Why Elvis Presley Quietly Admired Roy Orbison’S Music

March 20, 2025

In the heart of the 1960s, surrounded by flashing lights and roaring crowds, Elvis Presley stood as the King of Rock and Roll. Yet, despite his towering fame and countless hits, there existed a humble admiration tucked deep within him—an admiration for the unique talent of Roy Orbison. While most saw Elvis as a larger-than-life figure, he was also an artist with a genuine love for music, and Roy’s distinct sound tugged at the very strings of his heart.

Elvis first heard Roy Orbison’s music one afternoon while lounging in his home, the sun casting warm shadows across the room. The moment the haunting melodies of “Only the Lonely” filled the air, something stirred within him. Roy’s voice, rich and emotional, painted pictures of heartache and longing in a way that resonated deeply with Elvis. Despite the noise of his own success, Elvis found solace in the beauty of Roy’s storytelling. He admired how Roy could convey such powerful emotions with every note, making listeners feel the weight of love and loss in a way that echoed his own experiences.

As he delved deeper into Roy’s music, Elvis discovered a kindred spirit. They both faced struggles in their lives; both had tasted the sweetness of fame but also the bitterness of personal trials. Elvis, who often battled the pressures of stardom, saw that Roy, too, experienced the ups and downs of life. Roy’s journey was not without its challenges—his early career was marred by doubts and setbacks. Yet through it all, he poured his heart into his songs, capturing the struggles of the human experience. It reminded Elvis that even beneath the glitz and glamour, the raw emotion of music held the power to heal and connect.

One evening, as Elvis prepared for a performance, he found himself humming “Crying,” one of Roy’s most poignant tracks. The lyrics seemed to resonate with his soul, and he realized that admiration for another artist only enhanced his own creativity. In that moment, Elvis felt inspired to take risks, exploring new sounds and themes in his work. He understood that greatness in music wasn’t about competition, but rather about celebrating the craft and supporting one another. It was a lesson that would shape his career and encourage him to embrace the vulnerability that came with his music.

Their paths would cross in the late ’60s, during a benefit concert in Nashville, where both artists shared the stage. As Elvis watched Roy perform, an overwhelming sense of respect washed over him. Here was a man who, like him, had poured his spirit into every song, reaching out to audiences through the power of emotion. In that moment, Elvis clapped louder than anyone else, cherishing the sound of Roy’s voice. While they were both stars in their own right, it was clear that respect transcended rivalry in the world of music.

As the night came to an end, Elvis pulled Roy aside, a sincere smile on his face. “Man, you’ve got something really special,” he said, his voice genuine and warm. Roy, shy yet filled with gratitude, could hardly believe the words coming from the King himself. In that exchange, a bond was formed, one built on respect and admiration. The feeling lingered long after, reminding both artists that no matter how high they climbed in their careers, the true essence of music lay in the connections they made and the stories they shared. Together, they proved that in the world of melody and harmony, admiration could create a harmony that resonated with every heart.