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Roy Orbison: King of Hearts
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
Published April 28, 2026
5 people are currently reading
2369 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Apter
51 books66 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an advance copy of this musical biography about a man whose voice spoke for the lonely, the unloved, the lost, a voice that showed a life of tragedy, yet ones he never let beat him, creating music that still touches souls today.
When I first started caring about music, when lyrics and the sounds started to be more than background music in cars on long trips, I found myself listening to modern stuff, but anything past a certain age, well I didn't even try. For some reason the demarcation zone was Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin, a band I never really liked. Anything older than that was well, nerdy. I assume it was peer pressure. I had no problems reading Sherlock Holmes books, so old books good, old music bad. Being a teen was no fun. Gradually I started pushing the line back, enjoying my Dad's jazz and classical, my Mom's Monkees and Beatles. And where being a moody teen needing a soundtrack I found Roy Orbison. The voice was unique. The instruments seemed from a band that was being used to as the house band for Heaven. And the songs, sad, wistful, full of emotion. Again perfect for a teen. Most of my knowledge of Orbison's life comes from other biographies of musicians who were friends and band mates. This book revels the life of a man who seemed rare in rock and roll, a good man, who loved music almost as he loved his family. Roy Orbison: King of Hearts by writer historian and music biographer Jeff Apter, is the story of a man who went through so much, much that showed in his music, but never lost the love of entertaining, the love of music, and always trying to do his best in everything.
Roy Orbison was born in Texas, in a small town. Roy's father was an oil driller, and with the Depression making jobs scarce, even in black gold, traveled where the jobs where. Roy's mother was a woman who loved poetry and painting, and family was in their blood. Roy was given a guitar at the age of six, and took to it fast, practicing constantly and learning to play the songs he heard from his extended family and of course the radio. Music let him communicate in a way that Roy found freeing. Roy could stay up late plucking and singing with family, and later friends in many of the groups we would join. Roy went to college to study geology, but mainly used it to learn about entertaining, and getting jealous of a fellow alumni Pat Boone, and his nascent recording career. Fame came slowly to Roy. Roy had the chops, but getting a label to believe in him was something else, and something that would follow him the rest of his career. At Sun records he met Elvis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash, who told him to change his name and his singing style. A style that Roy was just finding. Black sunglasses, black outfits, and a falsetto voice that could make a song stay in one's brain, long after the quarters ran out for the jukebox.
A book about music and the sadness that one man could put up with. Orbison lost a lot, his wife, his children. Nearly his career from music label indifference, not understanding the product, and well not being of the times. I have read a few books by Apter and have enjoyed them all. This one is darker because of the losses Orbison suffered, and yet he never let that ruin him. Or break him. Apter does a very good job covering Orbison's life, his goodness, a few mistakes and sometimes diva-like behaviour. And of course his early passing just as his career was on the rise again. Apter is a great researcher, who can talk about cars, motorcycles, studio tricks, and even what life in a small Texas town is like, with skill and a sense of being there.
A really good book about a man who has been left in the shadows to much. So many songs, so much pain, and yet so much beauty and joy. A really good biography, for fans, for those interested in music. And for people who need to read something good, about a person who was good, and brought joy to the world. I can't wait who Apter writes about next.
When I first started caring about music, when lyrics and the sounds started to be more than background music in cars on long trips, I found myself listening to modern stuff, but anything past a certain age, well I didn't even try. For some reason the demarcation zone was Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin, a band I never really liked. Anything older than that was well, nerdy. I assume it was peer pressure. I had no problems reading Sherlock Holmes books, so old books good, old music bad. Being a teen was no fun. Gradually I started pushing the line back, enjoying my Dad's jazz and classical, my Mom's Monkees and Beatles. And where being a moody teen needing a soundtrack I found Roy Orbison. The voice was unique. The instruments seemed from a band that was being used to as the house band for Heaven. And the songs, sad, wistful, full of emotion. Again perfect for a teen. Most of my knowledge of Orbison's life comes from other biographies of musicians who were friends and band mates. This book revels the life of a man who seemed rare in rock and roll, a good man, who loved music almost as he loved his family. Roy Orbison: King of Hearts by writer historian and music biographer Jeff Apter, is the story of a man who went through so much, much that showed in his music, but never lost the love of entertaining, the love of music, and always trying to do his best in everything.
