Roy Orbison - "The Tonight Show Performance 1988"

[@jpkaneshida5075]

Roy's voice came from another world.

[@rexmanninger7739]

Roy Orbison was Elvis Presley's favorite singer, and for good reason.

[@christopherfeeney1962]

That's right! Elvis was once asked if he had ONE wish, what would it be? To which "The King" promptly replied without missing a beat: "To be able to sing like Roy."

[@dfddwm]

How do you duet with Roy?

[@christopherfeeney1962]

@@dfddwm you don't! That voice was one of a kind!

[@robertmasi9955]

aka "Mad Dad" Yes he was Elvis's favorite singer and you can hear almost hear Elvis singing every one of Roy's songs.

[@rogerwilliams7541]

Incredible talent.... Roy had a 5 octive voice... the music world knew he was in a class by himself!

[@mrmusic248]

I miss this man's voice so much, like the rest of you do.

[@RichardWright-fc5oh]

True musical genius. A type we shall never ever see again in our lives

[@paularnold1641]

agree 100%

[@chris00nj]

What a voice. Sad that he passed just as he was beginning his comeback.

[@deandewey5584]

Very much so

[@charlesosbun9381]

⁠When did you stop beating your wife?

[@garysimon2966]

I was delivering tapes to NBC that early afternoon. I walked down a hall and heard Roy rehearsing this song for the performance that evening. What chills I got.

[@garymorris1856]

Wow, yours is a great story! An incredible memory.

[@garymorris1856]

My sister went to Great Britain in 1968, and hung around Apple studio, and talked the Beatles coming and going, she met and talked to all of them, and it was Ringo who she talked with more than the others, but she says they were all very friendly.

[@paulpokorny1238]

Cool story

[@Dsoul51]

I hope you stopped long enough to listen to it all.

[@Lucky-ou4vz]

Very Cool !! Great Story & Memory once in a lifetime experience had something like that in 69 at the International with Elvis

[@whitethunder123]

FANTASTIC WHO ELSE IS WATCHING 👀, BIG O 2024??🎉❤

[@FirefighterKWann]

@@whitethunder123 me and listening to his tunes…. 🤗

[@truecynic1270]

Me!!!!!! True legend. His voice was and is unequalled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@angelomisterioso]

Watching, but above all, listening. What talent! Pretty Woman was way ahead of its time. Love the way that song was constructed. It's like the middle 8 has 3 parts that flow back into the main riff seamlessly.

[@FirefighterKWann]

@@angelomisterioso took 20 minutes to write 😁

[@angelomisterioso]

@@FirefighterKWann Damn! Says it all! :)

[@Th3MagicBullet]

Roy Orbison appeared on "The Tonight Show" on November19,1988, and passed away on December6,1988. The number of days between these two dates is 17 days.

[@hdtowman]

I just realized that. Wow

[@RELubber]

I remember that sad day like it was yesterday.

[@rager1969]

This was actually December 1987. Jay mentions the Cinemax special coming out January 3 and an album in March. The Cinemax special appears to have been aired January 3, 1988 and Roy recorded his last album, Mystery Girl, July 1987 - November 1988 (likely delayed because of The Travelling Wilburys)

[@Th3MagicBullet]

@@rager1969 I recall he died before his last album was released: Google: Orbison's final album Mystery Girl, which was released posthumously in February 1989

[@Th3MagicBullet]

@@rager1969 yeah I think you’re right. Because the Cinemax special aired Jan 3, 1988 and Roy mentioned Jan 3.

[@deanvoss7098]

Roys voice is off the charts good... ❤

[@paularnold1641]

agree 100%

[@walterdennis2900]

Man, how blessed was that audience that day

[@paularnold1641]

agree 100%

[@g3everex]

Roy had an amazing voice. I wish he had lived longer so he could continue with Traveling Wilburys. That was magic.

[@miket.220]

The even sadder part was that when the guys in the Wilburys looked to replace him, Tom Petty would only consider one guy - Del Shannon. Only Del could sing high like Roy. Sadly Del committed suicide before they could get the teamup to happen.

