Roy Orbison, born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his distinctive voice and emotive ballads. Often referred to as "The Caruso of Rock," Orbison's music spanned multiple genres, including rock and roll, pop, and country. His powerful, operatic voice and dark, emotional songs made him one of the most unique and influential artists of his time.
Roy Orbison Career Highlights
1950s Early Career
Roy Orbison formed his first band, The Wink Westerners, while still in high school. The band later changed its name to The Teen Kings and gained regional success with the song "Ooby Dooby," leading to a recording contract with Sun Records in 1956.
1960 Breakthrough with Monument Records
Orbison signed with Monument Records and released "Only the Lonely," which became a massive hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. This marked the beginning of his rise to fame.
1960-1965 Peak Success
During this period, Orbison released a series of successful singles, including "Crying," "Running Scared," "In Dreams," "It's Over," and "Oh, Pretty Woman." "Oh, Pretty Woman" became his most famous hit, reaching number one in several countries.
1970s Career Challenges
Orbison faced numerous personal and professional challenges in the 1970s, including the tragic deaths of his wife Claudette and two of his sons in a house fire. His career also declined during this period, although he continued to tour and record.
1980s Revival and The Traveling Wilburys
Orbison experienced a career revival in the 1980s. In 1987, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He also became a member of the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, alongside Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty. The group released the successful album "Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1" in 1988.
1988 Final Album and Death
Orbison released his final album, "Mystery Girl," in 1989, which included the hit single "You Got It." Sadly, he passed away on December 6, 1988, at the age of 52, due to a heart attack.
Roy Orbison Bands
- The Wink Westerners/The Teen Kings: Early bands that Orbison formed during his teenage years.
- The Traveling Wilburys: A supergroup formed in the late 1980s, where Orbison performed under the pseudonym "Lefty Wilbury."
Roy Orbison Grammy Awards
1980 Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal ("That Lovin' You Feelin' Again" with Emmylou Harris)
1990 Best Male Pop Vocal Performance ("Oh, Pretty Woman," live version)
1991 Best Pop Vocal Collaboration ("Handle with Care" with The Traveling Wilburys)
The 3 Most Famous Roy Orbison Songs
1. "Oh, Pretty Woman"
- This 1964 hit is arguably Orbison's most famous song
2. "Crying"
- Released in 1961, "Crying" was a major hit and is considered one of his signature songs.
3. "You Got It"
- This 1989 single, from his final album "Mystery Girl," It was released posthumously and became a top ten hit in multiple countries.
Roy Orbison Quotes
I’ve really always been a songwriter-singer rather than a singer-songwriter
Elvis was the firstest with the mostest
Roy Orbison Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
- Tragic Losses: Orbison's life was marked by personal tragedy. His wife Claudette died in a motorcycle accident in 1966, and two of his sons died in a house fire in 1968.
- Trademark Look: Orbison was known for his dark sunglasses and black clothing, which he began wearing to combat stage fright and became his iconic look.
- Collaborations: Orbison's work with The Traveling Wilburys in the late 1980s brought him into collaboration with some of the biggest names in rock music, highlighting his influence and respect among his peers.
- Posthumous Success: Orbison's "Mystery Girl" album was released posthumously and included contributions from notable artists like Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, underscoring his lasting impact on the music industry.
Roy Orbison ratings
