Roy Orbison stands as one of rock ‘n’ roll history’s most enduringly iconic figures, beloved for iconic tracks like “Crying” and “Oh Pretty Woman”. Orbison had an estimated net worth of $20 Million at his passing; making an immeasurable mark on music as an artist and industry innovator.
What Were Roy Orbison’s Early Years Like?
Born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, Roy was the middle son of Orbie, an oil-well driller and car mechanic, and Nadine, a nurse. The family relocated to Fort Worth in 1942, where Roy began his education at Denver Avenue Elementary School. However, they returned to Vernon following concerns about polio. It was during these formative years that Roy’s passion for music was ignited, thanks to a guitar gifted by his father. By eight, he was already a local radio show sensation.
A subsequent move in 1946 saw the Orbisons settling in Wink, Texas. Here, a teenage Roy formed the band, the Wink Westerners, with some pals. This early venture paved the way for his initial exposure on television with KMID-TV and KOSA-TV.
How Did Roy Orbison’s Professional Music Career Begin?
The Wink Westerners, after a name change to the Teen Kings, experienced their first taste of success in 1956. They penned a deal with Sun Records in Memphis, leading to the re-recording of “Ooby Dooby,” which achieved a respectable 59th spot on the Billboard Hot 100. This period was marked by tours with legends like Johnny Horton and Johnny Cash. The group’s disbandment didn’t dampen Orbison’s spirits; he shifted focus to songwriting and briefly worked for Acuff-Rose.
Why Did Roy Orbison Experience a Career Decline in the ’60s?
The mid-60s saw a significant shift for Orbison. Upon his contract’s end with Monument Records in 1965, he transitioned to MGM Records. This switch, however, wasn’t favorable. His initial album under MGM, “There is Only One Roy Orbison,” didn’t resonate with his fanbase. As if this wasn’t challenging enough, the meteoric rise of the British Invasion acts like The Beatles pushed Orbison further away from the limelight.
Tragedy didn’t spare him either. In 1966, Orbison sustained foot injuries during a motorcycle accident while touring Britain and then, within months, was involved in another fatal vehicle crash which claimed his wife. These tragic events could have proved disastrous to any artist’s career – yet Orbison persevered and continued touring as usual. He channeled his energy into projects like writing for “The Fastest Guitar Alive,” where he also played the leading role.
What Led to Roy Orbison’s Later Career Resurgence?
At the close of the 1980s, Orbison once more came under scrutiny when Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty formed their supergroup known as Traveling Wilburys to introduce Orbison back into public view and introduce new generations to his music. Their combined talents brought forth fresh hits and a resurgence of Orbison’s classic tracks.
Roy Orbison’s journey, filled with both triumphant highs and devastating lows, serves as a testament to his resilience and commitment. From Texas roots all the way through global stages he left an everlasting mark in rock ‘n’ roll history.