[@apogeedata]

I can listen to Roy Orbison talk all day there’s something so calming and beautiful about the way he speaks

[@chantaltaille7391]

Oui c est certain...il apaise et excité à la fois!.. GRATITUDE ❤

[@julz2392]

Same!

[@alftanner866]

Jay. Not much if any. Hah!

[@ShannonLeeSD]

What a wonderful soulful duet Roy Orbison and KD Land

[@lonnysimmons1889]

Lang

[@shellytigress6487]

Didn't EVERYBODY LOVE THIS MAN? Count me in the club.

[@EPSGplayer]

His voice was absolutely incredible . ❤

[@truecynic1270]

September 2024. Roy and k.d. Lang have simply BEAUTIFUL voices and together they have sung a masterpiece. This is surely one of Roy's most meaningful songs. Outstanding.

[@FirefighterKWann]

@@truecynic1270 love this post. Even today in Sept 2024 think how much this song impacts. Stands the test of time.

[@daphne4143]

It's mind blowing! I sure miss him. Always thought I'd see him perform again.

[@G.M.1944]

Elvis, early December of 1976, during his very last Las Vegas season, during one of the first shows, introduced Roy Orbison who was in the audience, and Elvis said he had to be good this night because here was the best singer in the world sitting in the audience: Roy Orbison. Elvis then went on to sing a song he hadn’t sung for years, called “What Now My Love”. Elvis was very proud Roy came to see his show. Elvis also sang a line of “Running Scared” during a warm-up for a early 1970’s Nashville studio session.

[@TerryLeefarr-y6z]

There was only one Roy Orbison, the big O. The greatest voice ever .

[@johnvan6803]

It's a shame Roy died so suddenly. He was just starting to gain a whole new follwing of younger fans who discovered his talent. His best song as far as I'm concerned was " Blue Angel" from 1962.

[@eivindgjengstjohansen9625]

Smoking 3 to 4 packs a day, gaining alot of weight, when not touring and losing, alot of weight when Touring, drinking alot of soda and chocolate milk everyday .

[@James-Noris]

Blue Angel is a very, very good choice but In Dreams is his best song and I won't hear further arguments :)

[@FrenkSummers]

@@James-Noris Running Scared, anybody...??

[@joe6096]

His smoking was the main culprit. His diet wasn’t very good either but smoking 3 packs a day since he was a teenager.

[@dennismalec8887]

I used to play Blue Angel on WTSR Goldmine of Sound.

[@raiderdanCA]

There was only ONE Roy Orbison ... on this nite 35 years ago, I sat there in awe, then I cried. Talk about being moved ... that was a first for me.

[@chantaltaille7391]

Oui il mérite nos larmes, il est unique!. Admiration et Prières d AMOUR 💖

[@raynekraven]

Roy Orbison will never be equalled. I hope one day I'll meet him in heaven

[@goombabear]

Me too

[@ronydezutter3170]

NO ONE CAN TOUCH ANGELVOICE

[@johngiovine8792]

In 1986 I had the great pleasure and deep honor to see Roy Oribison in concert here in Seattle, he was absolutely amazing, simply amazing! This duet with KD Lang was a passing of Roy's legendary baton to another great singer.

[@FirefighterKWann]

@@johngiovine8792 did you see him in 87, and not 86, only asking cause there’s a concert from Seattle among the fans from Sept 87.

[@cliffchristie5865]

The one and only time I attended a taping of The Tonight Show and got to see these performances live. Unforgettable.

[@whereangelsplay]

WOW

[@patriciajrs46]

Lucky you! Wow.

[@jimcoleman598]

I think Roy passed away late 1988, hard to believe when I heard it. He was having a comeback, personally, and as part of the Traveling Wilburys at that time. Roy, George, and Tom are gone, and we are worse off w/o them for sure 😢😢😢

[@michaelangelo7511]

The absolute greatest memory maker from the early sixties. Every song both perfectly executed and each a masterpiece.

