Candy Man

Album: 16 Biggest Hits (1961)
Charted: 25
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was recorded by Roy Orbison and his band, The Candymen. The Instrumentation of the song is two guitars, two harmonicas, a bass guitar, a set of drums, backing vocals (female) and Roy's lead vocals. It clocks in at 2:46 minutes. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Kyle - Bedford, United Kingdom
  • Fred Neil and Beverly "Ruby" Ross wrote this song specifically for Orbison. It was the first hit song written by Neil, who had a rather interesting career as a singer and songwriter in the folk community. Neil kept a low profile, but had many famous admirers including David Crosby, Jimmy Buffett and Tim Buckley. He also wrote "Everybody's Talkin'," which was a hit for Harry Nilsson. Ross was a member of the duo Ronald & Ruby, who had a hit single in 1958 with "Lollipop."
  • This was released as the B-side of Orbison's hit "Crying." Unlike "Crying" and many of Orbison's other lovelorn ballads, "Candy Man" is much more upbeat and finds Orbison singing about pleasing a woman.

Comments: 5

  • Chuckie from KcmoCandy man song by Roy is not the same song...not even close
  • Shane from Usa MichiganDon from New Zealand

    "Candyman" is Sammy Davis Jr.'s song, also actor Gene Wilder did it Willy Wonka. "Candy Man" (with a space and two caps) is Roy Orbison's song. Man, I wish he didn't die... He was still young enough to do more. My favorite Roy song is "You Got It" 1988. I do a Country Version.
  • Terry from Willmar, MnYou need to check the song out you're commenting on, Don. That's a TOTALLY different song from this Orbison classic.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyRoy's backing band released a record of their own in 1967, it was titled "Georgia Pines" and it peaked at No. 81 and stayed in the Top 100 for five weeks!!!
  • Don from Auckland, New ZealandI know that Sammy Davis Jnr [of rat pack fame] made a hit out of Candyman. From all accounts he did not want to sing it, but he did and it was one of his greatest hits
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

John Doe of X

John Doe of XSongwriter Interviews

With his X-wife Exene, John fronts the band X and writes their songs.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys - "Fisherman's Blues"

Mike Scott of The Waterboys - "Fisherman's Blues"They're Playing My Song

Armed with a childhood spent devouring books, Mike Scott's heart was stolen by the punk rock scene of 1977. Not surprisingly, he would go on to become the most literate of rockers.

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.