1975

Sleeve notes

The creative talent of Roy Orbison is always forcing its way upwards through new channels so that observers are left wondering where it will surface next.

This versatility has stood him in good stead in a life plagued by tragedy and setbacks.

Roy Orbison was born in Vernon, Texas, on April 23rd 1936 but counts tiny Wink, in Texas, where his family lived for ten years, as his hometown. At the age of six he learned to play the guitar and by the time he was eight he had become a regular guest on a radio show. Soon he had branched out into song-writing and at High School formed a group called The Wink Westerners which had considerable local fame and following.

He took his first step on the path to becoming an international superstar in the mid-fifties with Sam Philips' Memphis-based Sun Records, where he scored a small hit with 'Ooby Dooby' Still striving for the big hit, he moved on to the RCA Victor label where he was even less successful. However a contract with Acuff-Rose Publications enabled him to support himself with song-writing until such time as the public was willing to lend an ear to his singing.

1958 was the year of destiny for Roy Orbison, though it began unpromisingly enough when his manager, Wesley Rose, suggested yet another change of record company which took him to Fred Foster's fledgling Monument Record Company.

His first release PAPER BOY sold 18,000 copies - not a bad score for his hastily prepared first session Thereafter every session was painstakingly planned with Fred Foster, and Roy Orbison went from strength to strength with the public Each success lending more and more strength to his vocal performance.

Now as his career gathered pace the milestones flashed past swiftly - Oh Pretty Woman, It's Over Dream, Baby Blue Bayou and Only the Lonely - his first million selling record. After the release of Pretty Woman, his most lasting monument. he moved on to another company for a reputed million dollar figure.

He toured England in 1967 with the Beatles and again in the Spring and Summer of 1972 when in four months he appeared in 116 concerts before flying on to the continent. Australia and Asia. Everywhere he was a fabulous success He was dubbed 'Hypnotic Orbison' and Wesley Rose said 'He is one of the most talented individuals l have ever known (Orbison wrote or co-wrote every one of his hits except DREAM BABY). He is honourable and well-liked by everyone all over the world. His voice is unique. he is sincere in himself and his singing.'