Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night

As if Roy Orbison performing were not enough, the talent he has with him in this concert is truly awe inspiring. Tom Waits, kd lang, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello - to name only a few - all lend their musical skills to make this a once in a lifetime event. A must-have for anyone who calls themselves a music lover.

This is a concert I think everyone should see! Young, old and in between. Roy Orbison is always close to my heart as one of the most prolific, sensitive and talented vocalists that graced us with his presence in the music business and was taken from us far too soon.

BLACK AND WHITE NIGHT has been shown multiple times on PBS and I never get tired of it. Every time I hear Roy, it's like hearing him for the first time. He has a wonderful tone and totally breaks your heart. Of course, the world knows him most famously for "Pretty Woman," but he is so much more than that song! How wonderful it was that musicians like Bruce Springstein, Tom Waits, Jennifer Warren, KD Lang and Bonnie Raitt joined him in this, his final televised concert before he died of a heart condition in 1988. Watch this, everyone!!!!

I had the honor of touring with Roy Orbison as a roadie way back in 1980. He had just won a Grammy for "That Loving You Feeling Again" and was touring to promote it. After being on the road for 6 weeks with him, I developed a true love of his music. His vocal range was amazing. He would drink iced Grand Marnier out of a silver goblet onstage. He said it helped his voice.

I first became aware of this gem of a concert film thanks to PBS. Not only is the music excellent but the visual presentation is also first class.

Captured about a year before Orbison's untimely death, this concert showcases one of the truly distinctive voices in rock 'n' roll. Even better, here he's surrounded by several talented friends including Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello & k.d. lang. The backup band is stellar as well, particularly lead guitarist James Burton. Among the songs performed are trademark classics like "Only the Lonely", "Crying" & "Oh, Pretty Woman", all of which are sung with power and precision.

Regarding the visual style, the black and white photography is perfectly suited to Orbison's music. There's a certain aura of 'cool' about the whole visual presentation.

Catch it on TV if you must but for the full effect I recommend tracking down the DVD, which makes good use of surround sound.

As an amateur musician, I truly appreciate great music, and this was one of the best hours of television I've ever seen. Everyone was great, especially Roy, Bruce and the other guitar players and musicians. I especially liked Jennifer Warnes, K.D., and Bonnie as backup singers.

To sum it up- a truly inspiring hour of music and a tribute to Roy, who passed away way too young. There should be more shows of this caliber- TV would be a better place.