Roy Orbison's HIDDEN GEM from 1987 was first cashed in... by Cyndi Lauper!

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

When any of his songs start playing, you know immediately who it is. Incredible talent and vocal ability are off the charts. ❤

[@malenyluna5275]

This. His voice is unmistakable.

[@Elaine_Parhamovich]

Always loved Roy Orbison's singing, but seeing it on the pitch monitor really drives home how great he was. Shame we lost him at such a young age.

[@dagmar.6954]

Thanks for doing this great legend! Roy Orbison had one of the smoothest powerful voices around. He could sing real high falsetto & also low. Elvis Presley loved Roy's voice. Roy had lots of hits in the 60's such as "Only the Lonely", "Crying", "Running Scared", "Pretty Woman", "In Dreams", "Love Hurts", "Blue Bayou" etc. In 1988, he co-founded the Traveling Wilburys (a rock supergroup) with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, & Jeff Lynne. They had a lot of great songs such as "Handle With Care" & "End Of The Line".

[@captainkangaroo4301]

He had such a sad life. I remember many years ago when he was on tour and his home near Nashville burned and killed his kids. I don’t believe I could have survived that.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

And while being out on a motorcycle trip with his wife she got hit by a car and was killed on the spot.

[@teresadebellis5315]

Unbelievable misfortune. What a great artist.

[@stuffnuns]

Oh that Black and White Roy Orbison live cable special shot at the Coconut Grove. A star-studded ensemble. His duet with Springsteen alone is the reason to watch it.

[@frances6940]

Fil, your smile of delight when you listen to great artists who can perform without auto tune underlines how much you love music. Thankyou for sharing your appreciation and knowledge with us.

[@ptournas]

A couple of little stories about Roy. In 1961 he had is first #1 hit, Running Scared. The song was almost abandoned when Roy had a problem hitting the high note that ends the song. He was singing it using falsetto and it was being drowned out by the orchestra. Fred Foster, the producer, even tried to make an improptu isolation booth in the studio by surrounding Roy with coat racks, but even that wasn't enough to keep the orchestra from drowning him out. According to Foster, Roy was getting frustrated and then on a take, he abandoned the falsetto and belted out the note (a high A above middle C) in full chest voice. Everyone was stunned and the orchestra stopped playing. Music scholars say that Enrico Caruso and Roy Orbison were the only tenors of the twentieth century capable of hitting the E over high C! Wikipedia says that Foster didn't want him to sing in falsetto, but in the interviews I've read with Foster, dropping the falsetto appears to be Roy's choice, as Foster says he and everyone else were shockeded when he sang that note in chest voice. The other little story is my brother produced a Roy Orbison concert in a city just north of Boston in 1988. I got to meet and talk with Roy quite a bit, not only after he met with fans, but sometimes going outside with him to have a cigarette. I expected him to be shy, but he was not shy at all and seemed to love being with people. He was just very softspoken and one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. The only problem with the concert was shortly after tickets began selling, the date for the final game of the playoff series between the Boston Bruins and the Edmonton Oilers for the Stanley Cup was announced, and it was the same day. Ticket sales for the concert immediately dropped off. When the Bruins are in the Stanley Cup playoffs, it's nearly impossible to get people in the greater Boston area to get people to go anywhere that doesn't have a TV with the game on it! Roy felt bad about the low turnout and told my brother he would come again next year and he would make sure my brother made money. He wouldn't charge a fee or take a portion of the ticket sales. The only costs my brother would have to pay would be his plane fare and hotel. That shows what a sincere, generous and caring person he really was. He gave my brother a couple of numbers to call when he was ready to set it up. Unfortunately, it was several months later when Roy died unexpectedly of a heart attack.

[@markpeters8715]

Nice anecdotes! In Britain, Roy's first chart topper was 'Only the Lonely', a couple of releases before 'Running Scared', and he consistently scored higher in the British charts, despite the emergence of the beat groups, from 1962 onward. 'I Drove All Night' hit the UK Top 10, despite failing to chart in the States. What a talent!

[@kristiswa]

Thanks for that great story. So sad that he died so young.

[@teresadebellis5315]

Thanks so much for this rich story.

