvis is the greatest but you cannot put these guys together
