The Enduring Legacy of Roy Orbison's 'Oh, Pretty Woman': A Look at Iconic Covers and Tributes
Roy Orbison's iconic song "Oh, Pretty Woman" was born out of a casual moment at home. While working on music with his cowriter Bill Dees, Orbison's wife Claudette made a passing comment that sparked the idea for the song. The catchy rhythm and imagery of a pretty woman walking down the street in a yellow skirt and red shoes quickly took shape, leading to the creation of the song. Recorded in 1964, the song soared to the top of the charts, earning Orbison a posthumous Grammy Award in 1991.
Several artists have covered "Oh, Pretty Woman" over the years, each putting their own spin on the classic tune. Van Halen's rendition, featured on their album Diver Down, became one of the most famous covers of the song. Al Green's soulful version on his album "I'm Still in Love With You" showcases his unique vocal style. The Ventures gave the song a surf rock twist on their album "Knock Me Out!" while John Mellencamp's early cover captured the essence of Orbison's original.
Del Shannon's studio version of "Pretty Woman" from his album "This Is My Bag" is a must-listen, especially when followed by his live mashup with the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." Bruce Springsteen and John Fogerty paid tribute to Orbison with a live performance of the song at Madison Square Garden, highlighting Orbison's influence on their music. Even the Chipmunks couldn't resist covering "Pretty Woman" for their album "Rockin' Through the Decades."
With each artist bringing their own style to the song, "Oh, Pretty Woman" continues to captivate audiences and showcase the timeless appeal of Orbison's music.