Many would consider Elvis Presley‘s voice to be one of (if not the) best of all time. His unique croon wowed audiences back in the ’50s, and it continues to excite even today. However, Presley pointed a finger at one of his contemporaries when discussing incomparable vocals. Find out below who Presley thought was the greatest singer of all time.
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Why Elvis Presley Thought Roy Orbison Had the Best Voice of All Time
Elvis Presley was already an established act by the time Roy Orbison garnered fame in the late ’50s. Because of this, it likely meant a lot to Orbison to have Presley sing his praises. Presley once heralded Orbison as having the “perfect voice.”
In fact, he thought so highly of the “Pretty Woman” singer that he refused to ever touch one of his songs. He felt he couldn’t “Sing any of Roy’s songs any better than the original recordings.” This fact speaks volumes when you consider the caliber of artist Presley did cover–i.e. Frank Sinatra and the Beatles.
Presley did dare to duet with Orbison though. Check out their performance of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” below.
Are you lonesome tonight?
Do you miss me tonight?
Are you sorry we drifted apart?
Does your memory stray to a bright summer day
When I kissed you and called you sweetheart?
Mutual Admiration
The admiration between Presley and Orbison was mutual. Orbison once credited Presley as having inspired his career. After seeing him perform, Orbison knew his path.
“His energy was incredible, his instinct was just amazing,” Orbison once said. “I just didn’t know what to make of it. There was just no reference point in the culture to compare it.”
Orbison certainly isn’t alone in taking inspiration from Presley. Countless artists in his generation credited The King for his influence. But very few had their compliments returned. Revisit Orbison’s “Dream Baby,” below.
Sweet dream baby sweet dream baby sweet dream baby how long must I dream
Dream baby got me dreamin’ sweet dreams the whole day through
Dream baby got me dreamin’ sweet dreams in nighttime too
I love you and I’m dreamin’ of you that won’t do
Dream baby help me stop my dreamin’ you and make my dreams come true
Sweet dream baby
(Photo by Bettmann/Getty Images)
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