# Roy Orbison

> American musician (1936 –1988)

**Wikidata**: [Q188426](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q188426)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Orbison)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/roy-orbison

## Summary
Roy Orbison was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known as a pioneer of rock and roll and a key figure in the development of rockabilly. He is celebrated for his distinctive operatic vocal style and timeless hits like "Only the Lonely" and "Oh, Pretty Woman," which have left an indelible mark on popular music.

## Biography
- Born: April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended the University of North Texas
- Known for: Pioneering rockabilly and operatic rock and roll, influencing generations of musicians
- Employer(s): Sun Records, Monument Records, Asylum Records, MGM Records, London Records, Mercury Records, PolyGram, Virgin Records
- Field(s): Music, singing, songwriting, guitar playing

## Contributions
- **Sun Records Discovery**: Orbison was discovered by Sam Phillips at Sun Records in 1956, where he recorded early rockabilly and rock and roll classics like "Only the Lonely" and "Crying."
- **Rockabilly Pioneer**: His recordings at Sun Records helped define the rockabilly genre, blending country and rhythm and blues.
- **Traveling Wilburys**: Co-founded the supergroup Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Thomas Baker, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty.
- **Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award**: Received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1988 for his contributions to music.
- **Rock and Roll Hall of Fame**: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
- **Hollywood Walk of Fame**: Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995.

## FAQs
**What genre of music did Roy Orbison pioneer?**
Roy Orbison pioneered rockabilly and operatic rock and roll, blending country and rhythm and blues to create a unique sound that influenced generations of musicians.

**Which record label discovered Roy Orbison?**
Roy Orbison was discovered by Sam Phillips at Sun Records in 1956, where he recorded early rockabilly and rock and roll classics.

**What are some of Roy Orbison’s most famous songs?**
Some of Roy Orbison’s most famous songs include "Only the Lonely," "Crying," and "Oh, Pretty Woman," which have left an indelible mark on popular music.

**What awards did Roy Orbison receive?**
Roy Orbison received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1988 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995.

**What supergroup did Roy Orbison co-found?**
Roy Orbison co-founded the supergroup Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Thomas Baker, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty.

## Why They Matter
Roy Orbison matters because he was a pivotal figure in the development of rock and roll and rockabilly, influencing countless musicians across multiple genres. His distinctive operatic vocal style and timeless hits have left an indelible mark on popular music, shaping the sound of rock and roll for decades. Orbison’s work at Sun Records helped define the rockabilly genre, blending country and rhythm and blues in a way that was both innovative and authentic. His contributions to music, including his work with the Traveling Wilburys, have inspired generations of artists and solidified his legacy as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

## Notable For
- Pioneering rockabilly and operatic rock and roll
- Recording early rockabilly and rock and roll classics at Sun Records
- Co-founding the supergroup Traveling Wilburys
- Receiving the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1988
- Being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988
- Receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995
- Influencing generations of musicians with his distinctive vocal style and timeless hits

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Roy Orbison was born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, United States. He attended the University of North Texas, where he developed his musical talents and began performing in local venues.

### Musical Career and Sun Records
Orbison’s career began when he was discovered by Sam Phillips at Sun Records in 1956. His recordings at Sun Records, including "Only the Lonely" and "Crying," helped define the rockabilly genre and established him as a key figure in the development of rock and roll. His distinctive operatic vocal style and guitar playing set him apart from his contemporaries.

### Major Label Success
After his success at Sun Records, Orbison signed with major labels like Monument Records, Asylum Records, MGM Records, London Records, Mercury Records, PolyGram, and Virgin Records. He released numerous albums and singles that became classics in the rock and roll genre, including "Oh, Pretty Woman" and "In Dreams."

### Traveling Wilburys
In 1988, Orbison co-founded the supergroup Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Thomas Baker, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty. The group released two albums, "Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1" and "Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3," which became critical and commercial successes.

### Awards and Recognition
Orbison received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1988. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995.

### Legacy and Influence
Roy Orbison’s influence on popular music is profound. His distinctive vocal style and timeless hits have inspired generations of musicians, and his work at Sun Records helped define the rockabilly genre. His contributions to music, including his work with the Traveling Wilburys, have solidified his legacy as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
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5. [Source](http://hdl.handle.net/1903.1/4595)
6. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
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15. [Source](http://www.acclaimedmusic.net/song/S1144.htm)
16. [Source](http://www.acclaimedmusic.net/song/S1114.htm)
17. [Source](http://www.acclaimedmusic.net/song/S1028.htm)
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24. The Movie Database