Ricky Valance: the first Welshman at Number One
A new series, They Sold A Million, starts tomorrow on 91Èȱ¬ One Wales (10.35pm), examining the careers of some of the Welsh people whose charisma, talent and sheer chutzpah led to them selling records by the bucketload. First up it's one of the all-time classic 'one hit wonders': Ricky Valance.
Rick Valance performing in 2011
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. In September 1960 it hit the top of the hit parade, driven by Radio Luxembourg support. The 91Èȱ¬ were less supportive, apparently banning it.
Listen to Valance talking about the song and its 'banning' on the 91Èȱ¬ Wales programme The Dragon's Breath:
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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. And no, he didn't sing La Bamba. That was Ritchie Valens.
Do you remember Ricky Valance? Feel free to comment! If you want to have your say, on this or any other 91Èȱ¬ blog, you will need to sign in to your 91Èȱ¬ iD account. If you don't have a 91Èȱ¬ iD account, you can - it'll allow you to contribute to a range of 91Èȱ¬ sites and services using a single login.
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Adam Walton
Bethan Elfyn
James McLaren
Laura Sinnerton
Comment number 1.
At 23rd Apr 2012, Welshchef wrote:Radio Caroline did well to drive Tell Laura I Love Her to the number 1 spot, especially as they did not go on air until Easter 1964, some four years later. Perhaps Radio Luxembourg had something to do with it instead.
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Comment number 2.
At 23rd Apr 2012, leighrichards wrote:have to say i had no idea he was welsh...assumed from the track that made him famous he was american....goes to show we learn new things every day...
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Comment number 3.
At 23rd Apr 2012, James McLaren - 91Èȱ¬ wrote:Oh goodness me. Thanks Welshchef! That's now been changed.
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Comment number 4.
At 23rd Apr 2012, WT4 wrote:I think it was the choice of change of name did not help with the 91Èȱ¬, because Richie Valance had died the previous year and with that and the subject of the song was untastful for the early 60's
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Comment number 5.
At 25th Apr 2012, djwhatsoccurin wrote:what a sad documentary-Ricky feels that the term "one hit wonder" is not respectful, but it is a great song ,part of many peoples memories-I recall Jimmy Osmond saying that he feels an absolute berk singing Long Haired Lover from Liverpool at his age but that is what the audience want-There are a number of ensemble 1960s musical tours and Ricky would be great on one of those.
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