ON THIS DAY AUGUST 1, 1964- ROY ORBISON RECORDED “OH PRETTY WOMAN”

On this day August 1,1964 –

Roy Orbison recorded “OH PRETTY WOMAN”!

It was a massive #1, breaking all previous sales & radio play records worldwide. The song was initially controversial, viewed as too sexual for public radio. The opening guitar riff was thought to be lascivious. The drums too aggresive. Censors especially didn’t like the line “come with me baby” and Roy had to change it for the Ed Sullivan show and other television appearances like musicians (Rolling Stones, The Doors) would have to change their lyrics for TV in the future.

Still considered by many to be the top Rock and Roll song of all time.

(It directly influenced many great rock riffs like the Rolling Stone’s “Satisfaction” and the Beatle’s “Daytripper”, both from 1965. It introduced the rock guitar riff used as a compositional element in songstructure.)

MERCY !!!!