[@BrownEyedGirl1367]

❤

[@lastone783]

No need to use the pitch monitor on Roy. He was perfection. Thanks for this❣️

[@FlaschDJ]

Who’d ever thought I’d watch a guy in a sweatshirt sit there, smiling, and bobbing his head to a song, and ENJOY watching him do that?

[@Terri_MacKay]

While we do love watching Fil listening to a song that he clearly enjoys, it's his insighful and intelligent analyses that keep us coming back. As well as his very entertaining LS on Tuesday and Saturday...you should come along and join in on the fun sometime.😊🎶

[@Rael_486]

Tom Petty used to tell Orbison that he was the best singer in the world. Orbison always replied, “Yeah.” 😊

[@hansemannluchter643]

The Travelling Wilburys were THE SHEITE, weren't they?? His Bobness, George Ladytone, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty! And Roy??? Best Superband, EVER!

[@kathypeacock6466]

His Bobness 🤣

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I love the title “His Bobness” 😂

[@jimwoo9552]

Best 'Boy Band'

[@billclarke6203]

I just have to say that the look of absolute delight on your face every time you return to Roy's performance is a thing of beauty.

[@pjesf]

OMG I 💙 Roy Orbison! His lower and upper registers are equally rich and he brings the facets of a classically-trained singer to everything.

[@A.Briggs628]

I love Roy’s version of this song!! Omg..What a VOICE!!!! That man was just unbelievable!! Love, Love, LOVE, and miss him so much!! Thanks, Fil..❤

[@Bronson-bh8lg]

The most impressive thing about Roy's vocal is that it was only recorded as a demo at Tom Kelly's home studio. There is a video here on KZbin where he discusses Roy's recording. Billy Steinberg sang the original demo and one day Roy came by Tom's house and they simply took Billy's voice off the demo and Roy did two vocal takes of the song. According to Tom at the time of the recording Roy was not signed to a major record label so they simply held onto the recording and after Roy's death they sent the two vocal takes to Roy's widow who in turn sent them to Jeff Lynn who then built the music around the vocal.

[@VidarLund-k5q]

It was released on the 1992 CD King of Hearts. Jeff Lynne is the entire orchestra! The world's greatest one man band.

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

Roy Orbison's voice was referred to as operatic!! There has never been anyone with a voice as rich as his!! The Wilbury's said that they wished that they would have used his voice more often. Thank you, Fil

[@idankoos4156]

He could have sang with training, but to me, it is not an opera voice ( if you listen to operas)....his voice had many facettes...He just had a full, strong and creamy legato voice ( what some people see as operatic)...I am classicaliy trained and trained in popmusic

[@patty7beth]

I've always loved the Cyndi Lauper version of this song. But Roy's voice is so perfect for it. Great analysis Fil.

[@breckhollis1089]

I have heard that Orbinson didn't like this recording, I don't know if that's true. Cindy recorded it in 1989 for the "A Night To Remember" album. Charted at #6, her last major hit. Her arrangement is very similar. There's that sharp snare drum in there she likes so much. She does do a belt where she changes pitch five times on one breath, typical Cyndi😉

[@joeboyd4726]

Love your enthusiasm and facial expressions while doing analysis. Roy was amazing. There is a video of him playing Pretty Woman with a bunch of legendary musicians, and they are all looking at him in awe while playing, and he is apparently singing effortlessly. If you haven’t seen it it’s called Black and White Night or something like that.

[@jimwoo9552]

Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night (1988)

[@justathought88]

Oh yes, I was thinking about that video too. Memorable. We are so lucky to be able to see that performance any time we want. It's a classic.

[@magneto7930]

Any day is a good day for Roy Orbison! His voice was just the most amazing instrument that nobody else could play. He could climb from the lowest point all the way up off the charts! Thank you for this, great upload!

[@tammydoolittle6054]

Roy was a great singer, who had a very nice and strong voice, he was one of the great legends in the 60's. I enjoyed this song and analysis! 😉👍

[@Luvlinedance]

Thank you for highlighting Roy Orbison. He endured a lot of sadness in his life & some of his songs and the emotion with which he sings still can bring me to tears. Definitely a blessing to have loved his music for so many, many years. I always loved the falsetto. Lou Christie has an awesome falsetto as well, but with a totally different vibe. Love your analyses, Fil. Thanks again!