[@paulsolenick4624]

I am glad that my teen years in the early 60's included the music of Roy Orbison. A rock 'n roll legend of the first order, who could also sing a ballad.

[@Lusofolias2016]

A true Legend! Respect❤️👏👏

[@katr8756]

That was one awesome, unbelievable performance! Brought chills listening to it. Wow!! Breathtaking!!

[@TheBobbymcd]

its the fastest veersion ive heard but the black and white nights version is the best with bruce springsteen and a host of others in the band with roy

[@angeloiodice9304]

Roy and KD, just killed it!!! Poignant, operatic, powerful, riveting, beyond words!!!

[@suzukisavageLS650]

Holy moly man he hardly opens his mouth but what comes out is just sublime probably the best male vocalist there's ever been

[@lefaguais]

What a legend. ❤

[@lindacirina352]

Such clarity to his speaking voice , makes a beautiful song voice.

[@SandraSmith-xh4rs]

Elvis said he wouldnt want to perform after Roy, great singer!! Roy is very missed.

[@cockyhemi]

Roy’s last show was at the Front Row Theater in Highland Heights, OH. He passed away just a couple of days after that. My father was at that show. RIP Roy.

[@FirefighterKWann]

@@cockyhemi that show is simply incredible. If you have never heard the concert it’s released, check it out.

[@seadog2396]

Roy - Simply one of the Greatest Talents ever. Started listening with his first release on radio....

[@rafaelflores4317]

No one will ever sing like him, what a distinctive voice, effortless delivery with such vibrato!!! No wonder Elvis loved his voice

[@robertmaceanruig6291]

OAP Here,,, am 76 years old …. I got plenty of Records of Big O Going some 60 years old 🍺🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😇🍻👍

[@nealbennett4950]

He never had to make a comeback he was always there . Ask the great singers if you don't believe me .

[@FirefighterKWann]

@@nealbennett4950 no he didn’t, he just needed the music scene to catch up to him again. He never stopped touring, or recording 🤗

[@moodiblues2]

I was a kid listening to rock and roll music on my crystal radio at night in the late fifties and early sixties, listening to Orbison’s great song, Crying. I always loved it. Now I learned that Orbison wrote all of his famous songs, co-writing them with the same guy all along. I’m a lousy musician and have written over twenty forgettable songs, and so I have a deep appreciation for his talent.

[@daphne4143]

He was the best! I saw him perform in 1988 in Cranbrook. His pitch was mind-blowing perfect. Sadly, little did I know it would be one of his last performances. I felt super lucky to have had a chance to ever see him live in my lifetime. I'm a kid from the 60's who grew up appreciating his talent. He had an out of the world 'range'. And did it without today's tech. tricks. Pure talent.

[@polyscroll]

OMG! These two performances were absolutely incredible! Pure talent from heaven. God bless them both.

[@sabrinapetersen5358]

Such wonderful voice, that Roy orbison had ! He will be, missed! may he rest, in peace!

[@KB-ke3fi]

He could also sing opera....but rarely did.

[@rhondafortson5205]

ROY, the song, THE VOICE, THE MAN has stood the test of time....A TRUE LEGEND. THANK YOU, MR ORBISON. RIP

[@douglasthompson9482]

Beyond belief…. I saw Roy live in 1980. One of the best highlights of my life. A short concert but the best didn’t need anything else. I still love Roy Orbison. One of the finest singers from Texas.

[@racializedkanadian]

I love how K.D. sang the ..... lower part of the harmony on 'Crying' LOL ..... what voices, the two of them !!

[@jamesburrows6226]

One of the greatest riffs of all time. Well done Roy.

[@miket.220]

I got to see him perform when I was a kid at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, I believe in 1980. I remember my Dad hoisting me up a bit so I could see him above the crowd. Looked just like he looks here, and I remember him sounding as amazing as he does here.

[@standupamerica5707]

For those of us that lived it, Roy was only a one time greatness to the people and country that never will be again.

[@chateaunoirnashville]

The astonishing beauty of this performance is an absolute rapture!

