ROY ORBISON JR
Roy Orbison Jr is a producer, author, guitarist, songwriter and son of rock and roll legend Roy Orbison (“Oh Pretty Woman,” “You Got It,” “Only The Lonely”) and German-born, prolific music businesswoman Barbara Orbison. His father has a #1 hit song in every country, and a career that spans eight decades. His godparents are Johnny and June Carter-Cash.
Much like his parents and godparents, he has been involved in music his whole life. Akin to his mother, Roy, Jr runs a publishing company and passionately honors the legacy of Roy Sr.’s talents and iconic catalog. Even 30 years deceased, Roy’s impact continues. And his work lives on in award-winning films such as A Star Is Born, You’ve Got Mail, Star Trek and Aquaman – managed by his son Roy Orbison Jr.
From growing up backstage with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and George Harrison of supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, to writing a song with Bono of U2 when he was 17, young Roy, Jr got a “fly on the wall” perspective of rock and roll history. Nowadays, he is sought after for his expertise of archival rock and roll knowledge about his father, Elvis, The Beatles, The Traveling Wilburys, Cash, Sun Records and more.
He is President of Still Working Music Group, home to hit songwriters for superstars Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Celine Dion, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, One Direction, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani. He is also co-author of “The Authorized Roy Orbison”, and creator and host of “Roy Orbison, Jr’s Rock & Roll Circus” podcast. A big TV personality on AXSTV’s music countdown programs and recurrent guest on BRAVO’s hit show “Below Deck Mediterranean” airing worldwide with 120 million viewers.
Roy, Jr played guitar on the series of Royal Philharmonic Orchestra albums (Unchained Melodies, A Love So Beautiful).
He was instrumental in the creation of the first-ever hologram tour that reimagines his father and Buddy Holly to contemporary audiences, and pivotal in launching “Pretty Woman the Musical”. The story behind the mega hit song comes to life on stages across the world from New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Diego, St. Louis and Seattle, to London, Hamburg.
Recently he has found surprise success as a star in his own right. Producing and playing guitar in a jazz band with his wife Asa Orbison. The title track and first single of Asa’s debut album is an updated version of the hit song by his father, “Blue Bayou”. Produced by Roy Jr who also rearranged the song that was famously covered by Linda Ronstadt in 1977, Roy Jr and Åsa’s “Blue Bayou” is an updated version with a jazzy feel and a Scandinavian touch. Inspired by Horace Silver’s “Songs For My Father” which shares a similar rhythm with “Blue Bayou”, Roy Jr reharmonized his father’s song in a jazz framework using extended 7th chords and jazz substitutions. Collaborating with music legends like saxophonist Jim Horn and Mr Harmonica himself, Charlie McCoy.
Roy Orbison, Jr Website I Instagram I Facebook I Twitter I Podcast