[@sailorhms]

I've been listening to Roy since the 80's and appreciated that he had a unique voice, but when it's isolated, it can be seen how beautiful a voice he had . I must confess that I get emotional every time I watch this particular analysis and that there's a tear (or two) when his voice goes up and up. Was sad to see him go.

[@queenies805]

Another legend! One of kind with his soaring other worldly amazing voice. On this particular song I love the forward motion drum beat, one of my favorites, perfect melody for the words. With Roy its just one great song after the other. Listen up kids this music will cleanse your soul☺

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Another Roy Orbiison song? I'm all in. Absolutely. You mentioned Cyndi Lauper. I was very dismissive of her as an artist, but then heard "Sally's Pigeons". This would be a perfect addition to your repertoire. A powerful song and a powerful video. Much respect.

[@angelbear_og]

Wow, I forgot what an amazing voice he had. What a phenomenal performance!

[@chthoniapodcast]

Oh, I love this song! I've not heard this version as much as the Cyndi Lauper version, which I also love. Roy Orbison was such an amazing vocalist.

[@brianelza9807]

Roy could do everything you mentioned. All while making it look effortless. Amazing!!!

[@carlmontney7916]

Thanks Fil for featuring this tune by Roy. It's easily seen here how he was much more than just the song Pretty Woman. The control He has throughout his incredible vocal range is absolutely amazing He was just a phenomenal talent taken away from us much too soon.

[@sharonwarren4479]

The great Roy Orbison! What a fabulous voice he had. Look at the Black & White night with Bruce Springsteen (among others…like K.D. Lang and more. It was so great.) Also, the Traveling Wilburys. Roy’s voice was/is “the bomb.” Elvis once said that Roy Orbison was the “greatest singer in the world.” I love this song, Fil. Thanks for the review and your appreciation of Roy’s voice.

[@lieslwindjulie3230]

Hi! Fantastic song! What a voice he had, Roy Orbison ⭐ I get nostalgic every time I watch Orbison's official video. It features Jason Priestley and Jennifer Connelly. What a couple they made 💖 I love Cyndi's and Céline Dion's versions, too. Thank you, Fil. Great analysis 🖤🤘🏽

[@olibertosoto5470]

The Traveling Wilburys! Thanks for reminding me about this guy, been searching back for old forgotten music.

[@Antaios632]

Another great deep dive! Slight correction, Cyndi released hers in 1989, which I remember because it was the year I graduated high school and went off to college! 😄 The length and accomplishment of Roy Orbison's career was legendary. And such a unique and soaring voice!

[@hansemannluchter643]

Yeah, but Roy died in 1988..

[@Tubemanjac]

@@hansemannluchter643 His release was in 1992.

[@VidarLund-k5q]

Another great analysis by Fil, who obviously loves good music from all genres and eras. This song is on the CD King of Hearts fro😂m 1992. The accompanying booklet says that Jeff Lynne is the producer, musician and vocalist! He is quite a multi-instrumentalist that man. Genius-like. Thank you Fil.

[@1msbucket]

Fil, I don't think its possible for you to hit on any more detail than you do! Lol The last few videos have been exceptional. You have trained my brain. Thank you, keep up the good work. I m really enjoying!

[@OldiesMomma]

Fil , I really want you to know that you are a 👍 great analysis who knows his music ❤❤. Your smile is amazing 🎉🎉

[@dwightdhansen]

Absolutely LOVE this song.

[@dmcarp2807]

Liked the inclusion of sound of R O's isolated vocals, and the visuals of that continuous vibrato thru-out his range.

[@EyesOfTheInternet]

Thank you, Fil. I requested Orbison a couple of videos. I appreciate you doing this video. I drove all night is my favorite Orbison song from the '80s.

[@pcno2832]

This is a hidden gem. It's amazing he was able to pull off a performance like this a year before his death. I love Jeff Lynne's production. This track sounds a little like ELO and even more like the Killers, which is not surprising, with Brandon Flowers being the closest thing to Roy Orbison alive today. Thanks for posting this.

