Roy Orbison
ROY ORBISON
(APRIL 23, 1936 – DECEMBER 6, 1988)
ROY KELTON ORBISON WAS ONE OF AMERICA’S MOST FAMED ROCK AND ROLL MUSICIANS. BORN IN VERNON (WILBARGER CO.), ORBISON AND FAMILY MOVED OFTEN AND BY 1946 THEY HAD SETTLED IN WINK. THE ORBISONS LIVED AT 102 LANGLEY WAY (NOW 105 NORTH ROY ORBISON DRIVE). AS A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT IN WINK, ORBISON FORMED HIS FIRST BAND, THE WINK WESTERNERS (LATER THE TEEN KINGS). HE ATTENDED NORTH TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY AT WHICH TIME THE TEEN KINGS RECORDED “OOBY DOOBY,” A SONG WHICH LED TO THEIR SIGNING BY SUN RECORDS IN 1956.
BY THE EARLY 1960s, ORBISON HAD SIGNED WITH MONUMENT RECORDS, WHERE HE HAD HIS GREATEST COMMERCIAL SUCCESS, RECORDING SONGS LIKE “ONLY THE LONELY (KNOW THE WAY I FEEL),” “CRYING,” “IN DREAMS,” “RUNNING SCARED” AND “OH! PRETTY WOMAN.” BY THIS TIME, ORBISON HAD PERFECTED HIS UNIQUE, POWERFUL SINGING VOICE, WHILE FOCUSING ON COMPLEX MELODIES IN HIS MUSIC. HE ALSO BEGAN TO WEAR HIS FAMILIAR DARK SUNGLASSES DURING PERFORMANCES.
BY THE MID-1960s, THOUGH, ORBISON’S CAREER LANGUISHED. IN ADDITION, HE SUFFERED A NUMBER OF PERSONAL TRAGEDIES. IN 1966, ORBISON’S WIFE, CLAUDETTE (FRADY), DIED IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT; TWO YEARS LATER, TWO OF THEIR THREE SONS DIED IN A FIRE. IN 1969, ORBISON REMARRIED; HE WOULD HAVE TWO MORE SONS. IN THE LATE 1970s, OTHER ARTISTS BEGAN COVERING ORBISON’S MUSIC AND BY THE LATE 1980s, HIS CAREER WAS REVIVED. ORBISON WAS INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME IN 1987. IN 1988, HE RECORDED THE ALBUM, MYSTERY GIRL, WHICH INCLUDED THE HIT, “YOU GOT IT.” BEFORE IT WAS FINALIZED, ORBISON DIED UNEXPECTEDLY OF A HEART ATTACK. THE ALBUM WAS RELEASED POSTHUMOUSLY AND WAS A SUCCESS. TODAY, ORBISON CONTINUES TO BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS LEGACY OF MUSIC, WHICH HAS INSPIRED GENERATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL MUSICIANS.
(2009)
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
During the early years, the economy of Winkler County was primarily based on agriculture and cattle ranching. Farmers grew crops such as cotton, maize, and sorghum, while ranchers raised livestock in the vast open spaces. These industries thrived until the devastating drought of the 1930s, which severely impacted agricultural productivity and forced many residents to leave.
The discovery of oil in 1926 radically transformed the county and ushered in a new era of prosperity. Winkler County became an important player in the West Texas oil boom, attracting thousands of people in search of work and fortune. Oil companies and drilling operations quickly sprang up, providing employment and boosting the local economy. The discovery of the oilfield at Hendrick Ranch marked the beginning of a thriving oil industry that continues to this day.
Over the years, Winkler County has experienced ups and downs in its oil industry, with periods of boom and bust. However, the county has also made efforts to diversify its economy. Today, in addition to oil production, agriculture remains an important sector, with ranching and crop cultivation contributing to the local economy. Winkler County also benefits from its proximity to the Permian Basin, one of the most significant oil-producing regions in the country. Despite the challenges faced throughout its history, Winkler County has grown into a resilient community with its roots deeply intertwined with the oil industry, while also maintaining its agricultural heritage.
Winkler County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Winkler County, Texas.
- 1910 - Winkler County is officially established from parts of Tom Green County and Loving County.
- 1926 - The Hendrick oilfield is discovered, leading to a boom in population and economic growth.
- 1930 - Wink, the county seat, is incorporated.
- 1940s - Winkler County experiences a decline in population due to the end of the oil boom.
- 1970 - The Wink Sink No. 1, a large sinkhole, is formed in the county.
- 1984 - The Wink Sinkhole is designated a state park.
- 1991 - The Wink Sinkhole expands and causes damage to infrastructure in the area.
- 1998 - The Wink Sinkhole is closed to the public due to safety concerns.
- 2017 - Winkler County celebrates its centennial anniversary.