Roy Orbison (12/4/1988) on Performance

Performance is a weekly program featuring a full concert.

Roy Orbison was one of the original pioneers of rock n roll – getting his start at Sun Records in Memphis in the shadow of Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and – of course – Elvis Presley. After a number of hits in the early sixties, Orbison’s career went into decline in the US.  

However, after two of his songs were featured in films in the mid eighties, Orbinson returned to prominence – he was inducted into the Nashviille Songwriters Hall of Fame along with the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. A filmed concert – called A Black and White Night – was a staple on cable television and a best seller.

In 1988 – he joined up with Jeff Lynne, George Harrison and Bob Dylan to form the Traveling Wilburys. He also recorded a new solo album – Mystery Girl. He was in demand as a live performer again and began a tour as the new albums were being released.

On December 4, 1988, Orbison played the Front Row Theatre in Highland Heights, Ohio. Sadly, this was his last concert. Roy Orbison died of a heart attack on December 6, 1988.

You can tune into Performance on Sunday nights at 7:00 pm.