Ray Peterson

Ray Peterson 1998

Ray Peterson (April 23, 1939 – January 25, 2005) was an American pop singer who was best known for his 1960 hit song "Tell Laura I Love Her." Peterson's vocal style was notable for his four-octave range, which allowed him to explore a variety of genres and emotions in his music. Despite facing several challenges throughout his career, including battles with polio in his youth, Peterson managed to leave a lasting impact on the music industry.

Early Life

Ray T. Peterson was born in Denton, Texas, but moved to Los Angeles, California, in his teens. His early life was marked by a significant struggle with polio, which he eventually overcame. This experience, coupled with his passion for music, fueled his determination to pursue a career in singing.

Career

Peterson's career began in the late 1950s when he was discovered by Stan Shulman, who was instrumental in launching his career. He initially signed with RCA Records, where he released several singles that failed to chart. However, his fortunes changed with the release of "Tell Laura I Love Her" in 1960, a song that became a top ten hit in the United States and an international success. The song's narrative, telling the tragic story of a young man's love for his girlfriend Laura and his subsequent death in a car race, resonated with many listeners.

Following the success of "Tell Laura I Love Her," Peterson continued to release music, including hits like "Corrina, Corrina" in 1960, which further established him as a prominent figure in the pop music scene. Despite the initial success, Peterson's popularity began to wane in the mid-1960s as musical tastes shifted towards the British Invasion and other new styles.

In the later stages of his career, Peterson transitioned to performing on the oldies circuit and became a popular act in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also founded a record label, Dunes Records, which saw some success with other artists.

Personal Life and Death

Ray Peterson was known to be a private individual when it came to his personal life. He continued to perform and share his love for music up until his health began to decline. Peterson passed away on January 25, 2005, in Smyrna, Tennessee, after a long battle with cancer.

Legacy

Ray Peterson's legacy is marked by his distinctive vocal range and the emotional depth of his music. "Tell Laura I Love Her" remains his most enduring hit, covered by numerous artists over the years and continuing to be a favorite on oldies radio stations. Peterson's ability to overcome personal adversity and achieve success in the music industry has also been an inspiration to many.

Discography

• Tell Laura I Love Her (1960)
• Goodnight My Love (1963)

See Also

• 1960s in music
• Pop music