So, one night in 1988, George Harrison was at dinner with Jeff Lynne. Jeff had just helped George create his succesful comeback album "Cloud Nine". Jeff also happened to be working with Roy frickin' Orbison at the time, and Roy joined them for dinner. Now, bear in mind that during the early 60's, Roy was at the top of the charts, and also one of the Beatles idol's and inspirations. They actually toured together in England. At the beginning of the Tour the Beatles opened for Roy. By the end of the tour, Roy was opening for the Beatles. Anyways, during dinner conversation, it came up that George and Jeff had been asked to provide a throwaway song as a B-side to some European release. They decided to come up with a song the next day and asked Roy if he wanted to join them. To sing or to write or just to hang out. Roy was game, so the plan was made. But where to record! Even with their pedigree, it wasn't going to be easy to find a space that was available on such short notice. Remember, this was 1988, there was no email, no texting, and very few portable phones. If the person you were trying to call wasn't there, you kinda just had to wait until they were. All I'm saying is that this was a bit of a daunting task, and how it was resolved was almost miraculous. George decided to try to call Bob Dylan, a man famous for not being able to get in touch with. But he had a recording studio in his garage and somehow managed to pick up the phone! He said that it would be fine, so the plan was set. But here's my favourite part. En route to Bob Dylan's garage, George had to stop at Tom Petty's house, so he could pick up his guitar. Because that's how George Harrison rolled. So please imagine with me that you're Tom Petty. Already quite successful in your own right, but then George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Roy frickin' Orbison roll up and say "Hey, we're heading over to Bob Dylan's right now to write a song. Wanna Come?" Up until that point, Tom Petty may have had plans for the day. So They arrive at Bob Dylan's garage, Dylan joins them and say's "So what are we going to sing about?" George spies a box sitting in the garage with a freight sticker on it reading 'Handle with Care' and said "Why don't we sing about that?" A sticker on a box. So that's what they did, and after spitballing verses and riffs at each other for a couple of hours, they wrote and recorded this. Wow. It was pretty clear that this was not a song to throwaway on some European B-side, and they had so much fun doing it that someone eventually said "Why don't we make an album?" So they did. Somehow, all 5 of them were able to co-ordinate a week or two where they were all free. So they borrowed Dave Stewart's house, and made an album. And thus, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty spent a week or so hangin' out, drinkin' beers, smokin' weed, shootin' the shit, and just creating music. And that's how the Traveling Wilburys actually happened. The best supergroup of all time, comprised of some of the top musicians of all time representing multiple era's of rock from its infancy, with no ego battles. It's pretty wonderful.
What a great storytelling. In 88 I was 25 and went to London to study English when Cloud 9 the album that you mentioned was released. 88 was a very expecting year many events were in the oven waiting to pull out and serve; the wall fell next year, the iron courtain torn and ragged and afterwards apparently capitalism beat socialism. AIDS was in raise and still little known about its transmission paths, therefore, the sexual distance was the norm as today the social one is, and swinging London became frighting London. It's in this context that the Travelling Willburys showed up singing handle me with care.
I hate to sound morbid, but who would have guessed that Dylan would be one of the last two living Wilburys? (He's my all-time favorite musician, by the way.)
@@frigginjerk I've totally thought the same thing. Honestly, it's really nice that Dylan is almost 80. I'm not sure I would've bet on that even 10 years ago.
I always thought George Harrison's voice was underrated, along with his writing. The Beatles were amazing for so many reasons, and George Harrison was a MAJOR reason.
The Beatles were the Beatles because of all four of them - without any one of them, I don't think they would have been what they were. Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, Starkey - all four required.
I don't really think he was underrated I think he was kind of just overshadowed because John and Paul had such amazing voices and they were such talented singers that most people compared to them what kind of get overlooked even if they are really talented George is one of my favorites
What really gets me with this incomparable supergroup is how they really all looked like they were genuinely having a great time. They're all millionaires, no need for more money, so just making great music with friends.
I was! I'm glad he held off, cuz it's been years since I heard this song, and I literally got chills and my eyes watered up a bit at the mere sound of Roy's voice. What a haunting, beautiful voice he had.
Hard to miss George Harrison’s signature guitar riffs, Roy Orbison’s high flying, gorgeous tenor, and Tom Petty & Bob Dylan’s distinct voices along with Jeff Lynn - what more could you want??
There is pure joy in this video. George Harrison with his heroes Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison. Then Tom Petty, Jeff Lynn and Jim Keltner on drums. It doesn't get any better than that.
people can use "super Group" loosely a lot of the time, but THIS was probably one of the best Super Groups EVER assembled that was never planned. I sure miss then those days of this group.
