In 1965, global polls named Roy Orbison the number one male singer. Even with that title, he refused to view The Beatles and Elvis Presley as rivals. He carried a humble confidence that allowed him to stand perfectly still while the rest of the world went wild.
He did not worry about the new bands coming from England. To him, a solo artist and a group were just different flavors of music. This quiet gentleman stayed true to his own sound while the entire industry changed overnight.
Watch this rare footage of Roy explaining his simple secret to success:
Rare Interview With Roy Orbison Talking About Elvis and The Beatles
Fans still marvel at how he handled his massive fame with such grace. One viewer mentioned that it is hard to imagine someone that successful remaining so down to earth. Another person pointed out that Elvis himself called Roy the greatest vocalist of all time.
That legendary respect started back in the early days at Sun Records. He walked the same halls as the biggest stars in history before he found his own path. He poured all of his energy into complex melodies. This focus led him to write songs that even the biggest icons of the era were afraid to cover.
Roy Orbison Interview – Only The Lonely
One of those songs was a masterpiece that he originally Elvis Presley had turned down. Roy recorded it himself and became a global superstar. The performance showed off a vocal range that reached notes most men could only dream of hitting. It remains one of the most emotional moments in the history of recorded music.
Roy Orbison was the ultimate class act who never needed flashy moves to stir the soul. He proved that a pure voice and a kind heart are the most powerful tools an artist can have. Follow Roy Orbison on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to remember a voice that will never be replaced.