Book Us!

REVIEW: Stars celebrate in honor of Roy Orbison's 74th birthday


Roy Orbison was an American singer-songwriter and musician, well known for his distinctive, powerful voice, complex compositions, and dark emotional ballads. Friday April 23rd would have been Roy Orbison’s 74th birthday, but it did not go unnoticed. Nashville music industry artists, executives, friends, family and fellow band members turned out for a night of tribute songs and remembering the amazing talents and achievements of the late Orbison; whose career spanned over five decades. Proceeds from the event benefited Musicians On Call. Orbison passed away December 6, 1988 of a heart attack.

Hosted and emceed by his wife, Barbara, the night was filled with beautiful memories and stories of Roy’s life as well as amazing renditions of some of his hit songs.

Mallary Hope opened show with two songs, with the second being an astounding rendition of "Cryin'". She told the crowd that Roy's songs were some of the first songs she ever heard and they are what inspired her to pursue the music career.

The legendary guitarist and Country Music Hall of Fame member Harold Bradley took the stage holding a guitar that was near and dear to his heart as it was the same guitar he played when recording with Roy. He brought it out just for the occasion

The evening did not lack in star power nor talent as Rodney Crowell took the stage to do a couple numbers. Also adding to the festivities were Sweethearts of the Rodeo and Edens Edge; who knocked out a fan favorite and had the crowd cheering with their version of Blue Bayou. Bill Drees did not miss the opportunity to add a little flair of his own to a very special and unique version of Happy Birthday.

Another big name in the music industry who was on hand to celebrate was Cowboy Jack Clement, a long time and well known musician, producer and record label owner. Newcomer, Eric Paslay, a recording artist with EMI performed a breathtaking version of "Anything You Want" and hit singer / songwriter Jeffrey Steele rocked the house with an unbelievable rendition of the hit song “Pretty Woman”.

Family members on hand besides Barbara included Alex Orbison, Roy Jr. and Wesley. Also contributing to the celebration was close family friend and artist Chris Rodriguez, who accompanied several of the artist during their performances. Big Machine Records, Scott Borchetta and his wife Sandy also joined the festivities.

A birthday party is not complete unless there is a birthday cake and this party had a very special one made depicting a replica of one of Roy's guitars, which was enjoyed by everyone who came out to celebrate one of the music industry’s greatest.

Orbison was initiated into the second class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 by longtime admirer Bruce Springsteen. The same year he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone listed Orbison as No. 37 in their list of The Greatest Artists of All Time. In 2002, Billboard magazine listed Orbison at No. 74 in the Top 600 recording artists.[4]Rolling Stone rated Orbison at No. 13 in their list of The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time in 2008.[

For more exclusive photos of this event please visit www.digitalrodeo.com/drphotos/photos/album/InHonorofandCelebrationofRoyOrbisons74thBirthdayattheHardRockCafe .

No comments:

Post a Comment