[@julzy3]

He had a one of a kind voice & I don't need to see it on a graph to know it. Loved Cryin' Over You. Great analysis as always.❤

[@pandemicpat8382]

What a voice! Roy reminds me of my mom. Pretty Women and Leah were her favorite songs. 😊🤶🎅🌲👏👏👏

[@martinkelting]

Just great. Song, Roy and the analysis.

[@roamingqueen]

Today, I've fallen in love again with Roy Orbison 🥰🥰🥰! Thank you so much, Fil 🤩! Aloha from Berlin ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@slbolfing56]

The Caruso of Rock, The Big O, The Voice... easy to understand his nicknames. He was about 50 when this song was released and still had it

[@janeteitsworth8824]

May I recommend that you do it cover of this song. I bet it would bring new life to a classic.

[@markpeters8715]

Good to see Fil smiling with appreciation for a fine song and an even finer vocal performance. The Big O would have been gratified to receive such a positive technical analysis.

[@ThisTrainIsLost]

Wow! What a surprise; my absolutely favourite Orbison song! This piece never stops giving me the chills and not just because I love it but, believe it or not, because I've lived it! It was a 14-15 hour run to see my lady love with one brief stop for petrol at the halfway mark. It would have been a lot easier with dexedrine as my travelling companion but all I had was cold air and a blasting stereo. Your analysis is as detailed as it always is but with this performance I don't need an oscilloscope to tell me that I'm listening to perfection.…! 😎🎸🔥(I can't express my happiness!)

[@judyrichards8365]

Wow thank you for doing this performance. Loved the breakdown and listening to the song. His version is my favorite. Thanks!

[@hairyhondaman]

One of the greatest vocalists of all time.

[@MagnumVideos]

Great info on the "Gallop" I've played guitar since I was 8 years old (75 now) and I had never heard that term. I feel smarter since I started watching your videos. Thanks for what you do.

[@CrueHead18]

Had this on my playlist for a long time. He's amazing.

[@debbier938]

Hi Fil, What a wonderful analysis and wonderful song. Roy Orbison was just crazy talented! The build up of the song to where the high note happens is incredible. Like how you specifically pointed out his breath control and not breaking up phrases. And even when he did take a breath, you almost hardly didn’t even notice it… now that is just great breath control. You really had to look for it and listen out for it. Have always loved his voice especially his song Crying, one of his classics. It never gets old listening to him! OK and I totally heard Iron Maiden on that galloping guitar demo… LOL… like you said so much to take in from this song. Awesome analysis… thank you so much…Debbie☮️

[@veramilton833]

Great analysis, Fil ! I have heard of Roy Orbison, but this is the first time I've heard him sing ! Once again, you have opened my eyes to another voice I would have never heard ! He certainly had a great voice and vibrato!

[@j.munday7913]

Oh man, I'm slightly jealous of you. Hearing him again for the first time would be amazing. He's got so so many hits. Enjoy :D

[@veramilton833]

@@j.munday7913 Hi Jenny , my husband just told me the same thing ! He pointed out that Roy sang OH, Pretty Woman , that one I have heard but didn't know at the time who was singing !

[@pleasantvalleypickerca7681]

Thanks Fil! One of my favorite Roy Orbison songs. It's a masterpiece. Incredible vocal!

[@CthulhuInc]

hi fil, hope your weekend was nice! love from canada!

[@12thDecember]

Roy Orbison had one of those amazing voices that once you hear it, you will instantly recognize it whenever you hear it again, no matter what the song is.

[@LOL-Can]

Fantastic voice . Excellent analysis.

[@nealpowell7104]

Great song. Great singer. And great video. Thank you Fil.

[@1SeanBond]

Absolutely one of the best Fil and he was on a big comback with the projects he was involved in. Seriously he had a really ruff go with loss from a serious house fire lost some family, coin ect. But he loved his fans and We will never see a talent like him again! & Fil there isnt one tune he has done that I haven't enjoyed ever! What a voice!😊 WE SURE appreciate the wide spectrum of music you cover. You are a classy fella beyond Fil! We Ty for all you do! Luv&Peace friend & Cheers to a great holiday🎉 season! 💛✌🏼💫

[@hansemannluchter643]

Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne.. This is OBVIOUSLY a Travelling Wilburys song.. Greates "Super-band" EVER!

