## The Voice of Heartbreak
Roy Orbison possessed a voice that was both operatic and deeply intimate. With hits like ‘Crying’ and ‘Only the Lonely’, he became the poet laureate of unrequited love and midnight sorrow. Known for his dark sunglasses and motionless stage presence, he allowed his voice to do all the work, moving millions with his three-octave range.
## December 6, 1988
At the age of 52, just as he was experiencing a massive career resurgence with The Traveling Wilburys, Roy Orbison died from a sudden heart attack. He had spent the day with his family and seemed to be in high spirits. His passing was a shock to the music community, ending the life of a man who had faced immense personal tragedies with grace and dignity.
## Only the Lonely Forever
Roy’s legacy is one of vocal perfection and emotional depth. He remains a singular figure in rock and roll history, an artist whose music transcends genre. Every time a singer reaches for a high, haunting note, they are echoing the spirit of the ‘Big O’. Roy Orbison is gone, but his ‘Pretty Woman’ and his beautiful, lonely ballads will ring out for as long as there are hearts to be broken.