Tell Laura I Love Her – Ray Peterson

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

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
And 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
Tell Laura I love her
Tell Laura I love her