It’s hard to believe Orbison died nearly 20 years ago. In less than 60 days, an entire generation will have passed. Far, far too many people who never knew his voice. Roy Orbison was the personification of a Baby Boomer’s epitome of rock and roll. Not one of the bad boys, and probably not a saint, but definitely the voice of rock and roll from pre-Elvis to post-you-name-it.The 1950s were the breakout years for rock and roll, of course, and although Orbison was in high school he was already staking his claim. He was probably initially best known for his voice, which could easily span four octaves. But it didn’t take very long for him to make his songwriting skills known, either.The story of Orbison’s success throughout his life, and even beyond, would be difficult for any normal person to believe, had it not been so impeccably documented. In 1957, he and songwriter Joe Melson created the dramatic rock ballad. Orbison was a strong influence on both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, and toured with them. He encouraged the Beatles to tour the US, and they returned the favor by asking Orbison to manage the tour (which he declined due to scheduling). His single, “Oh, Pretty Woman,” broke the Beatles’ lock on the Top 10 of 1964, outselling any single up to that time in a mere ten days, eventually selling over seven million. (The song became a minor hit again with the 1990 release of the film, Pretty Woman, which also made Julia Roberts into a household name, and again renewing his fanbase.)
His fame was not limited to the US. The world’s largest Orbison fan club in the world formed in the tiny Netherlands. His song “Blue Bayou” also made a 1977 major resurgence when it was recorded by Linda Ronstadt, selling more than seven million copies, and winning over a new generation of fans. Orbison formed and traveled with the Traveling Wilburys, which included Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne. His accolades are numerous, including several Grammys and induction into several Halls of Fame. It was hardly overstatement when Elvis Presley called him “the greatest singer in the world.” He continued to tour and record up until a few days before his death due to heart problems, which began at the young age of 41.This boxed set consists of over 100 cuts spanning Orbison’s entire career, beginning with his initial two bands, The Wink Westerners, and The Teen Kings. In addition to four CDs, the set contains his very first recording and one from his last performance (just two days prior to his death, and fittingly titled “It’s Over”), as well as 12 previously unreleased cuts. The set also includes a CD wallet for the four discs, a set of postcards from his high school days, and a 96-page book with new liner notes from Roy's wife Barbara, Fred Foster, and his son, Roy, Jr, as well as numerous testimonials. It's all packaged in a gorgeous white linen box. No doubt about it; this is a great boxed set. I’m sure if one looked hard enough, one might find a small, inconsequential flaw, but I sure can’t.One last thing: Be sure to vote for Roy's inclusion on a US Postal Stamp. You can find the petition his website.
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