The Big O

The Life and Music of Roy OrbisonThe Big OMusic 1010March 30th, 2014Eric MooreOne of the greatest singers of all time was a man by the name of Roy Orbison, or as some called him, The Big O.

His music has been around for more than 50 years and is still enjoyed and admired by countless individuals around the world.

According to an article on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame website Roy Orbison possessed one of the great rock and roll voices: a forceful, operatic bel canto tenor capable of dynamic crescendos (Rock & Roll, Par. 1).BiographyFigure 1:Roy Orbison(rock & Roll)

April 23, 1936 December 6, 1988Although many people initially doubted his ability to become a popular ballad singer he continued to write and record music throughout the late 1950s early 60s.

Once his voice was finally recognized his success skyrocketed through the roof, even Elvis Presley was impressed by the great voice that Orbison possessed. In the words of Presley, Orbison was simply "the greatest singer in the world." (A&E, Par. 3).

Born 1936 in a small town of Vernon, Texas; Roy Orbison gained interest in music at a very early age. His dad gave him a guitar for his sixth birthday and he wrote his first song, "A Vow of Love," when he was 8 (A&E, Par. 4). When he finally broke into the popular music scene his appearance was quite different from most of the artists at that time.

He dressed like an insurance salesman and was famously lifeless during his performances. He never even twitched," recalled George Harrison, who was simultaneously awestruck and confounded by Orbison's stage presence (A&E, Par. 3).

He was a very bashful man and preferred to perform with dark sunglasses on and dressed all in black clothing. This image only added to the mystery that was The Big O.

Roy Orbison toured alongside Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Johnny Horton, The Beach Boys and countless other popular music acts during the 1960s.

He had multiple chart topping hits both in the United States and also the United Kingdom. Everywhere he went he was a star, people really loved his amazing voice.

Although the first half of the 1960s saw the rise of Orbison's star, the second half of the decade brought harder times. Tragedy struck when Orbison's wife, Claudette, was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1966, and again when his two oldest sons died in a house fire in 1968 (A&E, Par. 4).

During the 1980s Roy Orbison decided it was time to make a comeback. He released what would end up being his final album Mystery Girl in 1989 and also formed the super group called The Traveling Wilburys which included Tom Petty, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Bob Dylan. The Traveling Wilburys released their debut album Vol. 1 in 1988.

Figure 2: The Traveling Wilburys (Caligiuri)In December of 1988 Roy Orbison died from a massive heart attack. Even though the first heart attack happened ten years before, and an open-heart surgeon says it gives you roughly ten years by doing the surgery, you only remember these things after someone passes away, recalled Orbisons son Alex years later. We were all shocked and caught off guard by the fatal heart attack, because Roy had been looking, feeling, and sounding like he was 22, not 52 (Giles, Par. 15).

Since his death the music has lived on and continues to be an inspiration for listeners and musicians alike. Roy Orbison and his music have since moved on to the much sought after status of rock and roll legend.

Even as cold as his career was in 1980, Orbison insisted that he foresaw Phenomenal successMuch more so than Ive ever had before for the rest of the decade, and although it took quite a few years to pan out, those dreams started coming true once the Traveling Wilburys took off but he took his renewed rise in stride (Giles, Par. 12)."Only the Lonely" is a song written in 1960 by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. It was released in 1961 on the album Lonely and Blue by Monument Records (Discogs). It was Roy Orbisons first major hit and went to #2 of the U.S. Billboard charts. This was the song that set the tone for Roy Orbisons music and also put a lid on all the naysayers who claimed Roys voice wasnt strong enough to be a popular artist. According to Song Facts Orbison had originally written this song for Elvis Presley or The Everly Brothers to record, however The Everly Brothers persuaded Orbison that he should cut it himself (Song Facts). This song was later covered by Sonny James in 1969 and again by Chris Isaak in 1996.History of the MusicCrying was released in 1961 on Monument Records. The song was written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. This was a time when Roy Orbison was still trying to define his own sound and style of music in order to stand out from the crowd. Although many of Roys songs tend to be on the sad side most were written during very happy times of his life. This song has been featured in a number of movies and television shows, including the hit show Prison Break. This song has been covered by Waylon Jennings, Del Shannon, Jay & The Americans, Gene Pitney and a number of other musicians over the years.Oh, Pretty Woman was released in 1964 on Monument Records. It was from the album Orbisongs, which was his last record with Monument Records before switching to MGM. The song was a worldwide success written by Roy Orbison and Bill Dees. The song is about a man who sees a beautiful woman walking by and wonders if she is as lonely as he is, at the end she turns around and joins him. This song has been covered by Johnny Rivers, Al Green, John Mellencamp and most notably Van Halen. The song has also been featured in a number of movies including the hit comedy Dumb and Dumber in 1994.Handle with Care was written and recorded by The Traveling Wilburys in 1988. The Traveling Wilburys were a super group that formed in the late 1980s featuring Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan. This song was released through Warner Bros. and the opening track from their debut album Vol. 1; it was also their biggest single. Unfortunately the success was short lived and the band never really took off the way it could have after the untimely death of Roy Orbison in December of 1988. Although short lived the music of The Traveling Wilburys captures the magic of Roy Orbisons final days and will live on for generations to come.You Got It was the last song Roy Orbison ever wrote and one of the most beautiful songs ever written. The song was recorded in 1988 and released in 1989 by Virgin Records on the album Mystery Girl which reached #5 on the charts. This song was co-written by Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty who also accompany Roy on backing vocals and guitar. Roy Orbison only preformed this song live once a few days before his death.Only the Lonely by Roy OrbisonListening GuideThis was the first song by Roy Orbison to gain widespread popularity and recognition. His Particular singing style was unlike anything that had been heard at the time which made his music stand out of the crowd. There is a lot of melody and harmony in this song and you cant help but find yourself singing along.(0:00): IntroThe introduction starts the song with the background singers singing the melody of the song. These simple vocals really set the tone for the rest of the song. The meter of the song is in quadruple/simple. The mode is in major.

