First Welshman At Number One
Ray Peterson's original version of "Tell Laura I Love Her" was not released in the United Kingdom, because Decca Records considered it in bad taste. EMI subsequently arranged for Valance to cover the song, which was co-written by Jeff Barry. Valance thus became the first Welshman to reach the top spot - Shirley Bassey being the first Welsh person.
After topping the UK Singles Chart, 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.
He released several more singles, including "Movin' Away", "Jimmy's Girl" and "Six Boys", but none of them were UK hits. However, over 100,000 copies sold of "Jimmy´s Girl", and "Moving Away" made it to number one in Australia and Scandinavia, with 150,000 copies sold. Valance changed to a career on the cabaret and nostalgia circuit. Following a bout of severe depression and a nervous breakdown, Valance became a born-again Christian.
In being unable to replicate his initial UK chart success, he thus remains a one-hit wonder.
Valance now lives in Cabo Roig on the outskirts of Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca in Spain, where he still performs on a regular basis. He also has a home in Blaenau Gwent in Wales.
Read more about this topic: Ricky Valance
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