Man with the black hair and glasses singing "I'm so tired of being lonely..." portion was Roy Orbison. Elvis was once asked by an interviewer what it was like having the best voice in the business and he replied "I don't know, why don't you ask Roy Orbison" I would definitely suggest checking out almost any of his works with the sole exception of the movie he was in, The Fastest Guitar Alive. That was NOT a good movie. LOL
I agree that Elvis would probably pass that mantle to someone else, but those sort of stories sound almost made up at this point. That is the exact set up to someone asking Eric Clapton how it was to be the best guitarist, and he told them to ask Prince.
Elvis would not perform after Roy Orbison. That was his request. True story! If Roy had been more handsome and confident, the whole world would know who he is. IMO
On the album, each member went with a pseudonym with the last name Wilbury George Harrison was Nelson Wilbury Jeff Lynne was Otis Wilbury Roy Orbison was Lefty Wilbury Bob Dylan was Lucky Wilbury Tom Petty was Charlie Wilbury Jr. The drummer in the video (who was not an official Wilbury) is veteran session drummer Jim Keltner, who was credited on the album as "Buster Sidebury" - Although on the album, Jeff/Otis played the drums on 'Handle with Care.' while Jim/Buster played on the rest of the tracks
Keltner also played drums in Harrison's Concert For Bangladesh. Played on albums for John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison in addition to both Traveling WIlbury's albums.
Also, his stuff with the Beatles is worth checking out, gotta love "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", Eric Clapton plays guitar on that one... and "Here Comes the Sun" is simple and perfect.
Jamal, you doing OK? Bad weekend everywhere, especially LA. My awesome hubby & I are sending you love from Harbor City! Keep spreading your peace, serenity & joy. 💖🙏🏻
Being nearly 70 now and an old fool. I can't watch this without tears coming to my eyes such a group of icons they say started jamming around togetherr for fun out of boredom Roy orbison George harison Tom petty gone now they were doing great stuff as the wilburys
“End of the line” is a top pick. Between the time they recorded the song and doing the video, Roy Orbison passed away. You’ll see an empty chair in the video when he does his solo part. Just FYI so you know why. Keep up the great work! Love it.
bob dylan "tangled up in blue" tom petty "free falling" george harrison "when we was fab" roy orbison "pretty woman" jeff lynne "all over the world" there is not a bad song on either album by the TW'S .....supergroup....
What I respect about Jamel reactions is that they seem sincere and real, most of these other “reaction” videos are to staged, over the top reaction for click bait. Thank you Jamel for being the way you are when doing these and allowing your audience to enjoy the music and what seems like a sincere reaction.
You should do a video for End of the Line by the Travelling Wilburys. Roy Orbison had recorded the record with the band by died shortly after. There is a very touching moment in the video of his guitar in a rocking chair. Just brilliant
An all star band for the ages. I think everyone was excited to see how The Traveling Wilburys would sound. Wish we could have had many more collaborations like this with various artists back then.
I'm 65 too, and yes give Jamel a break, as he is younger than us old farts! Hard to believe ppl don't recognize all those artisrs we reveared for yrs! Jamel, u are one cool cat to listen to all these old treasures. I have listened to, love and own lotta music from ur younger generation, so most of us are not biased! Jamel, wait til I start suggesting ol mountain music and such! U gonna be goin' down musical rabbit holes the rest of ur days ! Not a bad itch to scratch...thx for all ur openess, blessings and peace to u and urs, thx again
I agree! I'm 73. I saw Bob's Rolling Thunder Revue in 1975. Bayfront Center, St Pete, Fl. Too bad Roy died because I'm sure they would've continued for awhile. Maybe even rotate new members.
When this came out on the radio, I kept thinking, that,s George Harrison, but wait, there's Roy Orbison and Tom Petty. I was blown away, then I saw the video, and how relaxed they all looked. Five huge names in music from Britain and the States, but no egos, no designated lead, they filmed in a circle. Pure talent. This kind of pure collaboration could never happen with today's "superstars" the egos and fame would get in the way. Maybe a song or two, never two albums.
I cant even begin to express how much I love Tom Petty. His music is perfect driving music. Traveling cross country in a car, there probably isn't a better artist to listen to. You gotta add Tom Petty to your catalog
Mary Jane's Last Dance would be a good direction to go into. Then some more classic Tom Petty. There is A LOT of great stuff down that hole. George Harrison, Roy Orbison, all good for reactions.
