• Grammy-winning Singer-Songwriter and guitarist Roy Orbison was one of the pioneers of early Rock n' Roll. He is the author of such classics as "Oh, Pretty Woman Lyrics|Oh, Pretty Woman," "Crying," and "Running Scared".

• 1. Born: April 23, 1936
  2. Birthplace: Vernon, Texas
  3. Last Concert: December 4, 1988
  4. Died: December 6, 1988
  5. Nicknamed "The Big O"
  6. Rarely seen in public without his trademark black clothing and dark sunglasses
  7. His first wife died in a motorcycle accidentSpinner.com: Roy Orbison's Tragic Life (and Afterlife) of Sadness and Burnt Homes (January 30, 2009)
  8. Two of his sons were killed in a house fireSpinner.com: Roy Orbison's Tragic Life (and Afterlife) of Sadness and Burnt Homes (January 30, 2009)
  9. Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987
  10. Inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1989
  11. Was a member of the Traveling Wilburys

• Early Career

  Born in Texas, Orbison got his first big break with the Sam Phillips produced single "Ooby Dooby". After a brief stint with RCA Records, Orbison recorded the Rock ballad "Only the Lonely", which became an instant hit and catapulted him to international success. Orbison followed that up with a string of hits, including what would become his signature song "Oh, Pretty Woman".

• Late Career

  After a career decline in the 1970s, Orbison came back into style after his song was used in the 1990 film Pretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts. Orbison also participated as a member of the Traveling Wilburys along with George Harrison, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Lynne. In 1988, Orbison died of a Heart Attack at the age of 52.

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