[@1SeanBond]

@@hansemannluchter643 I completely agree friend, they were amazing. Cheers friend!🍻✌🏼💫

[@1msbucket]

Amen. Well said

[@paulaneary7877]

I just listened to the Roy Orbison version for the first time. It gave me chills just as much as the Cyndi Lauper version. This does not happen very often but I actually like both versions equally.

[@bilguana11]

The most gifted pop/rock singer ever.

[@deborahmccartney5694]

A legend Indeed! Roy had a very unique voice that just brings a smile to your face. I can tell you really enjoy your work! Great analysis sweet Fil!!! 💜

[@wattsd12]

Thank You! This so reminds me of my parents. In 1952 my dad was drafted into the army and stationed in El Paso, TX after being married for a few months. He missed my mom so much he went AWOL and "Drove All Night" to the other side of Texas just to see her. He was caught 2 days later and shipped to Korea. They passed away 6 days apart 3 years ago after being together for 72 years. I was actually lucky enough to meet Roy several times over the years when he came to West Texas where he was from. Such a soft spoken kind man.

[@stevenblock9712]

This song is presently being used in a Jeep commercial with Derek Jeter that is on TV frequently. It is sung by a group called Highdive. The song was also recorded by Celine Dion.

[@bethfreschi]

This is such an exciting song, and I adore both performances - Roy’s and Cyndi’s! 💜🎶🎤

[@lindadescafano3749]

I really enjoyed this analysis. Roy Orbison sure had some powerful vocals. Great song and always nice listening to your guitar demonstrations. 😊🎸🎵

[@philipmay3548]

The brilliant ring in Roy's voice on the high A#, which allows his voice to carry without singing any louder is called squillo. It's a technique that is mastered by the very top opera singers. Roy Orbison could have been a legit operatic tenor.

[@orbyfan]

Cyndi Lauper's version was a hit in the late spring-early summer of 1989. Roy's version appeared on the various artists album "Nintendo White Knuckle Scorin'" and was a minor hit in the late spring-early summer of 1992, several months before it appeared on his album "King of Hearts."

[@moogdome2562]

Brilliant. Love Roy. You have a lot of good things about you. One is that you are a nice guy, you have such a diverse taste in music, and you are so knowledgeable, despite being Young. I really enjoy your video's.

[@WillyMcCoy50]

He was a 4 pack a day smoker and had a grueling touring schedule. But he could effortlessly hit those notes all day, everyday! WoW!!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

You're kidding? IDNK.

[@A.Briggs628]

WoW! I didn’t know Roy smoked cigarettes! That’s a crazy amount too! FOUR packs a day!? I can’t believe it!! I would have never known that by the BEAUTIFUL voice he had!! Poor guy died so young! Only 52 years old!

[@EyesOfTheInternet]

Roy smoked Camels.

[@annettemoyle6051]

​@A.Briggs628 at least one of his friends, and one of the Wilburys were also heavy smokers 😢

[@WillyMcCoy50]

It was a different era for sure. I even saw Fred Flintstone smoking Winston's.

[@veecee3669]

I've always loved Roy Orbison; his voice is so full of emotion; but for some reason, I'd never heard this song. Fil, you are spot on; what breath control and range...just wonderous. No matter what or with whom he sings, it's always superb. Besides all of his fantastic hits, I'm particularly fond of his time with the Traveling Wilburys. It just goes to show, when there is mastery of voice, there is no need for auto tune and pitch correction.

[@FebrithDarkstar]

That video was so much fun to watch - thank you:) Love Roy Orbison's voice, utterly unique and that was a great song for him!:)

[@smallpotato1773]

It’s beautiful. Have loved Roy forever. The tune is mindful of Running Scared. Very familiar Orbinson sound. Good selection, Fil. Always love your presentations.

[@1msbucket]

Blue Angel.

[@corilia9529]

I love his collaboration with Bono in Mystery Girl

[@rubynibs]

Fil, Your voice is lovely. When can we expect an album of ballads and lullabies for grownups? (Not rocky, but I think there's a market for bedtime music for adults.) ❤

[@steveyoung9491]

What a great analysis of a great performer, I love the way you look at and explain songs and singers, Roy was a true great, and was excellent live, we saw him live at the Bridlington Spa way back when! Total legend! Cheers Fil!

