Ricky Valence

[Nemesis]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-53026822

Ricky Valence, born in Wales, of Tell Laura I Love her fame has died.

[Hugo]

I remember the record very well but never realised until I heard on the news last night that he was a Welshman. 

[Nemesis]

I always thought, not that I had thought much on the subject, that he was American. Think I could still have the single somewhere !The fact that the BBC banned it was a big attraction in those days. Same thing with the Shangrilas Walking in the Sand.

[DVT]

Real name David Spencer ... the Ricky Valance name must have been to make him sound a bit more "hip".

One of my favourite records of all time, but as someone who has been involved in motor sport for more than 50 years I was always puzzled how Tommy could get his competition licence, and his car prepared for racing - having simply turned up and raced !!!  But all that would spoil the song lyrics, I am sure!

There were quite a few such tragic records at the time - Twinkle's "Terry" is another one that was a big hit.

RIP

[Hugo]

There were quite a few such tragic records at the time - Twinkle's "Terry" is another one that was a big hit.

RIP

I remember those type of songs very well and the Everley Brothers had one called Ebony Eyes which may have been on the b side of one of their hits