*Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night* was a 1988 Cinemax special featuring the legendary Roy Orbison alongside the TCB Band, known for backing Elvis from 1969 to 1977. This memorable concert, filmed in the nostalgic black and white style, took place at the Coconut Grove nightclub in Los Angeles’ Ambassador Hotel, creating a timeless atmosphere.
The night drew a star-studded audience, including luminaries like director David Lynch, rocker Billy Idol, actor Patrick Swayze, comedian Sandra Bernhard, and the iconic Kris Kristofferson. The energy in the room soared when drummer Ronnie Tutt’s beat signaled the start of Orbison’s classic hit, “Pretty Woman,” and the audience joined in with applause and excitement.
Orbison launched into his beloved song with the support of an incredible lineup: Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne, and J.D. Souther, while TCB’s James Burton delivered an unforgettable guitar performance. The song, co-written with Bill Dees, had its own charming backstory—born from a moment when Orbison’s wife, Claudette, playfully announced she was going to town, leading Dees to quip, “Pretty woman never needs any money.”
Roy Orbison’s voice remains unparalleled, resonating with both force and clarity across high and low notes, a rare feat for male vocalists. With his effortless delivery, Orbison’s music feels timeless, as powerful today as when it was first recorded, a testament to his incredible talent that endures through generations.