Roy Orbison

The Official Website of The Soul of Rock and Roll

The Class of 55

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This week in 1985 Roy Orbison and The Class of 55- Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, & Jerry Lee Lewis- hit the studio to begin recording their self-titled album. This is the other supergroup Roy Orbison was in. Kind of like the Traveling Wilburys, they each had a spotlight song and sang together in various combinations.

Here’s “ROCK AND ROLL” by The Class of 55-

Roy Orbison: 1956 Radio Advertisement for Sun Records Concert

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Roy Orbison: 1956 Radio Advertisement for Sun Records Concert

This ad of a 1950’s Memphis disc jockey is for the June 1st concert at Overton Park Shell featuring Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Warren Smith. All were signed to manager Bob Neal’s company called Stars Incorporated. Tickets were $1. The show was the start of their summer tour and Elvis Presley came to the see. Elvis was impressed with Orbison and remained a lifelong fan.