Ricky Valance, whose controversial song Tell Laura I Love Her was briefly banned by the BBC, has died after a long battle with dementia. His agent confirmed the death and said he was hospitalized since March.
Born David Spencer, Valance became the first Welshman to have a solo UK Number One hit with Tell Laura I Love Her in 1960. He had been in the Air Force before embarking on a music career.
Adopting the name Ricky Valance, he began performing in clubs in the north of England. He was signed to a record deal and recorded his signature song, which tells the tragic story of a boy called Tommy who dies in an accident, but manages to gasp out a final statement on his love for a girl called Laura.
The song was controversial upon release in those more conservative times, and briefly banned by the BBC because of fears...
Born David Spencer, Valance became the first Welshman to have a solo UK Number One hit with Tell Laura I Love Her in 1960. He had been in the Air Force before embarking on a music career.
Adopting the name Ricky Valance, he began performing in clubs in the north of England. He was signed to a record deal and recorded his signature song, which tells the tragic story of a boy called Tommy who dies in an accident, but manages to gasp out a final statement on his love for a girl called Laura.
The song was controversial upon release in those more conservative times, and briefly banned by the BBC because of fears...
- 6/13/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
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