Oh, Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison (1964)
let’s start with a basic question: Is the title”Pretty Woman?” or “Oh, Pretty Woman?”
Well, According to those in-the-know, the original record label said “Oh,” but Both are considered correct!
Next question: Was the song inspired by a particular Pretty Woman? The answer is yes…but not in a blatantly romantic way.
Apparently, Roy’s wife Claudette interrupted a conversation between Roy and songwriter Bill Dees to announce that she was going out. When Roy asked if she had enough money, Bill jumped in and said, “A pretty woman never needs any money.
One thing led to another, and the next thing you know, the song was written, produced, released, and climbing to #1 in 13 countries—while selling more than 7 million copies–all of which was extremely impressive…considering the year was 1964, and Beatlemania was in full swing.
And here’s a fun fact for you: The lyric: “come with me baby” on the album” was replaced with “come TO me baby”on the single because “with” made the song too risque, Ahhh, life in the innocent ‘6os. 🙂
“Pretty Woman–with or without the “Oh,” it was a Great Song of 1964.
More Posts for Show: Sunday Night Revival: Mike Cook's Great Songs Of The '60s, '70s, & '80s
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