(0:20): Verse 1The first verse starts with Roys vocals coming in strong followed by the accompanying backup vocals from the introduction. Only the Lonely (Dum-dumb-dummy doo-wah). This pattern is then repeated for the next 4 measures. The final measure from the verse transitions perfectly into the chorus.

(0:42): Chorus 1During the chorus the music stops so you can only hear Roys vocals with a four count beat of the music between each line of text. This tactic really helps to put the emphasis on the power behind the lead vocals and the mood of the song. The chorus then comes full circle and sets the stage to lead back into the introduction.

(1:09): Repeat IntroThe introduction is then again repeated before transitioning into the second verse.

(1:29): Verse 2The second verse is formatted with the same structure as the first but with different lyrics.

(1:51): Chorus 2The second chorus is structured the same as the first chorus but with different vocals. There is again the emphasis of Roys vocals during this portion of the song. This time however instead of leading you back to the introduction it leads you into the coda.

(2:11): CodaThe song finishes with the background vocals fading into silence and all the music coming to a complete stop.Crying by Roy OrbisonAn American Music Critic Dave Marsh calls the song a "rock-bolero" with "blaring strings, hammered tympani, a ghostly chorus, the gentle strum of a guitar, [and] a hint of marimba" (Marsh 75). This song has a very haunting feel to it and strikes some deep emotional chords, especially for those who can relate to the lyrical content.(0:00): IntroThe meter of the introduction is in triple/simple. The mode is in minor. The beat starts with the drums and guitar playing opposite each other.

(0:05): Verse 1The verse begins with Roys vocals standing out accompanied by the drums, guitar and a xylophone. The last word of each line in the verse rhymes with one another which add a really great flow to the song. Midway through the verse the tempo changes to build momentum within the song. The verse then ends with Roys voice hitting the higher notes.

(0:43): Chorus 1Background female vocals accentuate the power of the chorus along with Roys voice.

(1:01): Post-ChorusDuring the post-chorus violins are added to heighten the effect of the music.

(1:16): Verse 2The second verse is the same as the first with different lyrics.

(1:47): Chorus 2This time the violin returns for the second chorus. This adds more momentum to the song and sets the stage for the coda.

(2:17): CodaThe entire song has been building up to something and this is it. During the coda Roy sings the words crying, crying, crying, crying only each time he sings it his voice goes higher and higher. His voice climbs at least three or four octaves before the song comes to an end with the music fading out.Oh, Pretty Woman by Roy OrbisonOh, Pretty Woman is probably one of the most known songs by Roy Orbison. Unlike the more sad themes of some of his other songs, this song has a very upbeat and positive vibe to it. This is another song you cant help tapping your foot to and singing along with.(0:00): IntroThe introduction starts in a meter that is quadruple/simple. The mode is in major giving the song a very upbeat and happy feel to it. The drum beat sets the tone for the song followed by the main guitar and bass riff.

(0:14): Verse 1The piano joins the drum melody during the verse as Roys vocals come into play. The vocals and the music go perfectly together. Near the end of the verse the guitar plays the main riff again that was played at the end of the introduction as Roy says mercy.

(0:40): Verse 2The second verse is the same as the first verse but with different lyrics. Again toward the end of the verse the main guitar riff plays as Roy says wow. The song then transitions into the chorus.

(1:07): ChorusThe guitar plays a series of chords and the vocal pattern switches up for the chorus, the drums play a few rolls throughout the chorus.

(1:56): Verse 3The third verse has a similar feel to the first two verses but with a different structure. The third verse is much shorter and is designed to fade into the coda.

(2:22): CodaThe end of the song takes you down like nothing good will happen, the music becomes somewhat somber and then all at once he realizes she is walking back to him and the volume and tempo increase finally ending with Roy singing oh, pretty woman and the music ends.

