About the song
Background and writing
“Only the Lonely” was written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. It was released in 1960 as the B-side to Orbison’s single “Crying.” The song quickly became a hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1960. It was Orbison’s second Top 10 single, and it helped to make him one of the most popular singers in the world.
The song is a beautiful ballad about the pain of loneliness. Orbison’s voice is rich and expressive, and he brings the song to life. The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, and they perfectly capture the feeling of being alone.
Recording and production
“Only the Lonely” was recorded in 1960 at the Monument Records studio in Nashville, Tennessee. The song was produced by Fred Foster. Foster is a Grammy Award-winning producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in country music, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton.
Release and commercial performance
“Only the Lonely” was released in 1960 as the B-side to Orbison’s single “Crying.” The song quickly became a hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1960. It was Orbison’s second Top 10 single, and it helped to make him one of the most popular singers in the world.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. It has also been used in several films and television shows, including “The Big Lebowski” and “The Sopranos.”
Impact and legacy
“Only the Lonely” is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and moving song about the pain of loneliness, and it is a reminder that even the most successful people can feel alone. Orbison’s version is the definitive version of the song, and it is considered to be one of the greatest country songs of all time.
Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison was an American singer-songwriter who was one of the most popular and influential figures in rock and roll music. He was born in Vernon, Texas, in 1936. He began his career in the late 1950s, and he quickly became one of the most successful singers in the world.
Orbison had a string of hit singles in the 1960s, including “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “Oh, Pretty Woman.” He was also a successful songwriter, and he wrote many of his own hits.
Orbison’s music was influenced by a variety of genres, including country, rock and roll, and opera. He had a unique and powerful voice, and he was able to bring a wide range of emotions to his singing.
Orbison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He died in 1988 at the age of 52.
Conclusion
“Only the Lonely” is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and moving song about the pain of loneliness, and it is a reminder that even the most successful people can feel alone. Orbison’s version is the definitive version of the song, and it is considered to be one of the greatest country songs of all time.
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to Only the Lonely. If you are a fan of country music or if you are simply looking for a beautiful and moving song to listen to, then I highly recommend Only the Lonely.
Further listening
- Roy Orbison – “Crying”
- Roy Orbison – “Oh, Pretty Woman”
- The Beatles – “Only the Lonely”
- Elvis Presley – “Only the Lonely”
- The Rolling Stones – “Only the Lonely”
Critical reception
- “Only the Lonely” has been praised by critics for its beautiful melody, Orbison’s powerful vocals, and its moving lyrics.
- The song has been ranked number one on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
- It has also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Cultural impact
- “Only the Lonely” has been used in several films and television shows, including “The Big Lebowski,” “The Sopranos,” and “Mad Men.”
- The song has also been covered by many artists, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.
- “Only the Lonely” is a classic country song that has stood the test of
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