Roy Orbison Autograph

Profession:
(1936-1988) American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his impassioned singing style, complex song structures, and dark, emotional ballads

Year of Birth: 1936

Roy Orbison was born in Vernon, Texas in 1936. He was the youngest of five boys, and his parents, Nadine and Orbie Orbison, were both of Native American descent. As a child, Roy developed a love for music and learned to play the guitar at an early age. He soon became a popular performer in the local country and western scene, and when he was only 13 years old he had his first taste of success when one of his songs was recorded by a Nashville label.

In 1956, Roy moved to Memphis, Tennessee and formed his first band, the Teen Kings. It was with this group that he wrote and recorded his first hit single, “Ooby Dooby”, which quickly became a hit in the United States. This success led to a contract with Monument Records and the release of his debut album, “Roy Orbison at the Rock House”, which featured his now-classic hits “Only the Lonely” and “Crying”. These songs helped to cement his reputation as a masterful songwriter and performer, and he soon became a major star in the U.S. and Europe.

In the 1960s, Roy continued to chart-topping success with a string of hit singles and albums, including “In Dreams”, “Oh, Pretty Woman”, and “It’s Over”. He also became a member of the legendary group, The Traveling Wilburys, alongside George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Roy continued to tour and record music, but his career was sadly cut short when he died of a heart attack in 1988.

Though his life was brief, Roy Orbison left an indelible mark on the world of music. His songs are still remembered and beloved by fans all over the world, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who followed him. He was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987, and he was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992.

Roy Orbison's legacy lives on through his timeless music and his influence on generations of musicians. He was a true innovator and a master of his craft, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest songwriters and performers of all time.

No matter where his music is heard, Roy Orbison's legacy will continue to captivate and inspire generations to come.