Handle with Care by The Traveling WilburysThis song contains elements from the 60s and 70s era brought into the 1980s by Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and Bob Dylan.(0:00): IntroThe song starts out in duple/simple meter. The mode is in major. The drums and guitar create the main melody of the song. The melody of the song is very contagious and catchy.

(0:08): Verse 1The melody of the verse remains the same as the introduction with the addition of the vocals. Been beat up and battered around, youre the best thing that I have ever found, these lyrics talk about a man who has been down and has a lot of love left to give, it also stresses that they have been through a lot and must be handled with care.

(0:25): Verse 2The second verse is the same as the first verse with different lyrics.

(0:42): BridgeThe bridge was designed with Roy Orbisons voice in mind. The bridge does a great job of transitioning the verse into the chorus. Im so tired of being lonely, I still have some love to give, wont you show me that you really care.

(0:58): ChorusDuring the chorus all members of the band sing together to create a polyphonic effect. Everybody got somebody to lean on. Put your body next to mine and dream on

(1:15): Verse 3The third verse is the same as the first and second but with different lyrics.

(1:32): Guitar Solo 1The guitar solo is only 7 seconds long but is nice filler between verses.

(1:39): Verse 4Again the fourth verse is essentially the same as the previous verses with different lyrics.(1:57): BridgeThe bridge enters again with Roy Orbison singing in his signature style. His voice creates great harmony and beauty within the song.

(2:12): ChorusThe chorus remains the same as the previous chorus.

(2:29): Verse 5Verse five is the same as previous verses but with different lyrics.

(2:46): Guitar Solo 2During the second guitar solo which is a little longer than the first solo you can hear a harmonica in the background playing along with the melody. The guitar solo mimics the main melody of the song.

(3:03): CodaThe harmonica, drums and guitar continue to play the melody as the music slowly begins to fade to silence.You Got It by Roy OrbisonThis song was Roy Orbisons final song written in 1988 and released in 1989. You can feel a lot of emotion and energy in the music; the lyrics are deep and beautiful. This is one of those songs that most people can relate to because the concepts are relevant to things that most people go through in the day to day bustle of life.(0:00): IntroThe introduction is in triple/simple meter. The guitar and drums blend to create a beautiful and rich melody. The melody mimics the vocal pattern that will start in the first verse. Although the introduction is only eight seconds long it really sets the tone for what the rest of the song will be like. You can definitely tell that Roy Orbisons music has continued to grow and mature since the 1960s and has finally come into its own.

(0:08): Verse 1The verse starts with Roys vocals singing the text. Every time I look into your loving eyes, I see a love that money just cant buy. These lyrics are about someone who is so in love with someone and that love is priceless.

(0:24): BridgeDuring the bridge the vocals focus more on the harmony of the song. One look from you, I drift away. I pray that you are here to stay. As the bridge goes on his vocals start low and gradually climb as the bridge progresses.

(0:42): ChorusRoy Orbisons voice is accompanied by female backup singers during the chorus. Anything you want, you got it. Anything you need, you got it. Anything at all, you got it. Baby! He puts a lot of power into the final word of the chorus.

(1:00): Verse 2Verse two is the same as verse one but with different lyrics.

(1:16): BridgeThis bridge is similar to the first but it also has background vocals repeating what he says in order to make it stand out more than the first bridge.

(1:34): ChorusThe chorus remains the same as the previous chorus.

(1:53): Extended ChorusThe extended chorus emphasizes the main guitar riff while repeating the previous chorus.

(2:05): Instrumental ChorusThis instrumental chorus is the peak of the song. The background singers take the lead and Roy belts out a few high notes in the background.

(2:24): BridgeThe final bridge of the song is similar to the first two, there are even more background vocals to accompany the lead vocals and finally it all transitions into the final chorus.

(2:41): Chorus (x2)The chorus is again repeated two more times.

(3:19): CodaThe final line of the song Roy sings Anything at all, Baby while the background singers say You got it. The song then comes to a prompt close.A&E Television Networks. "Roy Orbison Biography." 2013. Bio True Story. 1 March 2014. .

Caligiuri, Jim. "Traveling Wilburys." Austin Chronicle. 15 June 2007. online. 1 March 2014. .

Discogs. Roy Orbison - Lonely and Blue. 2014. 1 March 2014..

Giles, Jeff. "25 Years Ago: Roy Orbison Releases Mystery Girl." 1 February 2014. Ultimate Classic Rock. 1 March 2014. .

Marsh, Dave. The Heart of Rock & Roll. New York: Da Capo Press, 1989. Text. 1 March 2014.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Inc. "Roy Orbison Biography." Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Inc. 2014. online. 1 March 2014. .

. "Roy Orbison Biography." 2014. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Inc. online. 1 March 2014. .

Song Facts. Only The Lonely. 2014. online. 1 March 2014. .

Works CitedOnly The LonelyRoy Orbison2014146448.0CryingRoy Orbison2014166824.0Pretty WomanRoy Orbison2014179496.0Handle With CareThe Traveling Wilburys2014198936.0You Got ItRoy Orbison2014209160.0