Watch Roy Orbison: Black and White Night

Roy Orbison: Black and White Night is a concert film/documentary that captures the legendary Roy Orbison's performance at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Los Angeles. The film was recorded in September of 1987, just a year before Orbison died of a heart attack. The movie features some of the biggest names in rock and roll, including Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, T-Bone Burnett, Bruce Springsteen, and Bonnie Raitt.

The film begins with a brief introduction by Orbison as he explains how the concert came together. The audience then sees Orbison and his band take the stage, dressed in black and white suits reminiscent of the 1960s. Orbison's trademark black shades are also present. The concert was filmed in black and white, which gives it a classic, timeless look.

As the concert progresses, Orbison performs some of his biggest hits, such as "Only the Lonely," "Crying," and "Oh, Pretty Woman." The audience is treated to a masterclass in songwriting and singing, as Orbison's voice soars effortlessly through the songs. The other musicians on stage appear to be in awe of Orbison's talent, and they all play their parts perfectly, complementing his voice beautifully.

Throughout the concert, the musicians take turns performing their own songs as well. Jackson Browne performs "Running on Empty," while Elvis Costello sings "Alison." T-Bone Burnett performs "Dreams Come True" while Bonnie Raitt showcases her incredible talent on the guitar during "Thing Called Love." Bruce Springsteen joins Orbison on stage for a duet of "Pretty Woman," which is a highlight of the concert.

One of the most interesting things about the film is the way it captures the musicians interacting with each other onstage. They all clearly admire and respect each other, and there are moments where they seem to be having a lot of fun. It's clear that they all feel privileged to be on stage with Orbison, and the feeling is mutual.

Another aspect of the film that stands out is the way it showcases different genres of music. While Orbison is considered a rock and roll pioneer, his songs are influenced by country, blues, and soul music. The other musicians on stage with him bring their own unique styles to the performance. It's a great example of how music can bring people from different backgrounds together.

As the concert draws to a close, Orbison performs his signature song, "Pretty Woman," which elicits a huge response from the crowd. The concert then ends with a heartfelt rendition of "In Dreams," which is a fitting end to a night filled with incredible music.

Overall, Roy Orbison: Black and White Night is an essential piece of rock and roll history. It showcases one of the greatest singers of all time, along with some of the biggest names in music. The concert is a testament to the power of music and the way it can bring people together. If you're a fan of Roy Orbison or rock and roll in general, this film is a must-see.

Roy Orbison: Black and White Night is a 2013 musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes.