Roy Orbison

Roy Orbison Live Performance of 'You Got It' (1988)

• In 1988, when Roy Orbison performed "You Got It" live, he was experiencing a significant resurgence in his career. This performance came shortly after... Read Full Description >

  In 1988, when Roy Orbison performed "You Got It" live, he was experiencing a significant resurgence in his career. This performance came shortly after the release of his album "Mystery Girl," which was launched in 1989 and marked his first studio album in over a decade. The single "You Got It," co-written by Orbison and others, became a major hit and is one of his most enduring songs, showcasing his signature emotive vocal style. At this point in his career, Orbison was seen as a pioneering figure in rock and pop, influencing many artists that followed him. Tragically, this period of revival was short-lived; he passed away only a few months after the album’s release in December 1988. The live performance captured his return to the limelight and underscored his lasting impact on the music industry.

Roy Orbison Live Performance of 'Oh, Pretty Woman' from 1988

• In the live recording of "Oh, Pretty Woman" from January 1, 1988, Roy Orbison's career was experiencing a resurgence, largely thanks to his well-recei... Read Full Description >

  In the live recording of "Oh, Pretty Woman" from January 1, 1988, Roy Orbison's career was experiencing a resurgence, largely thanks to his well-received concert performances and renewed popularity in the late 1980s. Prior to this performance, Orbison had released the album "Mystery Girl" in 1989, which included some of his most notable later work and was produced during this period of revitalized interest. Interestingly, "Oh, Pretty Woman," originally released in 1964, is one of his signature songs and contributed significantly to his legacy as a music icon. During the time of the live recording, Orbison also benefited from a new generation of fans, influenced by his participation in the "Traveling Wilburys" supergroup, which helped solidify his status as a legendary figure in rock music.

Roy Orbison and K.D. Lang Perform 'Crying' on Top of the Pops

• In January 1988, during the taping of "Top of the Pops," Roy Orbison performed "Crying" alongside K.D. Lang, showcasing his enduring influence in the ... Read Full Description >

  In January 1988, during the taping of "Top of the Pops," Roy Orbison performed "Crying" alongside K.D. Lang, showcasing his enduring influence in the music industry. This live recording occurred shortly after the release of his album "Mystery Girl" in 1989, which was pivotal in revitalizing his career. "Mystery Girl" included hit singles like "You Got It," and marked a significant resurgence for Orbison, who had faced challenges in the preceding years. Not only was this collaboration notable for its blending of classic and contemporary styles, but it also highlighted Orbison's remarkable vocal range and emotional depth. The performance with K.D. Lang further exemplified his appeal across generations, as she brought a fresh reinterpretation to his classic hits. This marked a significant phase in Orbison's legacy, as he transitioned into a celebrated figure in the latter part of his career.

Roy Orbison Performs 'Oh, Pretty Woman' at Black & White Night 30

The Wiltern Theatre
Burbank, CA, United States

• In January 1988, during the performance of "Oh, Pretty Woman" at The Wiltern Theatre for the "Black & White Night" concert, Roy Orbison was experienci... Read Full Description >

  In January 1988, during the performance of "Oh, Pretty Woman" at The Wiltern Theatre for the "Black & White Night" concert, Roy Orbison was experiencing a notable resurgence in his career. Before this live recording, Orbison had released the celebrated album "Mystery Girl" in 1989, which became his first posthumous hit, featuring tracks that revitalized his popularity. The concert showcased a star-studded lineup, including musicians like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits, highlighting Orbison's influential status in the music industry. The performance was particularly significant as it celebrated Orbison's unique vocal style and songwriting prowess, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that resonated with both old fans and new audiences. Ultimately, “Black & White Night” marked a pivotal moment in revitalizing the artist's legacy before his untimely passing later that year.

Roy Orbison Performs 'Mean Woman Blues' on Late Night with David Letterman

Late Night with David Letterman
New York, NY, United States

• By January 6, 1988, when Roy Orbison made a notable appearance on "Late Night with David Letterman," he was enjoying a resurgence in popularity, parti... Read Full Description >

  By January 6, 1988, when Roy Orbison made a notable appearance on "Late Night with David Letterman," he was enjoying a resurgence in popularity, particularly due to the release of his album "Mystery Girl" just a few months prior in 1989. This album was significant as it contained the hit single "You Got It," marking a comeback for Orbison after a period of relative obscurity. His collaboration with Jeff Lynne, one of the Traveling Wilburys, also played a crucial role in this revival. During his performance on Letterman, he delivered "Mean Woman Blues," showcasing his timeless vocal prowess and connecting with both longtime fans and a new audience. This episode is particularly interesting as it also highlights Orbison's enduring influence in rock and pop music, exemplified by his recognition and admiration from younger artists like those in The Beatles and his peers in the '60s and '70s.

Roy Orbison - Running Scared Performance from Black & White Night 30

The Wiltern Theater
Los Angeles, CA, United States

• In February 1988, during the recording of "Black & White Night 30," Roy Orbison was enjoying a notable resurgence in his career, having experienced a ... Read Full Description >

  In February 1988, during the recording of "Black & White Night 30," Roy Orbison was enjoying a notable resurgence in his career, having experienced a revival of popularity in the mid-1980s. Prior to this live concert, he released the album "Mystery Girl" in 1989, which came out shortly after his performance at The Wiltern Theater. This album would become significant as it marked Orbison's return to studio recording and featured the hit single "You Got It." The live performance at "Black & White Night 30" was not just a moment of nostalgia for Orbison but also highlighted his influence on subsequent generations of musicians. Notably, during this concert, he was joined by several famous artists, including Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello, showcasing his enduring appeal and the respect he garnered within the music industry. The direct connection between his live recordings and the new music he was producing illustrates his dynamic presence during this period.

Roy Orbison's Performance of 'Go! Go! Go! (Down the Line)' from Black & White Night 30

West Hollywood
Los Angeles, CA, United States

• In February 1988, during the performance featured in the "Black & White Night 30," Roy Orbison was enjoying a resurgence in popularity, largely due to... Read Full Description >

  In February 1988, during the performance featured in the "Black & White Night 30," Roy Orbison was enjoying a resurgence in popularity, largely due to his contributions to the traveling event's star-studded lineup. This live recording came a year after he released the album "Mystery Girl" in 1989, which would ultimately become his final studio album. "Mystery Girl" featured hits like "You Got It," showcasing Orbison's unique vocal style and songwriting prowess. The concert was notable not only for its live music but also for the collaboration of various artists, including Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello, which highlighted Orbison's influential status in rock music. Additionally, this performance served as a celebration of his legacy, bringing together multiple generations of musicians and fans, solidifying his impact on the music industry before his untimely passing later that year.