Roy Head

Video

Oral History Information

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Birth Date
Deceased Date
Job Title
Vocalist

Roy Head was born a sharecropper's son in the tiny town of Three Rivers, Texas. Growing up listening to every style of music available on his small radio, Roy became heavily influenced by early Rhythm & Blues musicians. While still in high school Roy and five buddies formed the band The Traits, which first recorded in 1958 for TNT Records. With Roy stepping into the role as lead singer and a small name change, the band landed an international hit in 1965 "Treat Her Right" as Roy Head & The Traits. Combining Rockabilly and R&B, Roy’s powerful and soulful approach to his songs lead to a series of influential records including several as a solo artist such as A Head of His Time in 1976 and Living For A Song in 1985.