“Pretty Paper” was released by Roy Orbison in November of 1963, so it’s about to be the 60th anniversary of the song. It reached #15 on the Billboard Hot 100. A bit early for a holiday song but it fits the category nicely. This song is a rarity for a number of reasons. First, is was written by a Country Singer Songwriter, Willie Nelson. Second, it was recorded by a Rock and Roll singer. Third, it was a Christmas song and it charted well when it first came out, which was not typical at the time. If that’s not enough, it was first covered by the songwriter a year later, changing the original Rock and Roll Ballad into a Country Christmas song. And lastly, the vast majority of the 80 plus versions are in that same Country Style.
Mostly Music Covers 
I know “Pretty Woman” but wasn’t aware of “Pretty Paper.” Roy Orbison had this beautiful operatic voice. He could have sung the phone book, and it still would have sounded pretty, IMHO. I also really like Willie Nelson’s version.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to introduce you. It is a lovely song.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love both versions! Willie has recorded it a few times, including a version for his Christmas album. I like to hear the version that you posted, but I prefer the more stripped down version he did on that album.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Willie at his best right there, I’m a convert Keith!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Recorded just after Stardust and produced by Booker T. Jones
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Keith it’s a beauty
LikeLiked by 1 person
I mayyyybe heard the Roy version but not for decades- if at all. It has a real 50s-early 60’s feel to the oohy wooy chorus.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kinda gets overlooked I think for seasonal play lists.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gotta make room for ‘Little Drummer Boy’ and Mariah (Christ, here we go again) Carey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My wife hates that MC song, it a station turner at our house!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a beautiful song!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Willie can writ’em
LikeLiked by 1 person
He certainly can
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can’t beat Roy…I dont’ care who was covering it…Willie does a great job but Roy was Roy.
Same as Dave and you…I never thought about it as a Christmas song! I do like Willie’s version though…I really do but that magical voice…no one can beat.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes he was uniquely gifted
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I’m as shocked as Dave to find out this was a Christmas song. You can’t beat Roy’s voice, mesmerizing as always.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Both of these are gems. Roy might have been a rocker, but he was still quite a country singer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quite an anything singer I suppose with that voice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
a nice song in either version. I never really listened to it close enough to discern that it was a Christmas song, believe it or not.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I didn’t know when I first heard it either so I can believe it!
LikeLiked by 2 people