Sam Orbison

Sam Orbison, the last remaining Orbison brother, has passed away. Known for continuing to keep his brother, Roy Orbison’s musical legacy alive, The Roy Orbison Story chronicled the life and times of this classic figure in music, telling the story of  Roy’s birth in Texas to his death in 1988, and was told by his brother Sam, who travelled with Roy as his business manager for many years. The songs were performed by Bernie Jessome with a full band, and tells the tragedies and triumphs, while Jessome eerily looked and sounded just like Roy. 

Cashbox Canada spoke to Bernie Jessome, a Canadian native,  who was mentored by Sam to capture the essence of both the vocals and stage presence that the man with sunglasses made famous.

Jessome had this to say:

“I first met Sam Orbison in 1994, at a New Year’s Eve Gig at The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in downtown, Toronto, Canada. Sam asked me to work with him, as the lead role in ‘The Roy Orbison Story.' We toured extensively throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe. My fondest memory of him was his love of good food. Sam was neither a drinker nor a smoker, but boy could he eat! Sam captivated audiences wherever we went, fans would always flock to him. He once said,  “If I close my eyes when you sing, Bernie, I think I have my brother back.” What a compliment.  I can’t thank Sam enough for the support he gave me. I will never forget him.”

Sam Orbison died peacefully in his sleep on October 8 2010. Sweet Dreams, Sam. We hope you are reunited now with the brother you loved so much.

Bernie Jessome continues to perform as Roy Orbison.