the big O

uDiscover: RAY CHARLES SAID IT, AND EVERYONE WAS LISTENING

March 30, 2016 by admin

uDiscover: RAY CHARLES SAID IT, AND EVERYONE WAS LISTENING

Ray Charles’ 1959 Atlantic single ‘What’d I Say’ is truly one of the seminal records in R&B history.

uDiscover tells its story in this overview and playlist, which includes The Big O’s version from 1964.

READ THE ARTICLE HERE!

“PENNY ARCADE” by Roy Orbison

June 3, 2015 by admin

“PENNY ARCADE” by Roy Orbison

Also from Roy Orbison’s 1970 album THE BIG O, “PENNY ARCADE” is a fan favorite!

“LAND OF 1000 DANCES” by Roy Orbison

June 2, 2015 by admin

“LAND OF 1000 DANCES” by Roy Orbison

Released on Roy Orbison’s 1970 MGM/London-Decca album THE BIG O, here’s the live version performed in Australia!

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.

THE ORIGINAL “PRETTY PAPER” BY ROY ORBISON, 1963. CHRISTMAS MUSIC

December 29, 2012 by admin

This is the original “PRETTY PAPER” by Roy Orbison in 1963!

Orbison was the first to record it and reached #6 in the UK (released in 1964 because “BLUE BAYOU” was still high on the charts in Europe) and #15 on the USA Pop charts in 1963 with this now classic Christmas song.

It was written by Willie Nelson who was happy to get his second big songwriting credit (and paycheck) when Roy recorded “Pretty Paper”. ( Willie still had short hair so that will tell you how far back it was. Way, way back in Willie’s career. He didn’t “smoke” either. He drank at that time. )

This version should sound very “Christmas-y” to you. The background vocals sound like they could fit an old Jimmy Stewart movie soundtrack. We Love It!