“Tell Laura I Love Her” is a poignant and tragic song by American singer Ray Peterson, released in 1960. The song tells the story of a young man named Tommy who enters a stock car race to win money to buy a wedding ring for his girlfriend, Laura. In a tragic turn of events, Tommy dies in a crash during the race, and in his final moments, he asks a friend to “tell Laura I love her.”
The song’s heartfelt lyrics and Peterson’s emotive delivery struck a chord with audiences, making it a controversial and highly popular tune upon its release. Its themes of young love, sacrifice, and tragedy resonated with listeners, even though the song’s dark narrative caused some radio stations to ban it.
“Tell Laura I Love Her” reached high positions on the charts in various countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The song became one of Ray Peterson’s most well-known hits, although it also stirred controversy and discussions about its suitability for airplay due to its tragic content.
Over the years, the song has maintained its status as a classic example of the dramatic storytelling style prevalent in early 1960s pop music. Despite its somber theme, “Tell Laura I Love Her” continues to be remembered for its emotional impact and its representation of the era’s musical and lyrical sensibilities.
