Roy Orbison

1936 - 1988 (RIP)
Vocals, guitar, songwriting
From
Vernon, Texas
Genre
Rock'n'roll
I still can't decide...
...between Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. They were both so damn talented, and though Elvis has the far edge in impact (and dancing), I'd give Orbison the slight nod in favor of voice and musicianship.
As a songwriter, he was a straight genius, and his cherubic, rangy voice enhanced his brilliance.
His song "In Dreams" was controversially used during an exuberantly violent and vulgar scene in the movie Blue Velvet (one of the greatest movies ever made, check it out).
Best Album
In Dreams (1963)

Brilliance
"In Dreams" (one of those songs you have to hear before you die)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmgik3AozCA
"Crying"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=074_qFG4Y0U
"Oh! Pretty Woman" (popularized by Van Halen)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rlB_q6l ... re=related
"Only the Lonely"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2whGEvy13Ag