Roy Orbison Bio: Singles, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Siblings, Age, Parents, Height, Albums, Obituary

Roy Kelton Orbison, known professionally as Roy Orbison and nicknamed the “Caruso of Rock,” was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist celebrated for his emotive voice and operatic ballads.

Renowned for hits like “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Crying,” and “Only the Lonely,” he blended rock, pop, and country with a distinctive vocal range that captivated audiences.

As a member of the supergroup Traveling Wilburys alongside George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty, Orbison left an indelible mark on music, earning posthumous acclaim for his timeless contributions to rock and roll.

Profile

• Full Name: Roy Kelton Orbison
• Stage Name: Roy Orbison and Caruso of Rock
• Born: 23, April 1936
• Date of death: December 6, 1988 (Aged 52 years old)
• Birthplace: Vernon, Texas, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Singer-songwriter, Musician, Guitarist
• Height: 1.8m
• Parents: Orbie Lee Orbison and Nadine Vesta Shults
• Siblings: Grady Lee Orbison and Sammy Keith Orbison
• Spouse: Claudette Frady (m. 1957–1964), Claudette Frady (1965–1966), and Barbara Jakobs (m. 1969–1988)
• Children: Roy DeWayne Orbison, Anthony King Orbison, Wesley Orbison, Alex Orbison, and Nash Orbison
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $20 million

Early Life and Education

Roy Kelton Orbison, born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, was raised by his parents, Orbie Lee Orbison, an oil field worker, and Nadine Vesta Shults, a nurse.

He grew up with two brothers, Grady Lee and Sammy Keith. His family moved to Wink, Texas, where Roy developed an early love for music, receiving a guitar at age six and forming his first band, the Wink Westerners, as a teenager.

He briefly attended North Texas State College and Odessa Junior College, where he studied history and English but left to pursue music full-time. His ethnicity was Caucasian, and his religion was not publicly documented.

Career

Roy Orbison began his career in the 1950s with the Wink Westerners, performing country and western music on local Texas radio and television. After signing with Sun Records in 1956, he gained early recognition with “Ooby Dooby,” a rockabilly hit that showcased his unique voice.

His move to Monument Records in 1959 marked a turning point, as he crafted a string of dramatic ballads like “Only the Lonely” (1960), “Running Scared” (1961), and “Crying” (1961), which highlighted his three-octave vocal range and established him as

a standout in rock and roll.

In 1964, Orbison achieved global fame with “Oh, Pretty Woman,” a chart-topping hit that became his signature song. His career faced challenges in the mid-1960s due to personal tragedies and a declining music market; however, he continued touring, particularly in Europe, where he maintained a loyal fan base.

His 1980s resurgence began with a Grammy-winning duet with Emmylou Harris, “That Lovin’ You Feelin’ Again” (1980), and covers of his songs by artists like Linda Ronstadt and Van Halen.

Orbison’s work with the Traveling Wilburys in 1988, contributing to hits like “Handle with Care,” and his solo album Mystery Girl (1989), featuring “You Got It,” revitalized his career before his untimely death.

Orbison’s legacy endures through his emotive songwriting and unparalleled vocal delivery, influencing generations of musicians. His posthumous album Mystery Girl became a bestseller, and his songs remain staples in film soundtracks and cover versions.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, Orbison’s contributions as a pioneer of rock ballads and his role in the Traveling Wilburys continue to resonate. His ability to convey heartbreak and hope through music ensures his place as a timeless figure in American music.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @royorbisonofficial
• Facebook Handle: Roy Orbison
• Twitter Handle: @RoyOrbison

Personal Life

Roy Orbison married Claudette Frady in 1957, and they had three sons: Roy DeWayne, Anthony King, and Wesley. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1964 due to infidelity, but was reconciled in 1965 before Claudette’s tragic death in a motorcycle accident in 1966. Orbison married Barbara Jakobs in 1969, and they had two sons. The couple remained together until he died in 1988.

Roy Orbison had five children in total from two marriages. With his first wife, Claudette, he had three sons: Roy DeWayne, Anthony King, and Wesley. With his second wife, Barbara, Orbison had two sons: Roy Kelton Orbison Jr. and Alexander.

Orbison faced profound loss, including the death of two sons in a 1968 house fire, but found stability with Barbara, who managed his career in later years. He led a private life, often retreating to his Tennessee home, and was known for his shy and reserved demeanour.

Discography

•    Lonely and Blue (1961)
•    Crying (1962)
•    In Dreams (1963)
•    Oh, Pretty Woman (1964)
•    The Orbison Way (1966)
•    Roy Orbison Sings Don Gibson (1967)
•    Cry Softly Lonely One (1967)
•    Laminar Flow (1979)
•    Class of ’55 (with Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, 1986)
•    Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 (Traveling Wilburys, 1988)
•    Mystery Girl (1989, posthumous)
•    King of Hearts (1992, posthumous)

Net Worth

Roy Orbison’s estimated net worth at the time of his death in 1988 was USD 20 million. His wealth was primarily derived from his successful music career, including royalties from hit songs like “Oh, Pretty Woman” and album sales. Additional income came from extensive touring, particularly in Europe, as well as his work with the Travelling Wilburys.