Oh, Pretty Woman

About this song

Roy Orbison's 1964 hit reached no. 1 in both the US and the UK. It was the only American artist to hit no. 1 in the UK during a 69-week span at that time, and the song was ranked #222 on a list of the top 500 songs of all time. It won several awards, including a posthumous Grammy in 1991, and has been covered many times in both parody and serious versions.

What it's about

The song is reportedly written about Orbison's wife, Claudette, as she was getting ready to go out. Its later association with Julia Roberts also made it closely linked with her in many people's minds.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 6 other songs, like “Thicc As Thieves by Lauren Alaina & Lainey Wilson”.
• Covered 23 times, including “Pretty Woman by The Overtones”.
• Written by Roy Orbison and Bill Dees.
• Produced by Fred Foster.
• Recorded at Fred Foster Sound Studios (Nashville.