American singer-songwriter (1936-1988). Born in Vernon, Texas. Distinguished by his operatic three-octave vocal range, dramatic ballads, and signature dark glasses (originally worn after he accidentally left his clear glasses on a plane).
Released over 20 studio albums between Lonely and Blue (1961) and the posthumous Mystery Girl (1989). Career peak: "Only the Lonely," "In Dreams," "Crying," and "Oh, Pretty Woman" — all top-10 hits between 1960 and 1964. Career-revival second act came with the Traveling Wilburys (with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty) in 1988. Died of a heart attack in December 1988. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
