Candy Man

Album: 16 Biggest Hits (1961)
Charted: 25
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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
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