the golden voice, “sad and sublime”, of “Big O”
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ARTE.TV – ON DEMAND – DOCUMENTARY
What a voice and what a soundtrack, full of immediately identifiable hits, such as Only the Lonely, crying, Where Oh Pretty Woman ! Dedicated to the Texan Roy Orbison (1936-1988)iconic character of the world rock scene, this unique documentary, rich in filmed archives, can be tasted with relish.
The many planetary stars (Bono, Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen or the late Johnny Cash) testify to their admiration for “Big O”. And we discover that, from Elvis Presley to the Beatles, passing by Bob Dylan, all these sacred monsters considered Orbison as a master.
At the age of 6, the little Texan was offered a guitar and announced to his parents his desire to become a singer; at 8 years old, he tries radio hooks; at 14, he started with his first band. A copy of a song titled Ooby-Dooby is sent to Sun Records, Memphis, which will be followed by a recording, then a tour. Farewell to university, hello to the life of an artist.
Exceptional singer
Over time, we discover a great songwriter, an exceptional singer, but also a deeply endearing man, attentive to others. A former record label executive remembers“a very courteous man, with that typical politeness of the southern United States. A soft voice, a suave charm”.
On the rock scene, where angry gestures often serve as an obligatory posture, the Texan with an austere look, his eyes hidden, from 1963, behind sunglasses, hardly moves. No need to gesticulate, his voice is so captivating that the crowds swoon over this guy with such a sweet smile, such a wise demeanor and such obvious talent. “Roy is the greatest singer in the world”, Elvis Presley said of him. The interested party explains: “I did not follow any singing training. I think I’m a baritone with a fairly high range, but I’ve never checked. »
For Jeff Lynne, of the group Electric Light Orchestra: “Roy has the voice of an opera singer, but sexier! He sang rock and blues with this sad and sublime voice at the same time. » Elvis Costello remembers attending a classical music concert: “When a song by Schumann started, it sounded like a song by Roy! »
Beyond the glorious career of the man who had adopted England very early on, his innovative music scene and his way of life, the documentary looks back on the personal tragedies (his first wife killed in a motorcycle accident, two of his sons died in a fire). Without forgetting his last musical adventure, with the formation of the Traveling Wilburys, a luxury group made up of Orbison, Bob Dylan, George Harisson, Tom Petty and Jeff Lyne.
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