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Decca Records in England decided not to release Ray Peterson's 1960 recording of the song on the grounds that it was "too tasteless and vulgar" and destroyed about twenty-five thousand copies that had already been pressed. The BBC refused to play teenage tragedy songs like "Tell Laura I Love Her", but, thanks to airplay on Radio Luxembourg, Valance was rewarded with a number 1 hit in September 1960. Valance appeared in the 1961 A Song For Europe competition, hoping to represent the UK in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. His song, "Why Can't We?", placed third out of the nine entries; the winner was "Are You Sure?" performed by the Allisons.
Ricky Valance RIP on 08:41 - Jun 13 by Radlett_blue
Decca Records in England decided not to release Ray Peterson's 1960 recording of the song on the grounds that it was "too tasteless and vulgar" and destroyed about twenty-five thousand copies that had already been pressed. The BBC refused to play teenage tragedy songs like "Tell Laura I Love Her", but, thanks to airplay on Radio Luxembourg, Valance was rewarded with a number 1 hit in September 1960. Valance appeared in the 1961 A Song For Europe competition, hoping to represent the UK in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. His song, "Why Can't We?", placed third out of the nine entries; the winner was "Are You Sure?" performed by the Allisons.
The first time a Welshman had a number one hit.
Then, of course, Tom Jones came along and then it wasn't unusual.
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