Jeff Lynn was hanging out at Petty's house. They were sitting in the yard with their guitars just throwing riffs at each other, Petty throws one out and Jeff say's "Hey I like that one- got any lyrics for it?" Petty says nope, plays it again and sings, "She's a good girl" "Loves her Mama" "Loves Jesus" "And America too" RIGHT OFF THE TOP OF HIS HEAD!!!!
Another group I would love to see u react to is another supergroup called the highwaymen. It is johnny cash, Willie nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson
John Lennon got the idea for "Being for the benefit of Mr. Kite" from an old circus poster. I wonder how many of the songs Beatles members came up with while in that band or in their subsequent careers came from found objects? They were all such good songwriters, they could probably write a song about anything.
@@brianm2881 Day in the Life was entirely based around newspaper articles. On one of the Anthology albums, John states that Norweigen Wood was partially inspired by a furniture add that repeated the phrase "good Norwegian wood". Despite all of the links to LSD, John claims that Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds was inspired by a picture Julian painted in school when he was 4 or 5. Ringo's Octopus's Garden was inspired from a conversation he had over dinner due to octopus being on the menu. Paul's inspiration for Elinor Rigby was entirely from a grave marker with that name. George's Here Comes the Sun was literally written about a sunrise viewed in Eric Clapton's garden.
When Roy Orbison sang, the angels stopped what they were doing. God's singing voice. And he got a ton of power without even straining. Horrible that only Jeff and Bob are left. God bless. Peace and Love, Brother Jamel.
SiiiiGH... ROY ORBISON. 😍 His Voice IS/WAS EXTREMELY UNIQUE, which is why it's MY FAV. out of All the other Talented Musicians in this video. 🎹 🎵 🎸 🎵 ROY O. IS/WAS The BEST. 😢 💔 #RIP 🙏 👼 #Icon 😢 #RoyOrbison ❤ #OldiesButGoodies 💛
There's an old joke about the Beatles: John was the brain, Paul was the heart, George was the soul, and Ringo was the drummer. But I really started to think about what it means to say George was the 'soul' of the Beatles, and it is so true. If the Beatles had replaced George, they wouldn't have been the Beatles anymore. Meanwhile, if George goes out and gets three other great performers...it sounds like a Beatles song! He really was the indispensable member of the group.
I disagree with Paul being the heart. John was the heart, Paul was the brain. Just look at the songs they wrote, John’s music had emotion and feel, whereas Paul’s music was crafted and more polished. There’s some exceptions where Paul had heart.
@Randall Johnson I always heard it was John's quote, which would make sense because Paul drummed on some Beatles' songs, and it's a rather acerbic comment, typical of John.
This one gives me chills and tears. All of these fine fellows capable of telling quite a story, yes indeed. But some of them have gone. And that part makes me quite sad. None the less, a great piece of work.
This group was formed just to be as chilled as possible. This was the first song they created and it was all because they saw a box that said "handle with care" and they wrote the song around that!
This was, obviously, a side project for them. Relaxed and fun. And that came through. They look like they’re having a ball. What a great song. It’s’ sentiment is just what we need in these troubled times.
Love them All! George paid his dues coming up with The Beetles. At 15 years old , he lived in a brothel when they played Germany. Still poor from the War, friends would buy one record from USA and share it.
Jamel we could tell this one hit home with you on a personal level. I like hearing you break it down and put it all together for us. Thank you for doing this one, one of my favorites!
What a glorious collaboration!! Some of the best of the best! Love these guys!!!n George Harrison started the song, Then Roy Orbison sings, then Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, and then Jeff Lynne all chime in with such beauty. Perfection!!!
All of these guys are really talented and I'm glad you got to hear this song. I like 'End of the Line' better than this song by them, but this is cool too. Cool to see someone reacting to a song my mom likes haha
Yeah "End of the Line" is even better than this one, but its video is so sad. Roy died just before shooting of the video began and how they represent him in the video is a tear jerker (in a good, cathartic way, but still heartbreaking).
What a pleasure to wake up to this! Roy Orbison, one of the finest voices ever, Tom Petty (lots for you to explore there,), Bob Dylan and Jeff Lynne...the greats! George Harrison said they all got together and wrote music then recorded it. In this particular song they were looking for a "hook" according to George and there were lots of boxes with HANDLE WITH CARE on them--that was the hook they needed! Thanks Jamel!
I had to laugh at your reaction when you heard Roy's voice, the second voice, you probably would of heard his song Pretty Woman, that song is played to death in numerous movies. But he has plenty more classics. The best part of listening to this song is listening to the mash up of so many different styles. The different twangs of country tuned guitars, the electric psychadelic and folk tuned guitars, the accoustic rock and roll strum. And their own unique voices for their chosen styles. It all somehow mixes perfectly.