The Richest Songs in the World Page #3

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OK, here we go with song number nine, and a bloke who did as much

as anyone to integrate rock 'n' roll enter the mainstream in the '60s.

In 1964, he was the only American

to have two number ones in the UK charts.

And this is one of them.

In 1964, I was only six, a mere stripling,

and yet I can remember hearing this riff punching out of the radio.

An indelible riff, once hear never forgotten.

SONG:
"Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison

# Pretty woman walking down the street

# Pretty woman The kind I like to meet

# Pretty woman... #

I don't know exactly where the genius in the song is.

Is it in the guitar lick?

Is it in the growl that Roy does?

Is it his unique way of saying mercy?

# Mercy! #

So here's the story. One afternoon at Roy Orbison's,

he's with his writing partner, Bill Dees, they're trying

to come up with stuff, not particularly getting anywhere.

At that point, Roy's wife, Claudette, comes in.

"Roy!" she says, "Want to go out shopping."

He says, "I suppose you want some money?"

And Bill Dees says, "Pretty woman don't need no money."

And they think, "Hmm."

Start riffing on it. Words come. The music comes.

A piece of history is born from that chance encounter.

A wonderful moment. The only downside is that Claudette went out

without any money and then later that day was done for shoplifting.

I made that up.

But Bill Dees did say that whenever he hears this riff,

he's reminded of a woman in high heels walking down the street.

# Pretty woman Don't walk on by... #

A pretty woman may not need no money,

but the song certainly made lots. As late as 1993, Bill Dees said

it made up most of his yearly income, over 100,000.

Acuff-Rose Music,

and the other half was divided between Dees and the Big O.

I have a swimming pool in the living room, my drawing room,

and six baths. And that's just for convenience,

if you're on a certain level. There are three levels.

And...

I have a couple of waterfalls beside the staircase

that go under the swimming pool. And this is for a pretty sound.

Rather than for show. Like I say, I don't have that many guests.

So, it's sort of...my cave, you know?

This is James Burton, the master of the telecaster.

James played Pretty Woman with the Big O at a concert in 1987.

Orbison died in 1988 but the performance won him

a posthumous Grammy.

That's the same thing with Pretty Woman. You get a great simple riff

- and you're half way there aren't you?

- Absolutely.

I mean, it is one of the great riffs, isn't it?

I think it is, and the song is fun to play, and it's a great song.

Good feel and everything.

And when we kicked it off, we just did...

PLAYS PRETTY WOMAN RIFF

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