Roy Orbison on DeBaser: ballads, shades, and that operatic tremor

Roy Orbison

Musician

Forfans of classic rock and roll, 50s/60s ballads, and newcomers curious about roy orbison’s essentials
3 Reviews 4 Definitions 5 Charts

The Profile

American singer-songwriter from Texas known for an operatic voice, dramatic ballads, and a black-clad, sunglasses-on stage persona. Rose from Sun Records to early-’60s hits like Only the Lonely, Crying, In Dreams, and Oh, Pretty Woman; revived his career in the late ’80s with the Traveling Wilburys and Mystery Girl. Died in 1988.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987). Member of the Traveling Wilburys. Signature image: black suit and dark sunglasses; acclaimed for a powerful, multi-octave vocal range.

Reviews celebrate Orbison’s early-’60s peak, his operatic voice, and signature ballads like Only the Lonely, Crying, In Dreams, and Oh Pretty Woman. They trace his path from Sun Records to a late-’80s comeback with Mystery Girl and the Traveling Wilburys. His stage persona—still, black-clad, shades on—looms large. Cultural echoes via film and a star-studded live special seal the legend.

Notable Quotes

❝ A wonderful lead single, "You Got It," announces the comeback to the world, and everything seems ready for the party.

❝ Only The Lonely begins with a Doo Woop chorus almost whispered, which is then broken by my powerful, almost operatic voice, creating a significant emotional impact.