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Roy Orbison: King of Hearts
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Expected 28 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
12 days and 10:49:01
100 copies available
U.S. only
The definitive biography of the life and career of one of music history’s most beloved, versatile, unforgettable icons—the singer-songwriter of legendary hits including “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “Oh, Pretty Woman”— from his chart-topping highs and tragic lows to his momentous comeback.
He didn’t look, move, or sound like his contemporaries, but Roy Orbison, king of the emotionally charged, slow-burning, drama-ballad, struck a worldwide chord. Now, from acclaimed music biographer Jeff Apter, comes the definitive biography of one of music history’s most beloved, versatile, singer-songwriter legends.
Clad in black with dark shades, Roy Orbison had a mystique, style, and voice that were unmistakable and singularly different from his famous peers of the 1950s and ’60s, like Johnny Cash, Elvis, or Jerry Lee Lewis. Roy hit notes that, in the words of Bruce Springsteen, sounded “like the world’s going to end.”
Born in Vernon, Texas, Roy was the son of a guitar-playing oil worker. Already a music fan by age 6, Roy went on to form a high school band. Honky-tonk gigs followed. Then a contract at Elvis Presley’s label, Sun Records, where Roy found mentors and friends among the likes of Carl Perkins. Following a shift to Monument Records, he shared a bill with a group called the Beatles, who were huge fans of his.
After experimenting with different styles, Roy edged closer to a sound all his own. He found it with smash singles including “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “Oh, Pretty Woman,” songs heavy with pathos and remarkable vocals. It was gold. But what lay ahead was a professional downswing, and personal tragedy with the death of his wife and two sons. 20 lean years followed. Yet Roy Orbison was far from over.
Amid the rockabilly revival of the 1980s and the formation of the British-American supergroup the Traveling Wilburys—with, among others, Jeff Lynne, who would eventually produce Roy’s posthumous albums—Roy’s comeback was legendary. Asked how he’d like to be remembered, Roy said, “One day when they are mentioning people who had an impact, if they just mention me among the rest of the guys and gals, it would be great.” He got his wish. Roy King of Hearts seals it.
He didn’t look, move, or sound like his contemporaries, but Roy Orbison, king of the emotionally charged, slow-burning, drama-ballad, struck a worldwide chord. Now, from acclaimed music biographer Jeff Apter, comes the definitive biography of one of music history’s most beloved, versatile, singer-songwriter legends.
Clad in black with dark shades, Roy Orbison had a mystique, style, and voice that were unmistakable and singularly different from his famous peers of the 1950s and ’60s, like Johnny Cash, Elvis, or Jerry Lee Lewis. Roy hit notes that, in the words of Bruce Springsteen, sounded “like the world’s going to end.”
Born in Vernon, Texas, Roy was the son of a guitar-playing oil worker. Already a music fan by age 6, Roy went on to form a high school band. Honky-tonk gigs followed. Then a contract at Elvis Presley’s label, Sun Records, where Roy found mentors and friends among the likes of Carl Perkins. Following a shift to Monument Records, he shared a bill with a group called the Beatles, who were huge fans of his.
After experimenting with different styles, Roy edged closer to a sound all his own. He found it with smash singles including “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “Oh, Pretty Woman,” songs heavy with pathos and remarkable vocals. It was gold. But what lay ahead was a professional downswing, and personal tragedy with the death of his wife and two sons. 20 lean years followed. Yet Roy Orbison was far from over.
Amid the rockabilly revival of the 1980s and the formation of the British-American supergroup the Traveling Wilburys—with, among others, Jeff Lynne, who would eventually produce Roy’s posthumous albums—Roy’s comeback was legendary. Asked how he’d like to be remembered, Roy said, “One day when they are mentioning people who had an impact, if they just mention me among the rest of the guys and gals, it would be great.” He got his wish. Roy King of Hearts seals it.
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 28, 2026
2 people are currently reading
887 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Apter
51 books56 followersJeff Apter is the author of more than 30 books, many dealing with the world of music. He has written biographies of Keith Urban, Malcolm and Angus Young of AC/DC, Jeff Buckley and the Bee Gees. As ghostwriter, he has worked with ARIA Hall of Famers Kasey Chambers and Richard Clapton, and AC/DC’s Mark Evans. He was also the creative consultant for the award–nominated live production A State of Grace: The Music of Jeff and Tim Buckley and spent four years on staff at Rolling Stone Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Roy Orbison King of Hearts by Jeff Apter
Enjoyed this book and I felt it read like a discography of the artists. Lots of events, who was there and what songs were played. Love the background details and the name dropping of other musical artists. Wish there was more content about his health concerns, especially his eyes.
Love hearing how his life changed with his guitar. Love that he only wanted a harmonica when e was very young. Love reminiscing with all his songs. I listened to this review copy and the book describes the pictures in the book but I did not see pictures, just text.
Love this book because I learned some new things about Roy and his music.
I received this review copy from Kensington Publishing Citadel via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#RoyOrbison #NetGalley.
Enjoyed this book and I felt it read like a discography of the artists. Lots of events, who was there and what songs were played. Love the background details and the name dropping of other musical artists. Wish there was more content about his health concerns, especially his eyes.
Love hearing how his life changed with his guitar. Love that he only wanted a harmonica when e was very young. Love reminiscing with all his songs. I listened to this review copy and the book describes the pictures in the book but I did not see pictures, just text.
Love this book because I learned some new things about Roy and his music.
I received this review copy from Kensington Publishing Citadel via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#RoyOrbison #NetGalley.
January 25, 2026
Roy Orbison: King of Hearts
by Jeff Apter is a great biography that really captures the legendary singer.
This is my first biography of Roy Orbison. I grew up listening to him and I thought I knew about him, but obviously I did not. He is far more fascinating, talented, complex, and “human” than I had ever imagined.
The author did a great job depicting the man behind the career. I highly recommend.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Citadel for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/28/26.
by Jeff Apter is a great biography that really captures the legendary singer.
This is my first biography of Roy Orbison. I grew up listening to him and I thought I knew about him, but obviously I did not. He is far more fascinating, talented, complex, and “human” than I had ever imagined.
The author did a great job depicting the man behind the career. I highly recommend.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Citadel for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/28/26.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a copy of the book, "King of Hearts Roy Orbison" by Jeff Apter from NetGalley. I try to be careful about reading biographies especially f the person is deceased {would not be able to defend themselves} I did like Jeff Apter' s writing. He states the facts about Roy Orbison but always keeps it decent and fair. I am a fan of Roy Orbison so was curious to read more about his life The author writes of the good and difficult and even tragedies of Roy Orbison's life. I felt the book was well written and i was happy to learn more about Roy Orbison's life.
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February 2, 2026A wonderful book. So full of interesting facts and anecdotes. What a marvelous artist Roy was and this book goes a long way in proving it. He was also a good man, humble, and helpful. Nobody could sing like Roy Orbison. What a voice.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had no clue how much this artist went through during his life. It was an eye opening and heartbreaking story.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews