After a rockabilly outset where his melodies and lyrics already showed ambition, Roy Orbison invented a new, sophisticated form of rock which had refined, elegant arrangements. A friend and inspirer of The Beatles as well as Elvis Presley, he was one of the great precursors of the 1960s’ creative explosion, one of the first to give rock a lavish orchestral colour. An extraordinary singer, his romantic, deeply original work still symbolizes the opulent and progressive America of the Kennedy era. With a detailed 28-page booklet by Bruno Blum, this album tells the story of the great Roy Orbison. Patrick FReMEAUX