About the Song
Roy Orbison, the man with the velvet voice. We all know him for those powerful ballads that could leave you breathless, his signature dark sunglasses, and that unforgettable baritone that could soar and croon with equal intensity. But before he became “The Big O,” a legend of rock and roll, Orbison was a young man just starting out, and his heart belonged to a very special someone – his wife, Claudette.
This song, simply titled “Claudette”, is a little window into that early time in Orbison’s career. It wasn’t a monster hit that topped the charts, but it’s a sweet and genuine declaration of love, written by a young man completely smitten. You can almost hear the nervous excitement in his voice, the way he uses these playful pet names – “pretty little pet” – a term of endearment that might make you chuckle today, but back then, it was pure, innocent affection.
“Claudette” wasn’t even released by Orbison himself at first. He wrote it in the early 1950s, shortly after marrying his Claudette, and while he did record it, it never found its way onto an album. Instead, the song found a different kind of fame. It landed in the hands of another rising duo – The Everly Brothers. They recognized the potential in this heartfelt ballad and released their version of “Claudette” in 1958. It became a hit for them, climbing the charts and introducing a wider audience to the young songwriter behind it – Roy Orbison.
Even though Orbison’s own version of “Claudette” remained unreleased for many years, he never forgot the song. It held a special place in his heart, a reminder of a simpler time and a love that shaped him. Later in his career, he revisited “Claudette”, performing it live on occasion. There’s even a recording of him singing it on the special “Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night” concert from 1987. Hearing him sing it then, with the years etched in his voice, adds another layer of depth to the song. It becomes not just a love song for a young wife, but a testament to a love that endured.
So, as you listen to “Claudette”, take a moment to appreciate its simplicity. It’s not a complex song, but it speaks volumes about the power of young love and the enduring legacy of a melody written from the heart.