"Oh, Pretty Woman,", "Only the Lonely," and "Crying" are three hit songs recorded by which Texas-born American singer-songwriter?

Roy Orbison is the answer. Born in Vernon, Texas, Orbison became a Texas-born singer-songwriter associated with Monument Records, early rock and roll, dramatic pop ballads, and a powerful voice that helped make his early-1960s recordings stand apart from many other hits of the period.

Roy Orbison’s Texas Roots

Roy Orbison was born in Vernon, Texas, and built his recording identity around a mix of rock and roll, country influence, and emotional pop songwriting. His early career included work before Monument Records, but many of his best-known early-1960s hits came during his Monument period. That recording era helped define the sound most closely connected with his name.

The Hits Named in the Question

“Only the Lonely” helped establish Orbison’s dramatic pop-ballad style. “Crying” became one of his signature emotional recordings, using a slow-building structure that suited his voice. “Oh, Pretty Woman” became one of his biggest and most widely recognized hits, giving him a more driving rock and roll success alongside his ballads.

Orbison’s Dramatic Vocal Style

Orbison was known for a wide-ranging voice that could move from restrained verses into dramatic high notes. His songs often built tension gradually rather than relying on a simple repeated chorus. His dark glasses and still stage presence also became part of his public image, giving his performances a distinct look that matched the seriousness of many of his recordings.

Recognition After the 1960s

Roy Orbison’s influence continued well beyond his biggest early hits. His blend of rock and roll structure, pop ballad emotion, and dramatic vocal control shaped how later performers approached intense, carefully built songs. He was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, giving concrete recognition to his place in American music history.