Roy Orbison, known for his distinctive, impassioned voice, complex song structures, and dark emotional ballads, was a towering figure in mid-20th century rock and roll music. Born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, Orbison cultivated a love for music at an early age, drawing influence from country sounds and rhythm and blues. He first found fame with Sun Records in the 1950s with hits such as "Ooby Dooby," but his true breakthrough came in the 1960s with monumentally successful tracks like "Only the Lonely," "Crying," and "Oh, Pretty Woman." His music transcended rockabilly roots to embrace orchestral flourishes and a baroque-inspired complexity, earning him the nickname "The Caruso of Rock."

Orbison's career experienced phases of decline and revival, marked by personal tragedies and professional renaissance. After a period of waning popularity and the heartbreaking deaths of his wife Claudette and two of his sons, he made a commendable comeback, collaborating with the Traveling Wilburys in the late 1980s alongside Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty. Despite his untimely death on December 6, 1988, Orbison left a profound legacy—the release of his critically acclaimed album "Mystery Girl" posthumously showcased his lasting relevance in the industry. Contemporary projects such as "A Love So Beautiful" and "Unchained Melodies," which pair his original vocal tracks with lush orchestral arrangements by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as various remasters and live albums like "Black & White Night 30," continue to honor and rejuvenate Orbison's rich musical heritage for new generations to cherish.

Genres

Adult Standards

Classic Rock

Folk Rock

Mellow Gold

Rock-and-roll

Rockabilly

Singer-songwriter

Soft Rock

Related Artists

Elvis Presley

Johnny Cash

Jerry Lee Lewis

Buddy Holly

Eddie Cochran

Del Shannon

Carl Perkins

Gene Vincent

Conway Twitty

Ricky Nelson

Bob Dylan

James Taylor

Latest Release

A Cat Called Domino: Rare Cuts from Roy

Roy Orbison

Album - 12 Tracks - Released July 5, 2024