Billboard #1 Hits: #52- “Running Scared”- Roy Orbison. June 5, 1961- #1 for 1 week. Released on Monument Records. Written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. Genre: Pop. Time: 2:10. B:Side: “Love Hurts” Grade: A+
In looking over the list of 21 singles which went to #1 in 1961- there are some outstanding ones- “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”- The Shirelles, “Travelin’ Man’- Ricky Nelson”Runaway”- Del Shannon, “Quarter To Three”- Gary U.S. Bonds, “Hit The Road Jack”- Ray Charles “Runaround Sue”-Dion and “Please Mr. Postman”- The Marvelettes and others- but I think I’d rank “Running Scared” as my favorite #1 from that year. Was there an odder looking pop/rock star?Has there ever been a pop/rock star with a voice like Roy’s?”Running Scared” was the first of two #1’s in his career- the other coming in 1964 “Oh, Pretty Woman.” In the early 60’s up to the coming of The Beatles and The British Invasion- Roy Orbison may have been producing the best music of anyone during that time.
While many of Orbison’s songs sounded bleak- this one had a happy ending. “Running Scared” peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Chart- and #7 in the UK where he was very popular- The Beatles were big fans. “Running Scared” would be the last song that Roy Orbison sang in concert- on December 4, 1988 just two days before his sudden passing from a heart attack at the age of 52. Roy Orbison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
slicethelife 
I agree that it’s one of the best, if not the best, song of 1961. I love it, and featured it on my blog several months ago.
This song is as perfect as a song can get. It feels like a mini-opera, as many of his songs do. To know this was the last song he sang in concert is to be remembered. He was only 52??? 😦
He always seemed older than he was…. that song just builds up the tension doesn’t it– and then he gets the girl in the end.
“you turned around and walked away with me” Yes he does!
Merry Christmas Lisa!
🙂 Thanks. Hope yours was Merry as well.