In early 1964, when the live recording of "Crying" was made, Roy Orbison was at a pivotal moment in his career. He had recently released the album "In Dreams," which came out in 1963 and included the title track that would become one of his signature songs. His style, characterized by the blending of rock and roll with emotional ballads, was resonating strongly with audiences. "Crying," originally released in 1961, had also been re-popularized during the early '60s, showcasing Orbison's distinctive voice and poignant songwriting. This live performance reflects the height of his popularity during the early 1960s, shortly before he would further solidify his status as a rock legend with subsequent hits and impactful performances. Interestingly, Orbison was known for his trademark sunglasses and dramatic stage presence, which captivated audiences long before the era of music videos.