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“DRIFT AWAY” by Roy Orbison
Written by Mentor Williams and probably best known as Dobie Gray’s 1973 single, “DRIFT AWAY” was recorded by Roy Orbison on June 22, 1973 for Roy’s MGM Records album MILESTONES.
Here’s a rare live version of “DRIFT AWAY” performed by Roy in England in 1975-
On June 6, 1966, Roy Orbison’s beautiful, young wife, Claudette, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident leaving Roy and their three boys- Roy DeWayne, Anthony, and Wesley- behind. This devastating event shattered Roy, but he took refuge in caring for his family and by turning to his music.
The Big O
In June of 1969 Roy Orbison had hopes for a live album while he was on tour in the UK. His record label was not on board with his plan, however, and Roy had to compromise. The resulting album is THE BIG O- recorded as live as he could make it with his touring band The Art Movement. While MGM Records chose not to release the album in North America, London-Decca opted to release it elsewhere in early 1970.