Roy Orbison was born in Texas, in a small town. Roy's father was an oil driller, and with the Depression making jobs scarce, even in black gold, traveled where the jobs where. Roy's mother was a woman who loved poetry and painting, and family was in their blood. Roy was given a guitar at the age of six, and took to it fast, practicing constantly and learning to play the songs he heard from his extended family and of course the radio. Music let him communicate in a way that Roy found freeing. Roy could stay up late plucking and singing with family, and later friends in many of the groups we would join. Roy went to college to study geology, but mainly used it to learn about entertaining, and getting jealous of a fellow alumni Pat Boone, and his nascent recording career. Fame came slowly to Roy. Roy had the chops, but getting a label to believe in him was something else, and something that would follow him the rest of his career. At Sun records he met Elvis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash, who told him to change his name and his singing style. A style that Roy was just finding. Black sunglasses, black outfits, and a falsetto voice that could make a song stay in one's brain, long after the quarters ran out for the jukebox.
A book about music and the sadness that one man could put up with. Orbison lost a lot, his wife, his children. Nearly his career from music label indifference, not understanding the product, and well not being of the times. I have read a few books by Apter and have enjoyed them all. This one is darker because of the losses Orbison suffered, and yet he never let that ruin him. Or break him. Apter does a very good job covering Orbison's life, his goodness, a few mistakes and sometimes diva-like behaviour. And of course his early passing just as his career was on the rise again. Apter is a great researcher, who can talk about cars, motorcycles, studio tricks, and even what life in a small Texas town is like, with skill and a sense of being there.
A really good book about a man who has been left in the shadows to much. So many songs, so much pain, and yet so much beauty and joy. A really good biography, for fans, for those interested in music. And for people who need to read something good, about a person who was good, and brought joy to the world. I can't wait who Apter writes about next.
May 8, 2026
What stayed with me most in Roy Orbison: King of Hearts was the contrast between Orbison’s immense emotional voice and the almost restrained mystery of his public image. Jeff Apter seems especially attentive to that tension, tracing how a performer who stood so still onstage could create songs that felt operatic in scale and emotional intensity.
The biography also appears deeply structured around cycles of ascent, collapse, and return. The movement from Sun Records and Monument Records through personal tragedy and into the Traveling Wilburys era gives the book a rhythm that mirrors Orbison’s own career arc. I appreciated how the story does not isolate the music from the losses surrounding it, especially since songs like “Crying” and “Only the Lonely” gain additional resonance when placed beside the grief that marked his later life.
Readers who enjoy music biographies that focus as much on artistic identity as industry history will likely find this especially rewarding because it pays attention to sound, persona, and emotional atmosphere together.
What stands out most is how the biography presents Orbison not as a nostalgic figure frozen in one musical era, but as an artist whose emotional style always existed slightly outside the boundaries of his time
The biography also appears deeply structured around cycles of ascent, collapse, and return. The movement from Sun Records and Monument Records through personal tragedy and into the Traveling Wilburys era gives the book a rhythm that mirrors Orbison’s own career arc. I appreciated how the story does not isolate the music from the losses surrounding it, especially since songs like “Crying” and “Only the Lonely” gain additional resonance when placed beside the grief that marked his later life.
Readers who enjoy music biographies that focus as much on artistic identity as industry history will likely find this especially rewarding because it pays attention to sound, persona, and emotional atmosphere together.
What stands out most is how the biography presents Orbison not as a nostalgic figure frozen in one musical era, but as an artist whose emotional style always existed slightly outside the boundaries of his time
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I kept pausing to listen to music while reading this excellent biography. It makes you better appreciate the legendary Roy Orbison and his songs – even if you’re already a fan. I looked forward to reading this each night and spending time with his music.
The book never treads water, moving to a steady rhythm that would make even Roy proud. From working-class beginnings in small-town Texas to chart-topping success, Jeff Apter follows his life and career through the ups and downs.
“If I learned to play this guitar and sing fairly well, I got to stay up later than the rest of the kids, and actually be part of the festivities. It had such a profound effect on my life.”
It’s both the most wholesome and tragic music story you will read. Jeff paints a vivid picture of Roy and the type of person he was – helping a fan during her recovery journey, befriending prison inmates, or partaking in Christmas campaigns for underprivileged children. Roy didn’t even swear when making a mistake in the studio – delivering his trademark “mercy” instead.
A running theme was how loved and respected he was. It was great to read about his tour with the Beatles and friendships across the industry, which included neighbour Johnny Cash – a supportive friend during the worst times. Your heart absolutely breaks when reading about the tragic loss of Roy’s wife, Claudette, and then his two sons in a devastating house fire soon after.
“It felt as though Roy was trying to sing away all the demons that had plagued him since that fateful phone call in September 1968.”
Despite the tragedies, I couldn’t help smiling while reading much of the book – especially the formation of the Traveling Wilburys and resurgence of his career. Roy’s love for Australia was a touching highlight too, with Apter frequently mentioning chart success and Australian tours – one which Mum attended in 1972!
“These die-hard Aussie fans simply loved the Big O…”
It was fascinating to learn about the creation of various songs – I had no idea ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ was written in just forty minutes! His influence on other artists was profound, including Don McLean and his successful cover of ‘Crying’ – which I have fond memories of seeing performed live.
