American songwriter Bill Dees passes away at 73

Los Angeles, CA, United States (4E) – Songwriter Bill Dees has passed away in Arkansas at the age of 73.

Born on January 24, 1939 in Texas, Dees left this world last October 24 at a hospice in Mountain Home, Arkansas. No cause of death has been released, but the late songwriter was said to have been diagnosed with a tumor last summer.

Dees became famous for the 1964 hit song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which he co-wrote with Roy Orbison. The song was later featured in the 90s hit film “Pretty Woman” starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

Dees spent his life as a singer, songwriter and collaborator with Orbison and many other artists, travelling and performing around the world. According to an obituary posted on the Kirby & Family Funeral Services, Dees was “was a glass is half full kind of guy who never met a stranger, a real people person” and “a man of faith.” Aside from fishing, he loved singing and playing the guitar or piano.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, his children and stepchildren, his brother, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on November 11 at the Sanctuary of Hope church on Bee Creek Road in Branson in Missouri.