[@sabocikotic7632]

Roy Orbison is a music miracle

[@standtallvets5386]

Thanks bunches for putting on Roy Orbison. One of a kind from way back in the 60's. As a young boy then hearing those songs just on a radio was amazing. Guys would try to sing like that and just couldn't do it. Everyone would laugh, and it was just great times for those lucky enough to live it back then. Do a review on Only The Lonely. An even bigger major hit song.

[@Laughtongang]

Roy was always spot on , absolutely unique .

[@druidsongevergreens]

love him, great video

[@janice234]

This is my new favorite version! Celine Dion sang this song too.

[@drflopsen]

Roy Orbison's hidden gem from that time is the song California Blue written by himself and Lynne/Petty

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

Yes, Cindy Lauper sung it, beautifully too!

[@chronomatt6990]

Produced by and with musical accompaniment by the great Jeff Lynne.

[@hansemannluchter643]

The Travelling Wilburys.. What a fantastic lineup!!

[@VidarLund-k5q]

Jeff is the best one man band in the world.

[@EPA18]

I was told that Orbison had a four octave range. I can believe it when hearing a song like this!

[@idankoos4156]

One of the best voices in the world...❤❤❤❤

[@zenawarrior7442]

He was amazing to listen to, very unique voice & fun songs. The cigarettes aged him though, I thought he was in his 70's when he died. Thanks Fil😎🌜⭐️🎙🎶🎼🎸

[@joeflip2993]

Roy is a unique voice in music. Good one Fil

[@sidsimon5844]

There were many covers, but this is still the best version. Mystery Girl album released after his untimely death.

[@deborahpaley21]

I love this song, LOVE ROY, and Lauper AND Celine Dion's version too!!! Great song. Sooooooo romantic.

[@theodorabruin4601]

You can't compare anyone to Roy. I wouldn't even want to listen to Cyndi or Celine...especially since I'm not a fan theirs.

[@Lilah1754]

And I love Cyndi’s version. So good. Such a great song, sung by talented artists!

[@OtelliSandrina]

@@theodorabruin4601 Cyndi yes but Céline Dion:no way!!

[@wowwhywow]

Having said that... Roy is spot on... unbeleivable.

[@rebecca_stone]

That voice... it breaks my heart every time without fail. And thanks for another terrific analysis and your sweet smile, these videos are such a heartwarmer for me at the moment during a nasty bout of COVID. Thanks man.

[@annettemoyle6051]

Soo pleased you've done this one, love Roy's voice

[@dcallan812]

Poor Roy had a dreadful private life, losing his wife first then 2 children almost a year apart. The children were in a tragic housefire. He had a fantastic voice with a 3 octave range. great video 2x👍

[@katielaird9415]

Celine Dion does an incredible version of this song too Never heard this before with Roy. He is outstanding!

[@jimwoo9552]

Roy Orbison - Recorded in 1987, Released posthumously in 1992 - 'King of Hearts' album Cyndi Lauper - Released 1989 #6 Billboard Top 100 - 'A Night to Remember' album Celine Dion - Released 2003 #45 Billboard Top 100 - 'One Heart' album

[@VidarLund-k5q]

Jeff Lynne is the entire orchestra.

[@BrianHarbut-v5k]

I’ve always loved this song! It really drives. I’m really enjoying your breakdown of these songs, just shows how much is going on! Much appreciated 👍

[@Lilah1754]

Not familiar with this song from Roy. Great backround info. Roy had such a great vibrato. Another great legend, who left us to soon. Thanks for your terrific analysis Fil.

[@CoverSongsRikiStorm]

Hello Pegasus. Can you please give a listen to the song. My Prayer. Sung by Roy Orbison. He starts singing in his tenor voice then goes to baratone. So softly. But in the end he shatters the heavens with his voice.

[@j.munday7913]

I was always such a huge Roy fan it didn't register with me that Cyndi did a cover of this song.

[@fnjesusfreak]

Another cover was done by Céline Dion.

[@hervethervet1117]

The Golden Voice of the Big O !

[@Drewguy007]

Roy is so accurate is looks pitch corrected on the monitoring software. Such an amazing talent.