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Roy Orbison - Oh Pretty Woman

"Oh, Pretty Woman" is one of Roy Orbison's most iconic and successful songs, released in 1964. Here are some interesting facts about the song and Roy Orbison:

  1. Inspiration for the Song:

    • Roy Orbison and his co-writer, Bill Dees, were inspired to write "Oh, Pretty Woman" after Orbison's wife Claudette walked by and Orbison said, "Pretty woman, walking down the street."
  2. Recording Success:

    • The song was recorded in a single day on August 1, 1964, at the Fred Foster Sound Studio in Nashville, Tennessee.
  3. Chart Success:

    • "Oh, Pretty Woman" topped the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom, making it one of Orbison's most successful and enduring hits.
  4. Influence on Other Artists:

    • The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Van Halen, Al Green, and John Mellencamp. It has also been featured in several movies and TV shows.
  5. Signature Guitar Riff:

    • The distinctive guitar riff that opens the song is instantly recognizable and has become one of the most famous guitar intros in rock and roll history.
  6. Orbison's Vocal Range:

    • Roy Orbison was known for his impressive three-octave vocal range, and "Oh, Pretty Woman" showcases his powerful and emotive singing style.
  7. Grammy Award:

    • The song earned Orbison a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Performance (Male) in 1965.
  8. Roy Orbison's Legacy:

    • Roy Orbison's influence on rock and roll and pop music is significant, and he is remembered as one of the greatest voices in the history of the genre. His tragic and untimely death in 1988 only solidified his status as a legendary figure in music.
  9. Posthumous Recognition:

    • Orbison was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.
  10. Use in Films:

    • "Oh, Pretty Woman" has been featured in several films, including its prominent use in the 1990 romantic comedy "Pretty Woman," starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The film's title is actually derived from the song.

The enduring popularity of "Oh, Pretty Woman" is a testament to Roy Orbison's talent as a songwriter and performer.

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