Jeff Barry and Ben Raleigh authored this death rock ballad, which Ray Peterson recorded for RCA Victor in the US and Ricky Valance for EMI-Columbia in the UK, both in 1960. Several radio stations prohibited the broadcast of this and similar death rock ballads like “Last Kiss” or “Endless Sleep,” expressing concerns that they might encourage teenage suicide. Despite these restrictions, it secured the seventh position on the national record charts in August 1960.

About This Song

Ray Peterson gained recognition for recording “The Wonder of You” (later covered by Elvis Presley), “Missing You,” and “Corinna, Corinna.” His journey into singing began during childhood when he contracted polio, entertaining the hospital ward with his vocal talents. Peterson, known for his extraordinary four-octave range, later became a Baptist minister. Unfortunately, he succumbed to cancer in 2005.

“The Wonder of You” marked Jeff Barry’s inaugural significant pop hit. His collaboration with wife Ellie Greenwich led to numerous subsequent successes in songwriting.

 

Video

Lyric

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Laura and Tommy were loversHe wanted to give her everythingFlowers, presents and most of all, a wedding ringHe saw a sign for a stock car raceA thousand dollar prize it readHe couldn’t get Laura on the phoneSo to her mother, Tommy said
Tell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need herTell Laura I may be lateI’ve something to do, that cannot wait
He drove his car to the racing groundsHe was the youngest driver thereAnd the crowed roared as they started the race‘Round the track they drove at a deadly paceNo one knows what happened that dayHow his car overturned in flamesBut as they pulled him from the twisted wreckWith his dying breath, they heard him say
Tell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need herTell Laura not to cryMy love for her will never die
And in the chapel where Laura praysFor Tommy who passed awayIt was just for Laura he lived and diedAlone in the chapel she can hear him cry
Tell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need herTell Laura not to cryMy love for her will never dieTell Laura I love herTell Laura I love herTell Laura I love her