Think you know everything about the man behind the haunting voice of “Oh, Pretty Woman”? Think again.

Roy Orbison, the legendary “Big O” of rock and roll, had a life as dramatic and enigmatic as his soaring falsetto.

In this article, we’ll uncover seven mind-blowing facts about Orbison that even his most devoted fans might have missed—from his near-Olympic dreams to the bizarre coincidence that saved his life.

1. He Was Almost an Olympian (Seriously!)

Before he was belting out operatic rock ballads, young Roy Orbison was a star athlete.

In high school, he set a long jump record that stood for decades—and his coach insisted he had Olympic potential.

But fate (and a guitar) intervened: After winning a talent show with his band, Orbison chose music over track and field.

2. His Signature Sunglasses Weren’t Just for Style

Those iconic black frames hid a heartbreaking secret.

Orbison began wearing them after accidentally left his regular glasses on a plane in 1963.

But the look stuck because they helped him cope with crippling stage fright—and later, masked his tears after losing his wife and two sons in separate tragedies.

3. He Survived a Plane Crash… Because of a Coin Toss

In 1964, Orbison was supposed to fly on Buddy Holly’s ill-fated plane—the same one that later crashed, killing Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper.

At the last minute, Orbison gave his seat to Waylon Jennings… because Jennings lost a coin toss.

Talk about a twist of fate!

4. Elvis Was His Backup Singer (Once!)

In a surreal studio session, a then-unknown Elvis Presley sang backup on Orbison’s 1956 song “Ooby Dooby.”

History doesn’t record whether they realized they’d both become legends—or that Elvis would later cover Orbison’s “Pretty Woman” in concert.

5. He Had a Secret Songwriting Superpower

Orbison often wrote songs backward—starting with the title and working his way to the verse.

“I’d get a name like ‘Leah’ or ‘Crowd,’ then build the story around it,” he once admitted.

This explains why his hits feel like mini-movies with twist endings.

6. A Beatles Cover Saved His Career

By 1963, Orbison’s career was fading—until The Beatles covered “Please Please Me” (originally written for him).

The Fab Four’s shout-out reignited interest, leading to his iconic “Oh, Pretty Woman” comeback.

7. He’s in the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Sort of.

Orbison’s “Pretty Woman” was the first song ever played over loudspeakers at a NASCAR race in 1992—earning him an honorary induction.

Not bad for a guy who once said he “couldn’t change a tire.”

From Olympic dreams to brushes with death, Roy Orbison’s life was stranger—and more fascinating—than fiction.

Which fact shocked you the most? Share this article with a fellow music lover and keep the “Big O’s” legacy alive!