Imagine a supergroup so improbable, so star-studded, it feels like pure fantasy. That was The Traveling Wilburys. But who was the one member that truly held them together, the voice that commanded respect and admiration even from legends? Was it George Harrison, the ex-Beatle who masterminded the whole affair? Or maybe Jeff Lynne, the production wizard who sculpted their sound? The answer, surprisingly, points to Roy Orbison. But here's where it gets controversial... was Orbison really the only 'real singer' in a band brimming with iconic vocalists?
The very idea of these musical titans – Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison – collaborating seemed like a pipe dream. Yet, with George Harrison at the helm, anything felt possible. The key to their success wasn't just talent, but a deep understanding and respect for each other's strengths. There were no ego battles over who got the best lines or how a song should be sung. Each member recognized what suited another's voice, whether it was Dylan's distinctive rasp or Harrison's unwavering delivery. They prioritized the song above all else.
Take 'Handle With Care,' for instance. The song originated from a simple cardboard box found in Harrison's storage. They literally wrote a song around the box's label! The other Wilburys then added their lyrical contributions, seamlessly weaving them into the fabric of the song. It's a perfect example of their collaborative spirit. And this is the part most people miss... while Harrison was the architect and Lynne the craftsman, Roy Orbison was the heart and soul, the one who consistently left his bandmates in awe.
These were seasoned veterans, each with their own storied solo careers. Yet, after years of chart-topping success, even legends like Harrison and Dylan recognized Orbison's unique talent. Drummer Jim Keltner recounted a conversation with Orbison: "I said, ‘You know Roy, that the only reason this thing is really happening is because of you. Those guys all came together because George wanted you to do this.’ And that was the truth." Orbison's response? "Yeah, we’re really having fun here. Well, I’m the only real singer in the band. The other boys are all stylists.’”
To call Harrison, Petty, or even Dylan anything less than a 'real singer' might seem like sacrilege. But in a way, Orbison's statement holds a profound truth. Orbison possessed a vocal range and power that was simply unmatched. Think of classics like 'Crying' or the sheer vocal dominance he displayed on 'Not Alone Any More.' While the other Wilburys were undoubtedly gifted vocalists and songwriters, Orbison's voice possessed a certain operatic quality, a raw emotion that resonated deeply with listeners.
The Traveling Wilburys album was a true labor of love, a testament to friendship and mutual admiration. But perhaps, on a deeper level, it was a chance to give Orbison one last moment in the spotlight before his untimely passing. No one could have predicted how little time he had left, but even in his final days, Petty noted that all Orbison could talk about was how fantastic The Traveling Wilburys were. Boldly highlighting any point in the article that could spark differing opinions: Was Orbison's voice objectively better, or did his unique style simply complement the band's overall sound? This is where opinions often diverge.
Ultimately, The Traveling Wilburys achieved something truly special. Beyond the catchy tunes and iconic images, they created a sense of genuine joy and camaraderie. They reminded us of the power of collaboration and the magic that can happen when talented individuals come together to create something bigger than themselves. But here’s a question for you: Do you agree with Jim Keltner's assessment that the Wilburys wouldn't have happened without Orbison? And do you believe Orbison was, in fact, the 'only real singer' in the band, or were the others simply 'stylists'? Share your thoughts in the comments below! What songs truly capture the essence of the Traveling Wilburys and why?