[@ghbeatle]

Roy's voice always sends chills, but KDs voice is incredible. Never knew she had those pipes.

[@EdithMaxim]

So lucky that I got to see Roy in concert in Augusta Maine before he passed away. What a talent. He got a standing ovation after every song. Luckily I video taped the whole show.

[@FirefighterKWann]

@@EdithMaxim there is a concert among the fans in audio I’ll be posting later in a few weeks from that show, didn’t know there was video. Cherish that video, if you ever decide to upload it for all to see, the fans wouid love it I’m sure.

[@randywolf4731]

We also were very lucky to see Roy at Chastain Park in Atlanta GA before his passing. These videos are why future generations can appreciate and enjoy how great a voice he had.

[@OnlyInLasVegas]

Appreciate and enjoy icons like this while they are on this earth! In 2024, not many are left.

[@davidturner3300]

What are you talking about.none are left.

[@OnlyInLasVegas]

@@davidturner3300 what are you talking about I didn’t (DID NOT ) say none are left. Learn how to read better!

[@SandraSmith-xh4rs]

Beautiful just beautiful, love Roy and K.D. powerful voice they sing great togeather.

[@Shammalamma]

“Leah” is goosebumps beautiful! What a voice!

[@debrabolton9372]

Love Roy Orbison! The absolute best. He is still missed. ❤

[@VFAFOOTY]

fantastic upload thank you so much for this pure gold Roy one of the greatest !

[@raynekraven]

THE Greatest, with a capital G.

[@mtf347]

Roy is still awe inspiring after all these years!

[@peterwade4029]

WHAT A WONDERFUL ARTIST SO TALENTED. LEGEND. SHAME ABOUT HIS PERSONAL LIFE. ROY YOU LEFT US FAR TO EARLY. YOU AND YOUR MUSIC WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

[@DorrieWood-q6k]

I have always loved him. Could listen and listen to him. Thanks so much.

[@cricketbat09]

Fantastic duet.

[@haroldwilson950]

Not only did he have a voice that was Heaven sent, he had style, style in abundance.

[@LeslieNewson]

Will never stop listening to Roy the best 😊😊❤❤

[@nyccolm]

Look at the way Roy Orbison turns to make sure KD is alright behind him when they enter. He seems like a real sweetheart. And KD of course is the Queen of Canada

[@danieloneill7708]

Love this duet, two fabulous vocalists.

[@diannemiller1895]

Wow 👌 what a thrill that was to listen to both of them together. She loves him. ❤ She is incredible. Two wonderful entertainers. Loved Leno too. Miss him. He was terrific. Funny without making fun of anyone.

[@ag358]

Went to Roy concert in 1983. His sound was perfect. No auto tune no taped parts just a perfect live performance. Was fortunate to be sitting close . I stayed for both shows.

[@FirefighterKWann]

@@ag358 do you recall the exact show, and date. There’s several concerts from 1983 among the fans: and some are double shows.

[@ag358]

@@FirefighterKWann Owensboro ky, small venue it was a double show was supposed to leave after first show but just stayed in my seat surprised nobody made me move.

[@ag358]

Could have been 1982

[@zoliviol]

This is the most amazing version of Crying I have ever heard. Unreal.

[@richardlandis793]

AN EXCELLENT SINGER. ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS. 😊

[@deandewey5584]

Hard to believe Roy left us back in 1988. Thirty six years ago. 😔😔

[@markhoward7830]

One of the nicest down to earth person I ever met. Great talent..RIP

[@lindaromero7780]

NEVER EVER get tired of Roy Orbison!

[@billosborne5070]

Best duet ever makes me cry every time😢

[@viviennefrost4777]

My two favourite voices. Unbelievably magical harmonies.❤❤❤❤

[@Henrietta46]

Roy and KD s performance brought a tear to my eye,

[@michaelstorm2165]

Beautiful rendition of beautiful song.😎

[@johnbutler4235]

His voice gives me HAPPY TEARS ❤️🎶 Thank You

[@regenawilliams9629]

I saw him at MINNESOTA We Fest many years ago and he was so amazing!

[@binkleyrules]

Love this! Such talent is rare these days. Roy, thanks for sharing your work with us ❣️

[@johnbender4476]

Both legends

[@stevegrimes5105]

What a great partnership and an historic performance

[@Brian-pf7qq]

Lucky enough to see him eight times in concert

[@Dsoul51]

It seems like I have liked Roy's music for my entire life, and I'm not stopping now!

[@AquarianRadio]

That was awesome!

[@richardalexander4300]

I remember "Pretty Woman" in the 60's when it first come !!! It was really popular !!!

[@ivanmcpcpherson2407]

Mystery Girl is one of my favorite albums.

[@FirefighterKWann]

@@ivanmcpcpherson2407 same here it was because of that album, and The Traveling Wilburys that I discovered Roy.

[@Bluzian74]

Fantastic! Thank you! Roy RIP, died on my 14th birthday. I'll always remember. Cheers everyone from Canada!

[@acousticshadow4032]

Another memory trick; 5 years prior to your b-day, Dec 06, 1969, the Stones played Altamont Speedway.

[@Bluzian74]

@@acousticshadow4032 Oh, absolutely! And Im a huuuuuuge Stones fan! That concert was not lost on me brother. Also the Montreal massacre happened too. On the flipside, I share birthdays with Dave Brubeck, Don King, Randy Rhoades. LOL Where you at man?

[@acousticshadow4032]

@@Bluzian74 I share a b-day with Hank Williams Sr. Don't even try to top that one! 😉

[@pretendtobenormal8064]

I see you back there on lead guitar, Mr. John Jorgenson!

[@scubarojo]

OMG! John often hosted Copper Mountains Guitar Town summer fest. A free show that hosted the best pickers in the world. Roy was and will always be the voice.

[@mariemosley2212]

Wow!,absolutely beautiful!❤

[@frankroper3274]

Even Elvis respected the late great Roy Orbison!

[@FirefighterKWann]

@@frankroper3274 yeppers, he said he would never share the same stage with Roy, and was the only career threat to Roy. Coming from Elvis, what a true honor.

[@bhenderson7651]

Got lucky today finding this gem

[@FirefighterKWann]

@@bhenderson7651 check out my whole page with lots of Roy gems. Concerts and so much more.

[@susanb2015]

Wow this is terrific!

[@haroldwilson950]

Holy Cow @Firefighter! I just checked out your KZbin site, and you're as gung-ho about Roy Orbison as I am, even more so! Consider me very impressed and very subscribed my fellow fan...I was into Roy Orbison when the Beatles were famous and everybody in my Junior High School thought I was a total dweeb. I'm sure you know that the Beatles used to open for Roy Orbison when he would perform in England. WOW! Keep the faith and have a good time. I'll see you around.

[@FirefighterKWann]

@@haroldwilson950 good to meet ya sir. Yes, Roy is my favorite all time singer, he is so incredible. This channel is just the top of the iceberg of music. There’s much much much more. Stuff I had a lot more up but was asked to take it down by the estate so did. There’s still tons of concerts to go up on the channel, and much more. For now, check out all that is listed up esp the reviews, and more. Enjoy the channel. God bless you.

[@haroldwilson950]

@@FirefighterKWann God Bless you too! Imma' be allll checkin' things out here...I'm a 'lifer', lol.

[@rosemaryjonston8529]

He made it look so easy🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲❤️❤️❤️🥲❤️

[@harveyharveyness8773]

Oh yeah !! Sing it Roy !!

[@Peter-od7op]

I miss these days

[@Polyphemus47]

I sure do, too. I guess that's why I spend so much time re-living them here on YT.

[@bettersteps]

Great voice. Great style.

[@AlinFlorida]

Well, that certainly watered my eyes. Bravo!

[@steel90912]

A icon ! ❤

[@MrDoneboy]

Roy was so cool!

[@jayond3978]

The best voice ever,!

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Great performance!