Definition

Proper noun * Roy Orbison: An American singer, songwriter, and musician, known for his powerful, operatic voice and emotional ballads within the rock and roll and rockabilly genres. He was a prominent figure in popular music during the 1950s and 1960s.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • "Only the Lonely" is one of Orbison's most famous songs.
  • Many musicians cite Orbison as a major influence on their work.
  • The concert featured a tribute to the music of Roy Orbison.

Advanced Usage

• The name "Orbison" is often used metonymically to refer to his distinctive musical style or vocal technique.
  • The singer's performance had a touch of Orbison in its dramatic delivery.

Variants and Related Words

• Orbisonian (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of Roy Orbison or his music.
  • The song's melancholic melody and soaring vocals are truly Orbisonian.

Synonyms

• The Big O (a common nickname)
• The Caruso of Rock (a descriptive epithet)

Related Idioms & Phrases

• (Singing) in the shadow of Orbison: Used to describe a performer with a powerful, dramatic vocal style that invites comparison to Roy Orbison.
  • With that four-octave range, he's been singing in the shadow of Orbison his entire career.

Noun

1. United States composer and rockabilly tenor popular in the 1950s (1936-1988)