Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman”: The Effortless Creation of a Classic
Roy Orbison’s iconic song “Oh, Pretty Woman” emerged from a moment of spontaneity and humor. One day, while working on new material with his co-writer Bill Dees, Orbison’s first wife, Claudette, casually announced her plans to go shopping. In response to Orbison’s offer of money for her outing, Dees playfully quipped, “A pretty woman never needs any money.”
This lighthearted banter sparked a creative fire in Orbison and Dees, leading them to craft a brand-new song before the day concluded. Dees later reflected on the experience, saying, “From the moment that the rhythm started, I could hear the heels clicking on the pavement, click, click, the pretty woman walking down the street, in a yellow skirt and red shoes,” as noted in the 2005 book 1000 UK Number One Hits.
The Journey to Success
The song was recorded on August 1, 1964, and was released just two weeks later on August 15. It quickly soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for three consecutive weeks. Nearly three decades later, in 1991, “Pretty Woman” earned Orbison a posthumous Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, solidifying its place in music history.
Notable Covers of “Oh, Pretty Woman”
While the original version of “Pretty Woman” remains unmatched, various artists have put their unique spins on the classic. Here are six noteworthy covers that deserve attention:
1. Van Halen
One of the most famous renditions comes from Van Halen, recorded for their 1982 album Diver Down. Interestingly, producer Ted Templeman was initially against the idea, expressing skepticism about the song’s fit for the band. Despite his reservations, the cover reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2. Al Green
Al Green’s 1972 album I’m Still in Love With You includes a soulful cover of “Pretty Woman.” His vocal style complements the song beautifully, showcasing his impressive range.
3. The Ventures
In a unique twist, The Ventures released an instrumental surf rock version of “Pretty Woman” on their 1965 album Knock Me Out!, demonstrating the song’s versatility across genres.
4. John Mellencamp
Before adopting his famous name, John Mellencamp recorded “Pretty Woman” as Johnny Cougar on his debut album Chestnut Street Incident in 1976. He reminisced about being captivated by Orbison’s voice as a child, which inspired his cover.
5. Del Shannon
Del Shannon’s 1966 studio version of “Pretty Woman,” featured on the album This Is My Bag, is a must-listen. Don’t miss his live mashup of “Pretty Woman” with the Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” performed in 1989.
6. Bruce Springsteen and John Fogerty
In 1987, Bruce Springsteen inducted Roy Orbison into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, praising his extraordinary talent. Over two decades later, Springsteen teamed up with John Fogerty for a live rendition of “Pretty Woman” at Madison Square Garden, paying homage to Orbison’s legacy.
Bonus: The Chipmunks
As a fun addition, the Chipmunks covered “Pretty Woman” for their album Rockin’ Through the Decades, showcasing the song’s broad appeal across generations.
Conclusion
Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” is more than just a song; it’s a timeless classic that continues to inspire countless artists. Its effortless creation serves as a reminder of the magic that can happen in moments of spontaneity. The covers by various artists further demonstrate the song’s enduring influence and versatility, ensuring that it remains a beloved piece of musical history.
FAQs
What inspired Roy Orbison to write “Oh, Pretty Woman”?
The song was inspired by a playful comment made by Orbison’s co-writer Bill Dees when Orbison’s wife announced her plans to go shopping. The phrase “A pretty woman never needs any money” sparked the idea for the song.
When was “Oh, Pretty Woman” released?
It was recorded on August 1, 1964, and released on August 15, 1964, quickly reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Did “Oh, Pretty Woman” win any awards?
Yes, in 1991, the song earned Roy Orbison a posthumous Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
What are some notable covers of “Oh, Pretty Woman”?
Notable covers include those by Van Halen, Al Green, The Ventures, John Mellencamp, Del Shannon, and a live version by Bruce Springsteen and John Fogerty.
