Publisher Description

For the first time, legendary performer Roy Orbison's story as one of the most beloved rock legends will be revealed through family accounts and records.



Roy Orbison died 28 years ago but he's hardly forgotten. Raised in the early 20th century in rural Texas, Orbison became one of the pioneers of rock and roll in the 1950s, sharing the famed Sun Records with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. He achieved superstar status in the 1960s, writing and releasing a series of smash singles, such as Oh, Pretty Woman, Only the Lonely, and Crying, plus many others that remain the most well-known songs of the era.



IN DREAMS features rare memorabilia from Roy's career, much of it unseen for decades. This stunning biography, written by his sons along with Jeff Slate, tells the true story of their father's remarkable life, including his personal tragedies, reinventions, and untimely death.

Author Biography

Alex Orbison (Author)

WESLEY, ROY JR., and ALEX are Roy Orbison's three sons. The trio works tirelessly to protect and extend the legacy of their father. Wesley, the eldest, is a seasoned songwriter and guitar player. His song "The Only One" (co-written with Craig Wiseman) appears on Roy Orbison's multi-platinum album Mystery Girl. Roy Jr. is a singer and guitar player and works out of his own professional recording studio called Pretty Woman Studio. Roy Jr. enjoys spending time with his beautiful bride and their son, Roy Orbison III. Alex, a drummer by trade, began his career in music publishing at the age of 17. As co-president of Still Working Music (with his brother Roy), Alex has overseen several top ten songs and number one hits. All three brothers reside in Nashville.



Jeff Slate (Author)

JEFF SLATE, a music journalist who regularly contributes to Esquire, Rolling Stone and other publications, where his feature stories on Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Jimmy Page, Roger Waters and other major rock and roll figures draw tens of thousands of regular readers.

Review

"A just-released biography by Orbison's sons Roy Jr., Wesley and Alex, titled The Authorized Roy Orbison, peels away the layers of the singer's mystique to present a complete picture of the man, a loving husband and father as well as a musical kingpin. The three siblings, who affectionately refer to themselves as "Roy's boys," and music journalist Jeff Slate chronicle Orbison's career from his Texas boyhood to recording stardom and the tragic end to his life at the much-too-young age of 52. More than 300 photographs, many of them never before published, dot the book and add the necessary context to the Orbison saga."--Rolling Stone Country "THE AUTHORIZED ROY ORBISON not only remembers the legendary American singer-songwriter, but offers a truly unique look-behind-the-scenes at a talented, humble man who became a voice for the ages. Roy Orbison had songs that charted in five consecutive decades, and his accolades continue after his death. This book, co-authored by Roy Orbison, Jr., Wesley Orbison and Alex Orbison with Jeff Slate, chronicles the making of Roy Orbison - his personal life and his celebrity."--Tennessean "From his early days through the Sun and Monument Records years, the '70s revival, Wilburys, et al, [THE AUTHORIZED ROY ORBISON] offers plenty of good old story-telling in a breezy, readable tone that'll make you like the man even more than you already do."--Mojo Magazine "Roy Orbison remains a compelling figure in the long line of sounds from Texas. Roy dreamed as big as the Lone Star State and sang even bigger. And this book reminds us of the near incalculable impact he continues to have on music to the present day."--Billy F Gibbons, guitarist and lead vocalist, ZZ TOP "Roy's impact has been indelible... like finding a secret key to unlocking truth and possibility."--k.d. lang "I met Roy in 1980. He opened for us [Eagles] in San Francisco. We should have opened for him. This is a great book by his sons -- a MUST read."--Joe Walsh, guitarist and vocalist, the EAGLES

Long Description

For the first time, legendary performer Roy Orbison's story as one of the most beloved rock legends will be revealed through family accounts and records. Roy Orbison died 28 years ago but he's hardly forgotten. Raised in the early 20th century in rural Texas, Orbison became one of the pioneers of rock and roll in the 1950s, sharing the famed Sun Records with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. He achieved superstar status in the 1960s, writing and releasing a series of smash singles, such as Oh, Pretty Woman, Only the Lonely, and Crying, plus many others that remain the most well-known songs of the era. IN DREAMS features rare memorabilia from Roy's career, much of it unseen for decades. This stunning biography, written by his sons along with Jeff Slate, tells the true story of their father's remarkable life, including his personal tragedies, reinventions, and untimely death.

Review Quote

"Roy's impact has been indelible... like finding a secret key to unlocking truth and possibility."-- k.d. lang

Promotional "Headline"

For the first time, legendary performer Roy Orbison's story as one of the most beloved rock legends will be revealed through family accounts and records.

Details