Roy Orbison Biography
Plus Song Lyrics And Tutorials

Here on this Roy Orbison biography page you'll find an overview of this great performer as well as some links below to a few of his hit songs I've covered on the acoustic. I'll be adding more acoustic covers later on on Roy Orbison music. Check out the video clips in this leg of the site.

Many people may not be aware of this but Johnny Cash was responsible in a big way for jump starting Orbison's career.

When Roy appeared on his TV show, Johnny suggested Roy touch base with his record producer, Sam Phillips. And because of that simple nudge of encouragement, the rest as they say is history.

Orbison grew up on a town called Wink Texas. At 13 he was playing guitar in his own band.

Over time, the group managed to get some radio play and eventually had their own spot on local television.

In the early 60's The Beatles were actually opening for Orbison for a short time, and then Roy became their opening act and developed a strong friendship with Lennon and Harrison. He and Harrison later joined forces with Dylan, Petty and Lynn to become The Traveling Wilburys.

Why The Sunglasses Roy?

Many people are curious to know why Roy Orbison wore dark sunglasses? This trademark came about when he left his clear prescription glasses on a plane and all he had were the colored prescription glasses. It was during a tour with the Beatles so Roy made due with his prescription glasses. Before the tour ended, there were pictures in all the national papers of Roy with the dark glssses, so he adopted this new look.

Funny isnt it how sometimes an accident can turn into a positive. Just part of the Roy Orbison biography saga. Hank Williams Jr did the same thing to hide scars he suffered after a bad mountain climbing accident. He adopted a whole new look with dark shades and a beard.

After 1967, Orbison became a sensation in Europe more than anyplace else. His fan club in The Netherlands is his biggest group of followers. He was also a sensation in Britain, Ireland and Germany.

Elvis once called Orbison the greatest singer of all time ... and Bob Dylan was amazed at Roy's vocal range early in his career and when they collaborated on The Travelling Wilburys project.

Near the end of 1977 at age 41, Roy underwent open heart surgery following a sudden heart attack. But after that, he recovered and all was good until his death on Dec 6th 1988 at age 52 from a massive heart attack.

Prior to his own death, Roy lost his wife Claudette in a motorbike accident, and two of his young sons died in a house fire ... which also destroyed his home. I can't imagine the stress Roy must have endured by losing his entire family as he lived out the the remainder of his life.

You can read more about the Roy Orbison Biography by checking out Wikipedia.