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Roy
Orbison

Inducted:

1987

Category:

Performer

Inducted By:

Bruce Springsteen

Warbly yet forceful, vulnerable yet strong, grandiose yet intimate—Roy Orbison’s voice happens once in a generation. Orbison showcased his vocals with unconventionally written songs that ranged from operatic ballads to rockabilly jams. He is revered by the likes of Tom Petty and Bob Dylan.

Induction

Impact

His arrangements were complex and operatic, but they had rhythm

Bruce Springsteen

1987 Hall of Fame Essay

Roy Orbison almost gave away “Only the Lonely” before recording the song himself in 1960; it was to be the first in a string of nine Top Ten hits...

Written By Michael Hill

Check It Out

sealed with a signature

This is the signature that appears on the inductee’s plaque at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to officially commemorate their induction.

Roy Orbison

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