About the song
Roy Orbison – Only the Lonely (Black & White Night 30) is a live rendition of one of Roy Orbison’s defining and widely acclaimed songs, “Only the Lonely.” Originally released in 1960, this iconic single catapulted Roy Orbison to international fame and cemented his position as one of the most influential voices of the early rock and roll era. Known for its lush, operatic vocals and heartfelt emotional delivery, “Only the Lonely” became a timeless hit, illustrating Orbison’s signature style of blending melancholy lyrics with soaring melodies.
The original studio version of “Only the Lonely” had a tremendous impact both commercially and critically. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the United States and secured the #1 position on the UK Singles Chart. Additionally, the song became a staple in Orbison’s career, earning him widespread recognition for his ability to convey deep feelings of heartbreak and longing with precision and vulnerability.
The “Black & White Night 30” version of the song is part of a historic live performance recorded in 1988, during a televised concert featuring Roy Orbison alongside an impressive all-star band that included Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, and k.d. lang. The concert, performed in black-and-white film, was a tribute to Orbison’s legacy and reflected the timelessness of hits like “Only the Lonely.”
Though “Only the Lonely” did not directly earn Orbison a Grammy Award, it has contributed to his enduring popularity and legacy within the music industry. In 1998, he was posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award that acknowledged his long-standing influence in music history.
This memorable performance from “Black & White Night 30” brought a renewed sense of appreciation for Orbison’s artistry, bringing his legendary voice and melancholic storytelling to newer generations.
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