damn the luck...the futher times marches foward the more information we are losing...so now do you see why i asked you to join in on discussions?
ricky did a great version of tell laura i love her but i always thought the original was ray peterson wasn't it?he did corinna corinna...i always dug that song...here is what i found on ricky...
Born David Spencer in 1940 in Ynysddu, in the Sirhowy Valley in South Wales, he was the eldest of seven children. Times were tough, and upon leaving school he tried various jobs before joining the RAF aged 17.
After being discharged, he decided to pursue a career in singing. He signed to EMI and recorded his cover of Ray Peterson's US hit Tell Laura I Love Her, which beat Elvis, Cliff and Roy Orbison to the number one spot.
It was a controversial release at the time, dealing with the death of a loved one. Today the song has been a hit in 14 countries, and has sold over seven million copies. He released several follow-ups, including Movin' Away, Jimmy's Girl and Six Boys, but none of them were significant hits.
Ricky carved out a career singing on the cabaret and nostalgia circuit. Then, following a bout of severe depression and a nervous breakdown he became a born-again Christian.
Today Ricky Valance still performs, singing country songs, rock 'n' roll and ballads.
he lives in spain now and a recent post was made by a young lady...Sue Coley, Costa Blanca, Spain
I spoke to Ricky Valance today (22/3/07). We talked about doing some shows here in North Costa Blanca. He is well,and has been living here for five years. He hopes to go over again to the UK soon to perform. Great guy!
so maybe we will see his name on the marquee soon...
wiki has a nice write up on him too....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricky_Valance