Updated Feb 20, 2026
Details
Birthday
(Thursday)
Died
Birthplace
Nationality
Languages
English
Spouse
Barbara Orbison (1969-1988)
Children
5 children: Alex Orbison, Roy Kelton Orbison Jr.
Education
Paxon School for Advanced Studies, University of North Texas
Zodiac Sign
♉ Taurus
Chinese Zodiac
鼠 Rat
Name Origin
English < Proto-Indo-European (*h₃rḗǵs)
Popularity
Tier A -- 122,757 Wikipedia views/month
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Screen debut
First screen credit at age 30
Career
Career spanning 21 years (1967-1988)
Year context
Born in 1936 -- Berlin Olympics; Jesse Owens wins four gold medals; Franklin D. Roosevelt was US president
Year 1936 →
Zodiac
Year of the Rat, sign of Taurus
DROPTHE GOOD_
8
Recognized
out of 100
Most people on Earth score 0. Only those with measurable positive impact appear on this scale.
Human Impact
0
Innovation
0
Giving
0
Sustainability
52
Cultural Uplift
24
Public Vote
★
★
★
★
★
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Filmography (4)
AWARDS (2)
G
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
1998
WON
G
Grammy Awards
WON
Biography
Roy Kelton Orbison was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his distinctive and powerful voice, complex song structures, and dark, emotional ballads. Orbison's most successful periods were in the early 1960s and the late 1980s. Many of Orbison's songs conveyed vulnerability at a time when most male performers projected strength. He performed with minimal motion and in black clothes, matching his dyed black hair and dark sunglasses.
Related People
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Roy Orbison?
Roy Orbison was born on and passed away on at the age of 52.
Where was Roy Orbison born?
Roy Orbison was born in Vernon.
What movies or shows has Roy Orbison been in?
Roy Orbison has 4 credits in our database. Notable titles include Uma Rosa com Amor (2010), She's Having a Baby (1988), Roadie (1980), The Fastest Guitar Alive (1967).
Where can I find more information about Roy Orbison?
You can find more about Roy Orbison on Wikidata. Their full profile and filmography is available on this page.
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