Roy Orbison, a rock and roll legend known for his distinctive voice, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 52 in December 1988.
Orbison’s personal life was marked by significant tragedies, including the death of his first wife, Claudette, in a motorcycle accident in 1966, and the loss of two sons in a house fire in 1968.
After enduring profound grief, Orbison found stability in his second marriage to Barbara Jacobs in 1969, with whom he had two sons, Roy Kelton Orbison Jr. and Alexander Orbison.
Despite health challenges, including open heart surgery in 1973, Orbison continued to tour and record music, maintaining a dedicated fan base.
The late 1980s saw a resurgence in Orbison’s career, highlighted by collaborations with artists like Don McLean and the formation of the supergroup Traveling Wilburys.
Orbison’s posthumous album, “Mystery Girl,” released in 1989, became the highest-selling album of his career, featuring the hit single “You Got It.”
Roy Orbison’s legacy continues through his sons, who manage his estate and promote his music, ensuring that his contributions to the music industry remain celebrated.