Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night was a Cinemax special that aired in 1988. It included the iconic Roy Orbison and the TCB Band, who had previously supported Elvis from 1969 until 1977.
Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, and other musicians performed as special guests. The special was filmed entirely in black and white, giving it a timeless quality. It was filmed in the Ambassador Hotel’s Coconut Grove nightclub in Los Angeles.
The audience was a sea of celebrity admirers, including artistic genius David Lynch, rocker Billy Idol, actor Patrick Swayze, comedienne Sandra Bernhard, and legend in his own right, Kris Kristofferson. As Ronnie Tutt kicks off the familiar drumbeat, the crowd instantly recognizes the favorite and begin clapping in time.
Orbison breaks into the classic hit “Pretty Woman” accompanied by a stageful of greats. TCB’s James Burton absolutely kills it on this number. Rock and roll superstars Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne, and J.D. Souther join in with Roy on his famous 1964 hit. Orbison co-wrote “Pretty Woman” with his collaborating partner Bill Dees.
The song’s origin is interesting: While Orbison was at home writing a song, Orbison’s wife Claudette came in and said she was going to go into town to buy something. Orbison asked if she needed any money, and Dees joked, “Pretty woman never needs any money.” Inspired, Orbison started singing, “Pretty woman walking down the street.”
Roy Orbison was truly a rare talent. His range was and is still untouched today. It’s rare to have a male vocalist hit such high notes, yet can also do wonders to the low notes. He did it with such force, such power, but the best of all, such clarity that his music will live on for thousands of years unsurpassed. What still amazes me since the first I’ve heard his music until today is, he did it with ease. It’s incredible. His voice is unmatched even today.
