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Tributes are paid to songwriter Bill Dees

Tributes are paid to songwriter Bill Dees

TRIBUTES have been paid to the singer-songwriter Bill Dees, who has passed away at the age of 73.

He will be particularly remembered for his work with friend and collaborator Roy Orbison. The pair penned a series of hits, including Oh, Pretty Woman and It’s Over, both of which were hits in 1964. He also played in Orbison’s band

Orbison’s recording of Pretty Woman (see below) featured in the soundtrack of the film of the same name, released in 1990, which starred Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

Mr. Dees, who was born in Texas, had started out as a singer but went on to become more famous for his composing skills. He wrote scores of songs which were recorded by a wide range of singers including Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell and Lorretta Lynn.

Over the years he won a number of music awards, including gold and platinum discs for many of his songs which became worldwide hits.

Mr. Dees released a solo album, Saturday Nigh At The Movies, in 2002.

To view an excerpt from an interview recorded with Mr. Dees in 2008, click here.

To see an early performance by Roy Orbison of Oh, Pretty Woman, click here.

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