Tribute artist Brian McCullough



Critics and fans agree, Brian McCullough is incredible.
His talented and accurate portrayal of Roy Orbison has won him respect from insiders who knew the star personally and professionally, and acclaim from Roy's fans who come to see him again and again.

Brian has been traveling and singing the beautiful and challenging songs of Roy Orbison fulltime since 1992. His tribute artist career began calmly enough, purely as a hobby during his years of being a writer and radio show host in New England - that announcer with the smooth "voice of authority" you heard in everything from familiar commercials to interactive exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.

A fan videotaped one of Brian's performances -without his knowledge- and sent it off to a Las Vegas producer. A surprised Brian received the resultant telephone call - that producer was John Stuart, the show was the world famous "Legends in Concert", and Brian's journey to bring Roy Orbison's music to venues all over the map was quickly underway.

Clients and fans appreciate Brian's consistant talent as much today as when he changed from radio personality to onstage star eighteen years ago. Since his first gig in Atlantic City, he has enjoyed repeat appearances at showrooms in major casinos throughout the US; shows in Nashville, Myrtle Beach and Branson, plus stops all over Eastern Canada, New England, Texas, Florida, California, Arizona, Illinois, in many Native American casinos across the US, and for good measure, even months at sea entertaining cruise ship passengers. And, Brian has developed and dedicated a special dinner show entirely to Roy - 2 full hours of his songs from all eras, from the 50's to the Traveling Wilburys.

He has performed for members of Roy Orbison's band and for some of Roy's most die-hard fans from across the world at their annual gatherings in Ohio and Nashville, giving him the chance to meet members of the original Orbison staff and some of Roy's friends and family.

Brian continues to take his characterization in new directions, working with Elvis tribute artist Peter Alden, Dave Fontana, and the "Crown Electric Company" band to create "Elvis and Roy - The Lost Concert". The show features medleys and adaptations specifically created to capture the essence of a concert with these two beloved superstars which sadly for all of us, never happened in the "real world".
Part B - Brian's personal side...

The folks who know, agree -- Brian is simply THE BEST.....

"I can only say after working with Roy and being in the business as long as I have, and looking for that different, unique voice....as far as being a producer that when I heard your voice, I heard that very same uniqueness that Roy had....and now that is gone, except for what he left on tapes, CDs and videos. You have that unique sound, and the feel, and the vibrato that he was so very famous for....so carry on, and be yourself, and let Roy's voice live through you. If I were to put you against the rest I have heard, then they are not even in the running. If I can help in any possible way, please, let me know....I will endorse that great voice of yours to the max!!!"
Bucky Barrett, Roy's lead guitar player, in Nashville.

"I had to listen to this more than once. Then I went to my files and spent a few hours looking over my pictures and charts and memories of my time with Roy. I hadn't looked at them in years because it had been too painful. Thank you for helping to give me back that part of my life."
Jim Johnson, Roy's bass player, after receiving his copy of Brian's CD "Orbisonia".

"This is so cool!...It's like being back in the 80s!"
"Turbo" Kirby, Roy's keyboard player, who insisted on having his picture taken with Brian after "The Lost Concert - Roy and Elvis" show in Nashville.

"You know that Roy Orbison song, "You Got It"?.....well, Brother, you got it!
Gordon Stoker, tenor in the legendary vocal group "The Jordanaires"



Brian McCullough was born right in the middle of the "baby boom" years. In spite of growing up a 15th-generation New England Yankee, Brian and his wife Jean are now at home near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina when not on the road. (She is a transplant to the East Coast, having given up the wide open spaces of the West). Brian's daughter Anna and her family are in Massachusetts; daughter Amanda and hers are in Texas.

The Internet keeps Brian in touch with business, friends and family no matter where he might be, and most of his off hours even during show season are invested in computer work with genealogy and historical projects on which he has worked for years.

And, all that time he spent on the air in radio went hand in hand with Brian's knowledge and collections of early American music. Should you need to know for any odd reason, what song was topping the charts in 1952, or 1906, (and what old movie the first was used in, or what kind of Victorian phonograph the latter was played on)...he's your man to ask!

There is not any genre of music he does not appreciate. Yes, you'll find Brian playing any and everything Roy Orbison ever recorded - alternating with an LP of a R&B great or one of the antique "graphophones" from his collection being cranked up to play an old wax-cylinder record of a vaudeville tenor. But this dedicated guy is not all work and black silk shirts. Nice days before showtimes will find him out exploring whatever city he happens to be appearing in by bicycle. Classic car gatherings on summer nights might include a certain golden '63 Buick Riviera with the appropriate license plate of "In Dreams", and a driver in familiar sunglasses (who cannot go past an antique shop, a historical marker on the highway or a crumbling cemetery without stopping).



Brian throughly enjoys his career, his family, his traveling (make that traveling-Wilbury) lifestyle and consistantly considers himself a man truly blessed. He is both exactingly professional and still easy-going.
Roy and he would have gotten along just fine.

"back-to-business" : return to text Part A

Brian McCullough / Roy Orbison / biography page 12 small
















"I can't pretend to speak for all who do shows in tribute to Roy, but we professionals as a general rule are quick to agree that there is only one Roy Orbison.

I'm certainly not going to say I could replace the man, nor would I want to. My job is to perform his songs, adopt his look, respect his legacy and give his fans a focal point to honor the man and their memories of him."

Brian McCullough