“Only the Lonely,” penned and recorded by Roy Orbison in 1960, wasn’t just another song; it was a watershed moment, marking the genesis of an entirely new musical genre: “operatic rock.” This track quickly became the first major hit of his career, soaring to number two on the Billboard pop charts in the US, signifying the emergence of a unique style that would later define Orbison’s legendary career.

Originally, “Only the Lonely” was co-written by Orbison and Joe Melson with the intention of offering it to other big names like Elvis Presley or The Everly Brothers. Fortunately, both artists either declined or never had the chance to record it. Ultimately, Roy Orbison decided to perform the song himself. That decision altered music history. With his extraordinary and emotive voice, Orbison transformed “Only the Lonely” into a masterpiece, where he himself forged the unmistakable “operatic rock” style. This style was a brilliant fusion of a dramatic, soaring vocal delivery reminiscent of an opera singer, with meticulously arranged orchestral instrumentation that leaned towards the symphonic, all set against melancholic and poignant themes.

The inspiration for the profound and haunting lyrics about loneliness and heartbreak in “Only the Lonely” is believed to have stemmed from real-life experiences in Orbison’s own life. He possessed a unique ability to convey pain and loss authentically yet with dignity and a sense of tragedy. It was this deep empathy that allowed the song to touch the hearts of millions of listeners who had also experienced the profound feeling of solitude in the world.

“Only the Lonely” was more than just a fleeting hit. It became a timeless classic, cementing its place in popular music history. The song not only defined Roy Orbison’s personal style but also opened up a new avenue for rock and roll, demonstrating that the genre could possess emotional depth and harmonic complexity akin to classical music. Its influence spread to countless subsequent artists, from alternative rock bands to contemporary pop singers, who learned from how Orbison combined grandiosity and pathos with easily digestible melodies. “Only the Lonely” remains an enduring testament to Roy Orbison’s genius and the persistent power of a song that can transcend all boundaries of time and genre.