About the Song
Roy Orbison, the man with the velvet voice. We all know him for those powerful ballads that could soar and ache in equal measure. Today, we’re going to revisit a lesser-known tune from his early career, a song that holds a special place in his personal story: “Claudette”.
Now, Orbison wasn’t known for shy, sweet declarations of love. His music often dealt with grand emotions, with love lost or yearning, with a darkness that mirrored the rich baritone he possessed. But “Claudette” is different. It’s a tender song, a love letter set to music. It was written for, and named after, his wife Claudette Frady, whom he married in 1955.
This was before Orbison became the international star we all came to admire. He was just starting out, and “Claudette” reflects that youthful innocence. It’s a simple song, with a catchy melody and lyrics that paint a picture of pure devotion. He calls her his “pretty little pet,” a term of endearment that might sound odd to modern ears, but back then, it conveyed a sweet possessiveness, a desire to protect and cherish.
There’s a playfulness in the song too, a joy in his declaration that she’s “the sweetest little girl” he’s ever met. It’s a glimpse into a happier time in Orbison’s life, a time before the tragedies that would later color his music.
Of course, the story of “Claudette” doesn’t end there. Their relationship, like the song itself, is a bittersweet melody. But for now, let’s just sit back and appreciate this early gem from the Orbison catalog, a song that captures the simple joy of young love.
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