Roy Orbison Popular Song Rankings [2025]

Oh, Pretty WomanRoy Orbison1rank/position

Oh, Pretty Woman

Roy Orbison, who gained popularity with his black sunglasses and operatic, powerful vocals.

This piece is one of his signature songs, depicting the dramatic emotions of a man who is captivated by a beautiful woman he sees on the street.

He’s dejected when she initially walks away, but the movie-like twist of her finally turning back to him is irresistibly appealing.

Released in August 1964, the song topped the U.

S.

charts for three consecutive weeks.

Later, it was chosen as the theme song for the 1990 blockbuster film “Pretty Woman,” allowing it to be loved across generations.

It opens with a guitar riff everyone knows, so it’s guaranteed to fire up any karaoke room.

Step into the protagonist’s shoes and sing it with passion.

Rock HouseRoy Orbison2rank/position

Roy Orbison – Rock House (original version from The Rocker LP)

When discussing rockabilly, which reached its peak from the 1950s to the 1960s, one legendary musician you simply can’t ignore is Roy Orbison.

Known as the “Caruso of Rock” for his clear high tenor and operatic, dramatic singing style, Orbison made his debut in 1956 with “Ooby Dooby.” He produced numerous hits, including the signature song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which topped the U.

S.

charts, and he won two Grammy Awards.

Although his personal life was marked by tragedy, he continued to face forward through his music.

His body of work is filled with songs that everyone seeking hope should hear.

CryingRoy Orbison3rank/position

Roy Orbison – Crying

A ballad used in KFC’s 2017 “Nashville Hot Spicy Chicken” commercial.

It was released in 1961 by American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison and has been covered by artists such as Don McLean and D.

D Dumbo.

Blue BayouRoy Orbison4rank/position

Roy Orbison – Blue Bayou (Live 1973)

Roy Orbison, who had over 20 Top 40 hits including “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “Oh, Pretty Woman.” When he sings rock with that beautiful voice, it gives me chills.

This song was a smash hit, reaching No.

29 on the U.

S.

charts, but when Linda Ronstadt covered it in 1977, it became a huge hit, reaching No.

3.

That version might be more widely known.

Borne On The WindRoy Orbison5rank/position

Roy Orbison – Borne On The Wind (Alternate Single Version) 1964

Included on the 1989 album “The Legendary Roy Orbison 20 Original Hits/Recordings.” Born in 1936, he was a singer-songwriter from Texas.

With folk-guitar tones and melodies reminiscent of flamenco and Mexican folk music, combined with his soaring vocals, this track is a pleasure to the ears.

House Without WindowsRoy Orbison6rank/position

Roy Orbison – House Without Windows (1963)

Haunted Mansion is a film adaptation of a popular Disney attraction.

Its trailer features the song “House Without Windows,” a love ballad by singer-songwriter Roy Orbison.

The lyrics depict a man who has moved into a pitch-black house with no windows.

Although the movie may give it a horror-tinged impression, the song actually conveys that any place can be happy as long as you’re with the one you love.

Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)Roy Orbison7rank/position

Roy Orbison “Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)”

A song created by Roy Orbison and lyricist Joe Melson.

It was originally intended to be offered to Elvis Presley and the Everly Brothers, but after the Everly Brothers persuaded him, Orbison recorded it himself.

With its sharp lyrics about loneliness and his soulful voice, it became his biggest hit.