Ricky Valance dies aged 84: Welsh star who sang ‘Tell Laura I love her’ passes away in hospital after long battle with dementia
Welsh singer Ricky Valance has died aged 84 following a battle against dementia.
An agent for the Tell Laura I Love Her star confirmed the sad news yesterday.
Valance, born David Spencer in Ynysddu, Monmouthshire, Wales in April 1939, began a career in music after initially serving in the military.
He released albums during the 60s, 70s, and 80s, while his most famous single Tell Laura I Love Her was a major UK number one hit in 1960.
A re-release of his song was released in 2016 to mark its 55th anniversary.
The BBC report his agent announcing yesterday: ‘(Valance) had been diagnosed with dementia and had been in hospital since before the start of lockdown.’
Tell Laura I Love Her was a controversial song upon its release, with the lyrics detailing the story of a boy called Tommy who loved a girl called Laura.
Valance is survived by his wife Evelyn, and the two lived in Skegness in Lincolnshire. He had previously lived in Spain where he performed on the Costa Blanca.
More to follow.