Roy Orbison and The Candy Men recorded the famous rock tune “Oh, Pretty Woman”. It was released in 1964 and quickly became one of Orbison’s most successful and enduring successes.
Chart Performance
Roy Orbison and The Candy Men’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” had a remarkable chart performance when it was released in 1964. Here’s some information about its chart success:
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 list, becoming Roy Orbison’s first and only number-one single. It occupied the rank for three weeks in October 1964.
UK Singles Chart: In the United Kingdom, “Oh, Pretty Woman” peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart.
International Success: The song was a huge hit over the world, hitting high chart places in Canada, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Longevity & Enduring Popularity: “Oh, Pretty Woman” has been a cherished and widely played song over time. Its long-lasting success is demonstrated by its continuous playing and inclusion in many compilations and playlists.
The chart performance of “Oh, Pretty Woman” reflects its prominence as one of Roy Orbison’s most popular and famous songs. Its international chart success and enduring appeal have cemented its place as a rock and pop music classic.
Story Behind The Song
Roy Orbison and The Candy Men’s song “Oh, Pretty Woman” has an intriguing backstory. Roy Orbison and Bill Dees wrote the song, which was recorded in 1964. According to Orbison and Dees, the song was written in a spontaneous and unexpected manner.
The song was purportedly inspired by a comment made by Orbison’s wife, Claudette. While driving, she noticed a beautiful woman walking by and said, “Pretty woman!” This single statement inspired the song.
Orbison and Dees took this phrase and started writing the song around it. They worked on the music and lyrics, incorporating a catchy guitar riff and Orbison’s distinctive vocal style. The song evolved into a blend of rock, pop, and R&B components, highlighting Orbison’s powerful and expressive voice.
The recording technique for “Oh, Pretty Woman” is equally noteworthy. The song is claimed to have been recorded in a single day at Fred Foster’s Monument Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. The musicians involved, notably The Candy Men, developed the captivating guitar riff and distinct backup voices that add to the song’s overall sound.
Upon its release, “Oh, Pretty Woman” swiftly gained popularity and chart success. It topped the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, establishing itself as a major hit. The song’s recognizable melody, Orbison’s soaring vocals, and catchy guitar riff helped it become an instant classic.
“Oh, Pretty Woman”‘s enduring popularity stems from its ageless quality. Throughout the years, different singers have covered the song, and it has appeared in a variety of films, television series, and commercials. Notably, its appearance in the 1990 film “Pretty Woman,” starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, brought the song to a new generation of listeners.
Overall, the narrative of “Oh, Pretty Woman” demonstrates the power of a single line and the creative process that brought it to life. Roy Orbison and Bill Dees’ creative talents, as well as Orbison’s excellent singing abilities, contributed to the song’s success and long-lasting appeal.
Let’s Enjoy
Produced by:
Fred Foster produced “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison and The Candy Men. Foster was a well-known record producer and the founder of Monument Records, which published the song. He collaborated extensively with Orbison to achieve the ideal tone and bring the song to life. Foster’s production talents and advice aided the success and everlasting appeal of “Oh, Pretty Woman.”
Lyrics Written by:
Roy Orbison and Bill Dees wrote the lyrics to the song “Oh, Pretty Woman”. Orbison, a renowned singer-songwriter, worked with Dees, another songwriter, to write the distinctive lyrics for the song. Their combined efforts yielded the intriguing and evocative words that describe the narrative of a man’s admiration and fascination with a stunning woman. The lyrics to “Oh, Pretty Woman” have struck a chord with audiences over the years, adding to the song’s continued popularity.
Roy Orbison( The Big O )
Oh Pretty Woman
Pretty woman, walkin’ down the street, pretty woman
The kind i like to meet, pretty woman
I don’t believe you, you’re not the truth
No one could look as good as you. mercy!
Pretty woman, won’t you pardon me? pretty woman,
I couldn’t help but see, pretty woman, that you look lovely as can be.
Are you lonely just like me? wow!
Pretty woman, stop awhile.
Pretty woman, talk awhile
Pretty woman, give your smile to me.
Pretty woman, yeah, yeah, yeah
Pretty woman, look my way
Find more lyrics at ※ Mojim.com
Pretty woman, say you’ll stay with me’cause i need you, i’ll treat you right
Come with me baby, be mine tonight
Pretty woman, don’t walk on by
Pretty woman, don’t make me cry
Pretty woman, don’t walk away, hey, o.k.
If that’s the way it must be, o.k.
I guess i’ll go on home. it’s late.
There’ll be tomorrow night, but wait!
What do i see? is she walking back to me?
Yeah, she’s walking back to me, oh, oh, pretty woman