Roy Orbison: King of Hearts

The definitive biography of one of music history's most beloved, versatile, unforgettable icons--Roy Orbison, the singer-songwriter of legendary hits including "Only the Lonely," "Crying," and "Oh, Pretty Woman"--from his chart-topping highs and tragic lows to his momentous comeback.

He didn't look, move, or sound like his contemporaries, but Roy Orbison, king of the emotionally charged, slow-burning, drama-ballad, struck a worldwide chord. Now, from acclaimed music biographer Jeff Apter, comes the definitive biography of one of music history's most beloved, versatile, singer-songwriter legends.

Clad in black with dark shades, Roy Orbison had a mystique, style, and voice that were unmistakable and singularly different from his famous peers of the 1950s and '60s, like Johnny Cash, Elvis, or Jerry Lee Lewis. Roy hit notes that, in the words of Bruce Springsteen, sounded "like the world's going to end."

Born in Vernon, Texas, Roy was the son of a guitar-playing oil worker. Already a music fan by age 6, Roy went on to form a high school band. Honky-tonk gigs followed. Then a contract at Elvis Presley's label, Sun Records, where Roy found mentors and friends among the likes of Carl Perkins. Following a shift to Monument Records, he shared a bill with a group called the Beatles, who were huge fans of his.

After experimenting with different styles, Roy edged closer to a sound all his own. He found it with smash singles including "Only the Lonely," "Crying," and "Oh, Pretty Woman," songs heavy with pathos and remarkable vocals. It was gold. But what lay ahead was a professional downswing, and personal tragedy with the death of his wife and two sons. 20 lean years followed. Yet Roy Orbison was far from over.

Amid the rockabilly revival of the 1980s and the formation of the British-American supergroup the Traveling Wilburys--with, among others, Jeff Lynne, who would eventually produce Roy's posthumous albums--Roy's comeback was legendary. Asked how he'd like to be remembered, Roy said, "One day when they are mentioning people who had an impact, if they just mention me among the rest of the guys and gals, it would be great." He got his wish. Roy Orbison: King of Hearts seals it.

Author: Jeff Apter
Publisher: Citadel Press
Published: 04/28/2026
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.45lbs
Size: 9.14h x 5.99w x 0.72d
ISBN: 9780806544632


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2026

About the Author
Jeff Apter is the author of more than 30 books about music and musicians, and his work has been published all around the world. His subjects include Keith Urban, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, AC/DC's Bon Scott and the Young brothers, the Bee Gees, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Cure, and Dave Grohl. He was on staff at Australian Rolling Stone for several years. He lives on the NSW South Coast with his wife and two children, and enough pets to fill a small zoo. Visit him online at JeffApter.com.au.