| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roy Kelton Orbison Jr. |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1970 |
| Age (2025) | 55 years old |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Father | Roy Orbison (rock and roll legend) |
| Mother | Barbara Orbison (music businesswoman) |
| Godparents | Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash |
| Wife | Asa Orbison (jazz singer) |
| Children | 4 sons: Roy III, Bo, Love, Sun Jakob |
| Profession | Musician, Producer, Author, Music Publisher |
| Company | Still Working Music Group, Roy’s Boys LLC |
| Podcast | Roy Orbison Jr.’s Rock and Roll Circus |
Introduction
Most people know the name Roy Orbison. He was one of the greatest singers in rock and roll history. Songs like “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Crying,” and “Only the Lonely” made him famous all over the world.
But what about his son?
Roy Orbison Jr. is not just “the son of a legend.” He is a musician, a music producer, an author, a TV personality, and the man who works every day to keep his father’s music alive. This article tells you who he is, what he does, and why his story is worth knowing.
Early Life: Growing Up Around Music Icons
Roy Orbison Jr. was born on October 18, 1970. His mother was Barbara Orbison, a German-born music businesswoman who later started her own music publishing company. His godparents were Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, two of the biggest names in American music.
Growing up in this world was truly special. Roy Jr. spent time backstage with artists like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, George Harrison, and Jeff Lynne. These were members of the famous supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, which his father was also a part of.
At just 17 years old, Roy Jr. wrote a song together with Bono from the band U2. That kind of experience at such a young age shows how deep his connection to music was from the very start.
Sadly, his father Roy Orbison passed away on December 6, 1988, from a heart attack. He was only 52 years old. Roy Jr. was just 18 at the time. His mother Barbara also passed away on the very same date, December 6, 2011, from pancreatic cancer. Every year, Roy Jr. calls December 6 “the saddest day of the year.”
His Career in Music
Roy Orbison Jr. is not just someone who talks about his father’s music. He has built his own real career in the music world.
He plays guitar and has worked as a producer on several important music projects. One of the biggest was playing guitar on the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra albums, including “Unchained Melodies” and “A Love So Beautiful.” These albums brought his father’s voice together with a full orchestra, and they were a big hit with fans.
He also co-produced “Roy Orbison: The Ultimate Collection,” which reached number 10 on the UK Album charts. That is a real achievement for any music project.
One of his most exciting projects was helping to create the very first hologram concert tour of his father. This technology allowed fans to “see” Roy Orbison perform live on stage again, even though he passed away decades ago.
Roy Jr. also runs a podcast called “Roy Orbison Jr.’s Rock and Roll Circus,” where he talks about music history, rock and roll, and stories from his own life. It is an interesting listen for any music lover.
Running the Business Side of Music
Beyond performing and producing, Roy Orbison Jr. also runs important music businesses.
He is the President of Still Working Music Group, a publishing company that was started by his mother Barbara in 1990. This company has worked with some of the biggest names in modern music, including Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Miranda Lambert, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, and even One Direction.
He is also the co-founder of Roy’s Boys LLC, a company he runs with his brothers Wesley and Alex. Together, they manage their father’s music catalog and make sure the songs continue to reach new listeners around the world.
Because of this work, Roy Orbison’s music still appears in major films and TV shows. You can hear his songs in movies like “A Star Is Born,” “You’ve Got Mail,” “Star Trek,” and “Aquaman.”
Author and TV Personality
Roy Orbison Jr. is also a published author. He co-wrote a book called “The Authorized Roy Orbison,” which is the official biography of his father. The book was well received and gave fans a real look into the life of the music legend.
On television, Roy Jr. has appeared as a guest on Bravo’s popular show “Below Deck Mediterranean,” which is watched by around 120 million viewers worldwide. He has also been a regular personality on AXS TV, appearing on music countdown programs and sharing his knowledge about rock and roll history.
In 2019, he helped open the Roy Orbison Museum, which celebrates the life and music of his father. This museum gives fans a place to learn more about one of music’s greatest voices.
Family Life
Roy Orbison Jr. is married to Asa Orbison, a jazz singer. They got married in 2017 and have four sons together: Roy Orbison III, Bo, Love, and their youngest, Sun Jakob. The name Sun was inspired by Sun Records, the famous record label where Roy Orbison Sr., Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash all recorded music.
Roy Jr. has said that meeting Asa changed his life in a very positive way. “Life has been bright and sunny ever since Asa came into my life,” he once said.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
In 2024, Roy Orbison Jr. spoke to Vintage Rock magazine about why his father’s music still matters today. He said that 1950s rock and roll music is still the sound of “rebellion, sexuality, freedom and art.” He believes that his father’s music can reach people in the same powerful way today as it did decades ago.
This is what drives Roy Jr. every day. He is not just managing old music files. He is actively finding new ways for people to discover and love the music of Roy Orbison.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Roy Orbison Jr.? Roy Orbison Jr. is the son of famous rock and roll singer Roy Orbison. He is a musician, music producer, author, and runs music companies that manage his father’s legacy.
2. When was Roy Orbison Jr. born? He was born on October 18, 1970. As of 2025, he is 55 years old.
3. Who are Roy Orbison Jr.’s godparents? His godparents are Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, two of the most famous names in American music history.
4. What company does Roy Orbison Jr. run? He is the President of Still Working Music Group and co-founder of Roy’s Boys LLC, which manages his father’s music catalog.
5. Does Roy Orbison Jr. make his own music? Yes. He plays guitar, produces music, and has performed on Royal Philharmonic Orchestra albums. He also has a podcast called “Roy Orbison Jr.’s Rock and Roll Circus.”
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