The ending felt somewhat rushed, almost sudden – but then so was Roy’s untimely passing. An epilogue details a timeline of events following his death.
Much like Roy’s music has given me comfort over the years, so too has reading this expertly written book about him. Roy Orbison: King of Hearts is a must-read for fans and those who appreciate good music. Another winner from Jeff Apter.
“If I’m just remembered, that’ll be okay by me.”
This review can also be found on my blog, where I write about books and feature author interviews. You can read it here.
Many thanks to Kensington Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book never treads water, moving to a steady rhythm that would make even Roy proud. From working-class beginnings in small-town Texas to chart-topping success, Jeff Apter follows his life and career through the ups and downs.
“If I learned to play this guitar and sing fairly well, I got to stay up later than the rest of the kids, and actually be part of the festivities. It had such a profound effect on my life.”
It’s both the most wholesome and tragic music story you will read. Jeff paints a vivid picture of Roy and the type of person he was – helping a fan during her recovery journey, befriending prison inmates, or partaking in Christmas campaigns for underprivileged children. Roy didn’t even swear when making a mistake in the studio – delivering his trademark “mercy” instead.
A running theme was how loved and respected he was. It was great to read about his tour with the Beatles and friendships across the industry, which included neighbour Johnny Cash – a supportive friend during the worst times. Your heart absolutely breaks when reading about the tragic loss of Roy’s wife, Claudette, and then his two sons in a devastating house fire soon after.
“It felt as though Roy was trying to sing away all the demons that had plagued him since that fateful phone call in September 1968.”
Despite the tragedies, I couldn’t help smiling while reading much of the book – especially the formation of the Traveling Wilburys and resurgence of his career. Roy’s love for Australia was a touching highlight too, with Apter frequently mentioning chart success and Australian tours – one which Mum attended in 1972!
“These die-hard Aussie fans simply loved the Big O…”
It was fascinating to learn about the creation of various songs – I had no idea ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ was written in just forty minutes! His influence on other artists was profound, including Don McLean and his successful cover of ‘Crying’ – which I have fond memories of seeing performed live.
The ending felt somewhat rushed, almost sudden – but then so was Roy’s untimely passing. An epilogue details a timeline of events following his death.
Much like Roy’s music has given me comfort over the years, so too has reading this expertly written book about him. Roy Orbison: King of Hearts is a must-read for fans and those who appreciate good music. Another winner from Jeff Apter.
“If I’m just remembered, that’ll be okay by me.”
This review can also be found on my blog, where I write about books and feature author interviews. You can read it here.
Many thanks to Kensington Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Roy Orbison is so underrated. Hopefully, books like this will bring more attention to this man.
Going into this, I knew probably a little less than the basics so I was hoping for something that went deep. This covered that. There’s facts, fun stories, and sad stories. I liked Roy even more when I finished reading.
This was an easy read that never got bogged down in too many random facts.
All in all, this is a really interesting book on an interesting man.
I recommend this one highly!!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
Going into this, I knew probably a little less than the basics so I was hoping for something that went deep. This covered that. There’s facts, fun stories, and sad stories. I liked Roy even more when I finished reading.
This was an easy read that never got bogged down in too many random facts.
All in all, this is a really interesting book on an interesting man.
I recommend this one highly!!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Growing up in the 1960’s, Roy Orbison was all over the radio!! He had his own unique style and delivery! His voice and approach set him aside from the hippie music that was spawned in the late 60’s. His dedication to voice and delivery made him unique and one of a kind. You’d have to have lived in a cave to not know who Roy Orbison was and what he sounded like. A unique and interesting read about one of the greatest singers of all time. Highly recommended!!!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. Roy Orbison's music was unique and memorable. Roy's story didn't connect well for me. The book mirrors his life, and Roy was a brilliant singer who lacked a certain charisma that causes you to invest in the artist in a way where you want to learn more. He seemed both a likeable guy and also primarily focused on his career. This book should be read with Roy Orbison's hits playing in the background to remind you of what made him great.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a well written, well researched overview of Roy Orbison's career. Having read a couple of other biographies of Roy Orbison, there wasn't a lot of new information. This is a short (240 pages) overview that provides all the essential personal and professional information including his songwriting, and recording process. Highly recommended for fans of this incredible artist.
Thanks to NetGalley and Citadel for an advanced reader copy
Thanks to NetGalley and Citadel for an advanced reader copy
Read
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.
Want to Read
April 18, 2026I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Concise and well-written, Jeff Apter doesn't lead the reader too deep into the weeds. Roy Orbison was always a mysterious figure to me, and the author lifts the veil on this humble and talented artist.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews