Decade-long friendship between Roy Orbison's hit maker and Australian singer

Australian musician Damien Leith maintained a unique creative partnership with Joe Melson, the celebrated Nashville songwriter credited with co-writing some of Roy Orbison's most iconic hits, for over a decade. Their alliance, spanning 14 years, was marked by regular songwriting sessions that bridged continents and generations.

Leith, best known as the winner of Australian Idol in 2006, first connected with Melson in 2011 during a US tour promoting his tribute album dedicated to Roy Orbison. This meeting was arranged by his manager while Leith was in Nashville, a city steeped in music history and closely associated with Melson's legacy. The encounter was sparked by Melson’s interest in Leith’s distinctive rendition of Orbison’s classic "Crying," which departed from traditional interpretations and displayed a fresh artistic voice.

This initial interest blossomed into a steadfast weekly collaboration. Every Monday morning, Leith would retreat to his home studio in Wollongong, New South Wales, to join Melson for an hour-long online songwriting session. Despite the geographical distance, the pair developed a seamless creative rhythm, with Melson often building upon ideas they had previously explored.

Throughout their years of collaboration, Leith and Melson co-created 81 songs, including a fresh composition crafted mere weeks before Melson’s death earlier in the year. This final song, written from scratch after a period without new material, is seen by Leith as a poignant farewell from his longtime partner.

Melson’s influence extended beyond songwriting technique; he encouraged artists to cultivate their unique sound rather than emulate existing ones. This philosophy resonated deeply with Leith, who embraced the opportunity to express individuality within their sessions.

The sudden news of Melson’s declining health was felt keenly by Leith, especially when Melson’s son-in-law communicated that the songwriter would be unable to attend their weekly meeting. Such absences were rare, underscoring Melson’s dedication to their craft.

Leith has visited Melson in the United States on multiple occasions throughout their friendship, further strengthening their personal and professional bond. These visits enriched their creative exchanges and underscored the cross-cultural nature of their partnership.

Looking ahead, Leith intends to honor Melson’s memory by incorporating the songs they created together into his Roy Orbison tribute performances. He anticipates that these compositions will carry additional emotional weight, revealing stories and sentiments that have remained largely private.

This collaboration stands as a testament to the enduring power of songwriting to connect artists across time and space. It also highlights Melson’s lasting impact on music, not only through his historical work with Orbison but also through his mentorship and creative partnership with a new generation.

While details about Melson’s final days remain limited, the legacy of his work continues through the songs he co-wrote and the artists he inspired. Damien Leith’s ongoing commitment ensures that Melson’s contribution to music remains alive and appreciated by audiences worldwide.