SIX OF THE BEST: Roy Orbison

Saturday December 6th will mark 20 years since the death of Roy Orbison, the legendary singer, songwriter, and performer behind 'Oh, Pretty Woman', 'Crying', 'It's Over', and 'You Got It' (amongst countless others), and the man whom Elvis Presley declared 'the greatest singer in the world'.

In celebration of Roy, we're happy to make him the focus of the first edition of a new semi-regular feature, 'Six of the Best' in which we will trawl YouTube in search of the half-dozen videos that epitomize the character and talents of a particular performer or group. Enjoy.

6. Only The Lonely (1960)



This early performance from a Dutch television show perfectly illustrates the beginnings of Roy as unlikely rock n' roll superstar. Standing stock still, without an upward glance from behind his soon-to-be trademark shades, this is the very definition of cool.

Note: Speaking of cool, note the downright frosty looking audience. Bizarre!

This is a particularly interesting video when compared to the one below, taped mere months earlier, pre-image change.



5. Blue Angel (1982)
(from LIVE AT AUSTIN CITY LIMITS, available to buy on DVD)



A stellar performance of one of Roy's greatest songs. His ability to marry catchy, infectious tunes with unusual off-beat song structures remains unparalleled to this day. Back in 1960, this was the follow-up single to 'Only The Lonely', and inevitably, another smash hit. Here, more than two decades later, it sounds as vibrant and fresh as it must have done the day it was first recorded.

Note: Listen out for those impeccable high notes that he could always break out at the drop of a hat.

4. Crying (1987)



From the PBS special 'A Black And White Night', that in many ways served as Roy's epitaph, this fondly remembered performance of an unforgettably poignant track features Roy backed by an all star band including backing vocalists kd lang (with whom Roy had re-recorded the song as a duet earlier in the year, to great success), Jennifer Warnes and Bonnie Raitt; and legendary musicians Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, and Jackson Browne. Of course, with his jet black hair, clothes and sunglasses against his pallid complexion, Roy was always meant to be seen in black and white.

3. Mean Woman Blues (1987)



27 years on, this rare performance of Roy's best rocker shows the man at his best - confident, accompanied by a truly swinging band, his effortless vocals probably superior to the original 1960's recording. This appearance on David Letterman was made to promote the then-upcoming Black & White Night special, which would seal the deal on an amazing career revival.

Note: Dave's flubbed intro, Paul Schaffer's frenetic accompaniment (and David Byrne-esque dancing).

2. You Got It (1988)

Click to view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siB20alL-Wc

Roy's last televised performance, from Belgium's 'Diamond Awards' ceremony. This is also noteworthy as the only performance of this huge hit and radio staple from the 'Mystery Girl' album. Another great example of the commercial and creative high note on which Roy ended his remarkable career.

1. It's Over/Running Scared (1982)
(from LIVE AT AUSTIN CITY LIMITS, available to buy on DVD)



"Your baby doesn't love you anymore" - who else could open a song with such a blunt, bruising statement and take it to #1 on the UK singles chart?

Here together are two of Roy's most devastatingly powerful and dramatic ballads, from the absolutely essential 'Live At Austin City Limits' DVD. Recorded in intimate surroundings, the sound is pitch perfect as Roy's hauntingly beautiful voice takes flight. This rendering of Running Scared is easily the definitive version of this deceptively simple masterpiece. Proof, as if it were needed, that there will never be another Roy Orbison.

Note: The last note of this video, on the reprise of Running Scared's climax, has to be heard to be believed.