Asa Orbison's New Music Is Rooted in Family, but Uniquely Her Own (Exclusive)
A new collection of music from Asa Orbison blends fresh music with a thoughtful sense of tradition and timeless influence.
In a Parade exclusive Orbison discussed her musical journey and latest project, Swedish Jazz Standards. The LP was produced by her husband, Roy Orbison, Jr., and includes a mix of traditional jazz standards with Swedish lyrics.
Orbison was influenced by songs she grew up listening to. She was fascinated by Swedish artists such as Monica Zetterlund, Alice Babs, and Siw Malmkvist, who came to the United States in the '60s to play with jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Bill Evans.
Her love for jazz continued throughout her adult life. When she met Roy Jr. at a park in Sweden, they clicked immediately and carried on a long-distance relationship before she moved to the United States where they married and welcomed four children: Roy Orbison III, Bo, Love, and Sun.
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Orbison said that through their partnership, Roy Jr. came to deeply appreciate jazz music. "Roy was alone in my apartment while I was at work. He would listen to my [jazz] records. Although he was rock and roll, he really got into it."
Today, Roy Jr. acts as his wife's producer. His love of the genre, paired with his deep devotion to his wife, helps shape a body of work that feels both timeless and distinctly personal.
"Roy has a lot of ideas, whether its a horn, or guitar solo, or the way the piano should sound. He's got a very complicated brain and he thinks about the music and works on it all the time," Orbison explained.
The track list for the LP Swedish Jazz Standards includes the songs "Värmlandsvisan," ""Sakta Vi Gå Genom Stan (Walking My Baby Back Home)," "Lullaby of Birdland," "En Bedårande Sommarvals (Bluesette)," "I New York," ""Midnattssolen (Midnight Sun)," "Monicas Vals," and "Familjen Flinta."
Roy Jr.'s production creates a strong artistic bridge between the United States and Sweden. He said in a statement, "As a producer, I see Swedish Jazz Standards as a uniquely
well-grounded project, both historically and musically. Asa has a clear artistic direction and an ability to interpret the material with authenticity, while also bringing her own distinct voice to it."
The couple teamed up with legendary Swedish jazz guitarist Ulf Wakenius [who played with legendry jazz pianist Oscar Peterson] for the collection of songs, and his masterful playing adds depth and texture to the project.
Roy said of the collaboration, "I have followed Ulf Wakenius's work for a long time, and his musicality, precision, and international experience add a level of depth that is essential to the whole. Together, we are creating a production that serves as a natural link between the Swedish jazz tradition and the American standard repertoire."
The couple's love of music is generational. Roy Jr.'s father, Roy Orbison Sr., helped shape the sound of early rock and pop with his soaring voice, emotional ballads, and timeless songwriting, leaving behind a catalog of hits that defined an era and influenced countless artists.
Today, the couple's son, Roy Orbison III, is showing the same passion for music. At just 10 years old, he's supported not only by his family legacy but by a close-knit circle of friends who feel like family and encourage him along the way.
Orbison explained, "He has already been on stage with Joe Walsh [The Eagles, who is his godfather. Walsh's wife Marjorie is his godmother]. He was six years old when he played 'Rocky Mountain Way' on stage in front of 22,000 people."
Orbison added that while other children might have been intimidated, Roy III was excited. She shared he already has a plan for his future; he wants to "get married, be a rock star, retire early and spend time with his family."
Roy Orbison Sr. would have been 90 years old on April 23, 2026. He died in 1988 at 52.
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 8:25 AM.