Tell Laura I Love Her

Ray Peterson

About Tell Laura I Love Her

"Tell Laura I Love Her", a teenage tragedy song written by Jeff Barry and Ben Raleigh, was an American Top Ten popular music hit for singer Ray Peterson in 1960 on RCA Victor Records, reaching #7 on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Later that same year, the song was recorded and released by Ricky Valance in the United Kingdom, where it went all the way to the #1 spot in the UK Singles Chart. "Tell Laura I Love Her" has been a hit in 14 countries, and has sold over seven million copies. "Tell Laura I Love Her" is the tragic story of a teenage boy named Tommy who is desperately in love with a girl named Laura. Although they are only teenagers, he wants to marry her, so he enters a stock car race, hoping to win, and use the prize money to buy Laura a wedding ring. The second verse tells how the boy's car overturned and burst into flames—though no-one knows how it happened. Tommy is fatally injured and his last words are "Tell Laura I love her... My love for her will never die." In the final verse, Laura prays inside the chapel, where she can still hear Tommy's voice intoning the title one more time, before it fades out. 


Year:
1995
2:49
58 
#1

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Laura and Tommy were lovers
He wanted to give her everything
Flowers, presents and most of all, a wedding ring
He saw a sign for a stock car race
A thousand dollar prize it read
He couldn't get Laura on the phone
So to her mother Tommy said

Tell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need her
Tell Laura I may be late
I've something to do, that cannot wait

He drove his car to the racing grounds
He was the youngest driver there
The crowed roared as they started the race
'Round the track they drove at a deadly pace
No one knows what happened that day
How his car overturned in flames
But as they pulled him from the twisted wreck
With his dying breath, they heard him say

Tell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need her
Tell Laura not to cry
My love for her will never die

And in the chapel where Laura prays
For Tommy who passed away
It was just for Laura he lived and died
Alone in the chapel she can hear him cry

Tell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need her
Tell Laura not to cry
My love for her will never die
Tell Laura I love her

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Ray Peterson

Ray Peterson (April 23, 1939 – January 25, 2005) was an American pop music singer who was best remembered for singing "Tell Laura I Love Her" and "Corrine, Corrina" in the 1960s. more »

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Written by: Jeff Barry, Ben Raleigh

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, STEEPLECHASE MUSIC, Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Evolution of the Song
"Tell Laura I Love Her" was initially performed by Ray Peterson in 1960. However, the song composed by Jeff Barry and Ben Raleigh has been covered by many artists, including Ricky Valance.
Controversy
The song was considered controversial at the time due to its tragic storyline. It tells the tale of the protagonist entering a car race to win money for his girlfriend's engagement ring, but he tragically dies in a crash.
Chart Performance
Despite initial controversy, Peterson’s version reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1960, showcasing the song's popularity during this time.
International Success
Ricky Valance's cover became a hit in the UK, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1960. Making him the first Welshman to have a UK Number One hit single.
Impact on Ricky Valance's Career
The success of "Tell Laura I Love Her" effectively launched Ricky Valance's career. Even though he could not replicate the same level of success with his subsequent releases, this song made him a one-hit-wonder.
Reaction in Various Countries
Various versions of "Tell Laura I Love Her" have charted in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and Norway, showcasing its global appeal.
Legacy
The song has persisted in popular culture over the years, being covered by several artists in different languages and appearing in various films and television shows.
Contribution to the Composer's Career
For Jeff Barry, co-writing "Tell Laura I Love Her" was one of his early successes that helped establish his career as a prolific songwriter. He later went on to co-write numerous other hit songs.
Genre
"Tell Laura I Love Her" is categorized under pop and teen tragedy songs – a popular storytelling genre in the late '50s and early '60s – melding story-telling lyrics with popular music.
Different Interpretations
The song's tragedy-driven narrative leaves room for different interpretations. Some see it as a classic love story cut short, while others view it as a cautionary tale about reckless behavior.
Influence on Popular Culture
Despite its tragic storyline, "Tell Laura I Love Her" has made its mark on pop culture. Its lines and melody continue to be replicated and parodied in various forms of entertainment, over 60 years after its release.
Awards and Recognition
Although the song did not receive any awards at the time of its release, its enduring popularity and influence on pop culture make it a classic in its own right.

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    Tell Laura I Love Her

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1960

    Billboard #7


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