Did you know that Roy Orbison lost everything in just twenty-four months? In 1966, his wife, Claudette, was killed in a motorcycle accident. Two years later, while Roy was touring in the United Kingdom, a house fire at his home in Tennessee claimed the lives of his two eldest sons.
Despite being broken by these tragedies, he remained unyielding and returned to the stage. Later he stated that singing helped him survive the immense weight of his grief.
The video below serves as a brief but powerful tribute to his resilience:
Roy Orbison: Turning Tragedy Into Timeless Music
Fans who watch him today still feel the weight of those years in every note. One person said that they never knew about this and called Roy a truly strong man. Another viewer simply stated that his music was bigger than life itself. People love songs like Pretty Woman but they love the man behind them even more for his courage.
Roy did not give up on his craft. He moved through the 1970s as a shadow of his former self until a new generation discovered his magic.
Roy Orbison: What Tragedy Couldn’t Silence
By the 1980s, Roy found his way back into the spotlight with friends like Bob Dylan and George Harrison. They formed a group called the Traveling Wilburys.Roy was finally recognized as the legend he always was. He earned a Grammy and saw his name put into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Roy Orbison passed away at only fifty two but he left behind a map for anyone lost in the dark. He showed us that you can turn your deepest sorrow into something that helps others feel less alone. Follow Roy Orbison on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to keep his light shining.