Roy Orbison

Date of Birth: April 23, 1936

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: December 6, 1988

Biography

Roy Kelton Orbison, born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known for his distinctive, powerful voice and dark, emotional ballads. Orbison’s career began in the 1950s when he recorded songs for Sun Records, but he achieved his greatest success in the early 1960s with a series of hits produced by Monument Records. His most famous songs include “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “Oh, Pretty Woman.” Orbison’s music was characterized by complex song structures and orchestral arrangements, setting him apart from his contemporaries. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of his first wife Claudette in a motorcycle accident and two of his children in a house fire, Orbison continued to produce music and perform. In the late 1980s, he experienced a career resurgence as a member of the Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup that included Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty. Orbison’s contributions to music have been widely recognized, earning him inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. His influence extends across generations, inspiring countless artists with his emotive voice and heartfelt lyrics. Roy Orbison passed away on December 6, 1988, but his legacy endures through his timeless music.

5 Interesting Facts about Roy Orbison

1. Roy Orbison’s signature look of wearing dark sunglasses on stage began as a practical decision; he once left his regular glasses on an airplane and had to wear his prescription sunglasses instead.

2. He was known for his nearly operatic range, spanning three octaves, which was unusual for rock and roll singers of his time.

3. Orbison was one of the few American artists to continue to have hits in the UK during the British Invasion of the mid-1960s.

4. He was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.

5. Roy Orbison was known as “The Big O” and often performed with a stoic, almost motionless stage presence, which contrasted with the emotional intensity of his music.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Roy Orbison

1. “I close my eyes, then I drift away, into the magic night I softly say.”

2. “As you stopped to say hello, oh, you wished me well, you couldn’t tell that I’ve been crying over you.”

3. “People often ask me how would I like to be remembered, and I answer that I would simply like to be remembered.”

4. “You got it.”

5. “I’m hurtin’, but I’m happy. I’m singing through the hurt.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Roy Orbison’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Roy Orbison had three children with his first wife, Claudette Frady: Roy Dewayne Orbison, Wesley Orbison, and Anthony King Orbison. After Claudette’s tragic death, Roy married Barbara Jakobs, with whom he had two more sons, Roy Kelton Orbison Jr. and Alexander Orbison.