9 Songs You May Not Know Roy Orbison Wrote

Roy Orbison's influence on 20th-century music extends well beyond his distinctive voice and solo hits. Celebrated for his emotive vocal range and songwriting skills, Orbison also made significant contributions as a composer for other notable artists, a facet of his career that remains lesser known.

Born in Vernon, Texas, in 1936, Orbison rose to prominence in the early 1960s with a string of hits blending rock and roll with profound emotional depth. His work often portrayed intense feelings of loneliness and heartache, challenging the conventional male personas of his era. Despite personal tragedies that interrupted his career—including the loss of his first wife and two children—Orbison's songwriting continued to resonate, influencing peers and successors alike.

Among Orbison’s notable collaborations was his enduring friendship with Johnny Cash. Their relationship began when Cash encouraged Orbison to connect with Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, a pivotal moment for Orbison’s early career. Although they co-wrote only one song together, "See Ruby Fall," the bond between the two musicians was deep and supportive. This track, inspired by signage in Chattanooga, Tennessee, narrates a woman's decision to leave a relationship seeking excitement downtown and appeared on Cash’s 1970 album "Hello, I’m Johnny Cash."

Orbison also wrote "You Tell Me" specifically for Cash, a song that emerged while both were associated with Sun Records. Although Cash released it shortly after moving to Columbia Records, the song reflects the close creative exchange between the two artists. Conversely, Orbison recorded his version of Cash's "You're My Baby" in 1961, highlighting their mutual admiration.

Another key figure in Orbison’s songwriting story is Buddy Holly, a fellow Texan whose career was tragically cut short in 1959. Holly recorded several Orbison-penned songs early in his career, such as "You've Got Love," "A True Love Goodbye," and "An Empty Cup (And a Broken Date)," the latter co-written with Norman Petty. The two shared a friendly rivalry and mutual inspiration during their rise in the music industry.

Orbison's songwriting success also extended to writing for other artists beyond his close circle. For instance, the Everly Brothers recorded "Claudette," a song Orbison wrote for his wife. It became a significant milestone as it was part of a double A-side hit with "All I Have to Do is Dream," marking Orbison’s first major achievement as a songwriter.

His connections at Sun Records introduced him to other collaborators, including Warren Smith, who recorded Orbison’s "So Long I’m Gone" in 1957. Smith’s band even toured with Orbison, often performing together under different billing, illustrating the intertwined nature of their early careers. Orbison’s original version of this song was released posthumously in 2008.

The 1980s saw Orbison partnering with songwriters like Rodney Crowell and Will Jennings to create tracks blending multiple genres. One such song, released in 1986, combined elements of R&B, country-folk, and pop, with lyrics promising unwavering support despite distance or change. This period coincided with Orbison's resurgence, marked by collaborations with the Traveling Wilburys and renewed public interest.

Some of Orbison's compositions gained greater fame through covers by other artists. Linda Ronstadt’s 1977 rendition of a 1961 Orbison song became a defining hit of her career, demonstrating the enduring appeal of his songwriting. In contrast to the melancholy tone often associated with his music, Orbison described some of his songs as carrying an undercurrent of hopeful longing, a nuance that underscores the complexity of his work.

Roy Orbison’s legacy continues to grow, not only through his unmistakable voice and iconic performances but also through the breadth of his songwriting contributions. His ability to craft songs that conveyed vulnerability and emotional complexity helped shape the soundscape of multiple musical genres and left an indelible mark on his peers and future generations of musicians.

While much attention centers on Orbison as a performer, examining his role as a songwriter for other artists reveals a deeper narrative of collaboration, resilience, and creative influence. His friendships with Johnny Cash and Buddy Holly, among others, highlight a rich network of mutual inspiration that fueled the evolution of rock and country music during a transformative era.