Did you know that Elvis Presley nearly recorded Roy Orbison’s “ONLY THE LONELY?”
The song wasn’t destined to be a hit for The King, but it went all the way to #1 for Roy in the UK!
Roy Orbison: 1956 Radio Advertisement for Sun Records Concert
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. The tour is highlighted in the Johnny Cash movie “Walk The Line” in scenes such as Roy and Johnny blowing up homemade firework bombs. Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison had their clothes ripped off by masses of teenage girls many times. They were banned from towns, started riots, and had police escort them to the county line or face arrest. Next Year’s tour, 1957, included Jerry Lee Lewis in the lineup. Hail! Hail! Rock and Roll!
The new exhibit opening this Friday, August 15th at The Johnny Cash Museum features items from Orbison, Presley, Perkins, and Lewis.
Sneak Preview of The Johnny Cash Museum Exhibit!
Check out the sneak peek of The Johnny Cash Museum‘s new exhibit space featuring items from ELVIS PRESLEY, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison!
Exhibit opens Friday, August 15th in Nashville, TN!
We Remember the King
Today we remember The King.
Elvis Presley passed away on this day in 1977
Here’s a song from The Class of ’55 – Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, & Jerry Lee Lewis- recorded in memory of their friend and fellow musician.
God Bless Elvis Presley. Rest in Peace.
Roy Orbison Memorabilia at Graceland
“Elvis was bigger than life. His success was documented and laid out for him. He came to the first show I had in Memphis, and it was very nice. He sort of treated me like an equal, because we were both fresh in the business. We got to be great friends and kindred souls.”
-Roy Orbison on Elvis Presley
The Elvis Presley Estate has a great exhibition at Graceland! ICON: The Influence of Elvis Presley opened March 1st of 2012 and includes Roy Orbison memorabilia. Watch this video carefully and you might be able to spot Roy Orbison’s white jumpsuit and guitar around 1:02!