Roy Orbison was an American rock and roll pioneer known for his distinctive operatic voice and dramatic ballads that defined the sound of 1950s and 1960s popular music. Born in 1936 in Texas, he achieved legendary status with iconic hits like "Oh, Pretty Woman," "Crying," and "In Dreams," combining elements of country, rock, and pop into a uniquely emotional style. His influence on music remains profound, inspiring countless artists across multiple genres until his death in 1988.