Roy Orbison was more than just a singer; he was a magnetic force in music. Legends like Springsteen looked up to him, and Presley praised him as a musician. But offstage? Roy was the reserved man next door, humble and grounded. Isn't that something? It's that duality that makes his legend so fascinating.
A recent video clip of a concert (Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night) featuring Roy Orbison and many others has been doing rounds online. These legends perform Mean Woman Blues, written originally by Claude Demetrius.
In the audience were a who's who of celebrity admirers, including David Lynch, Billy Idol, Patrick Swayze, Billy Bob Thornton, Sandra Bernhard, and Kris Kristofferson, enjoying every bit of the special.
The backing band for the night was the illustrious TCB Band, known for accompanying Elvis Presley. The talented ensemble included Glen Hardin on piano, James Burton on lead guitar, Jerry Scheff on bass, and Ronnie Tutt on drums.
The star-studded evening included male background vocalists such as Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne, J.D. Souther, and Steven Soles. Some also joined in on guitar, electric organ, and keyboards.
Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Warnes, k. d. lang, and Springsteen seem to have a lot of fun while they perform on the track. Every time we think about these legendary performers onstage, we are amazed at the musicianship they display.
The Black & White Night 30 concert was not just a performance. It was a connection, a soul-stirring experience that transcended the stage. And each note of Mean Woman Blues threaded an emotional narrative. That was what made Orbison special, and this performance a masterpiece.
Remember when Roy Orbison was everywhere? You can find it on Amazon if you're in the mood.
