Few may be aware of Orbison's extremely painful and heart-rending experiences, or the fact that the recording promoters recommended he appear in posters and photographs as little as possible, hiding him invariably behind large, dark shades.
He and his wife greatly enjoyed motorcycling. One day, he driving behind her own bike, he witnessed the event as she drove under a semi-trailer truck, killed instantly. Some years later, his two little boys burned to death in a house fire.
Promotional rumor urged belief he indulged in drugs (part of the era's "culture"), when in fact he abstained even from alcohol.
I always felt his most moving song was "Running Scared"; many I talk to do not even remember it. imp