From his early solo work in the '50s and '60s to his final days as one of the Traveling Wilburys in the late '80s, Roy Orbison was a singer of "Great Songs."
One of his best was 1962's "Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)," a Top 10 smash in 8 countries...reaching #1 in Ireland, #2 in Australia and the UK, and #4 in the US.
In 1971, Glen Campbell released a cover version, and "Dream Baby" became a "Great Song" once again!
Glen's version was a crossover hit in both Canada and the US. Up North, it reached #4 on the Country Chart and #6 on the Adult Contemporary Chart. Here in the US, the matching numbers were #7 (Country) and #2 (AC).
It's hard to determine who had the better version; they're both different enough" to be "Great Songs" on their own.
One thing I WILL say is that the technical quality of sound recording between 1962 and 1971 is almost like night and day. But still...YOU be the judge. :-)
"Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream):" A "Great Song of 1962...and 1971! Glen Campbell ('71):
Roy Orbison ('62):
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