Roy Kelton Orbison (April 23, 1936 – December 6, 1988) was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his distinctive voice, complex song structures, and emotional ballads. His most successful periods were in the early 1960s and late 1980s.
Nicknamed “The Caruso of Rock” and “The Big O”, Orbison’s songs often expressed vulnerability unlike other male rock-and-roll performers. He performed with minimal motion, wearing black clothes, dyed black hair, and dark sunglasses, creating his iconic image in music history.
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Table of Contents
Roy Orbison Net Worth
Roy Orbison had a net worth of $8 million at the time of his death in 1988. That same year, the Traveling Wilburys released Vol. 1, which spent 53 weeks on the US charts, peaking at number three.
It hit number one in Australia and number 16 in the UK. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. Rolling Stone ranked it among the top 100 albums of the decade, cementing its legacy in rock history.
Early Life
Roy Orbison was born April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas. He was the second of three sons of Orbie Lee Orbison (1913–1984), an oil-field driller, and Nadine Vesta Shults (1914–1992), who loved painting and poetry. His paternal ancestry traced to Thomas Orbison (born 1715) of Lurgan, Ireland, who settled in Pennsylvania in the 18th century.
According to The Authorized Roy Orbison by Alex Orbison, the family moved to Fort Worth in 1942 for aircraft factory work. Due to eyesight problems, Roy Orbison wore thick glasses from age four.
Career
In 1949, Roy Orbison, then 13, formed the band “Wink Westerners” with Billy Pat Ellis (drums), Slob Evans (bass fiddle), Richard West (piano), and James Morrow (electric mandolin).
They played country, western swing, and Glenn Miller jazz swing at local honky-tonks, and hosted a weekly radio show on KERB in Kermit, Texas. Their first performance was at a school assembly in 1953. Paid $400 for a dance gig, Orbison saw music as a career. By 15, he chose singing over guitar solos.
Personal Life
In 1986, Roy Orbison, his wife, and two oldest children moved from Nashville to Malibu. This move connected Orbison to the Los Angeles creative community, which became vital for his career.
He reportedly declined David Lynch’s request to use “In Dreams” in the film Blue Velvet (1986), though Lynch claimed permission was secured without contacting Orbison. Lynch’s first choice had been “Crying”, but “In Dreams” ultimately became one of the film’s signature musical moments, boosting Orbison’s renewed fame.
What happened to Roy Orbison’s wife and sons?
Tragically, Orbison’s wife Claudette died in a motorcycle accident in 1966. In 1968, a devastating house fire claimed the lives of his two eldest sons, Roy DeWayne and Anthony. These events were a significant source of sorrow in Orbison’s life, influencing the emotional depth of his music.
Conclusion
Roy Orbison’s legacy is one of musical innovation, emotional depth, and personal resilience. His contributions to rock and roll continue to influence artists across genres, and his net worth at the time of his passing reflects the significant impact he made on the music industry.
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FAQs about Roy Orbison
- What is Roy Orbison’s net worth?
Roy Orbison’s net worth was estimated at $20 million at the time of his death, adjusted for inflation. - How did Roy Orbison’s wife die?
Claudette Orbison died in a motorcycle accident in 1966. - How many children did Roy Orbison lose in a house fire?
Orbison lost two sons, Roy DeWayne and Anthony, in a house fire in 1968. - What were some of Roy Orbison’s biggest hits?
Some of his biggest hits include “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Crying,” and “In Dreams.” - How did Roy Orbison die?
Roy Orbison died of a heart attack on December 6, 1988.
