When the heart-wrenching melody of “Think of Laura” by Grammy-winning artist Christopher Cross fills the aisles of the local grocery store, a sense of nostalgia washes over you. With Cross’s soulful voice, the mellow tune, and laid-back rhythm, few songs capture the depths of heartbreak quite like this one. Yet, it was a pivotal moment on the iconic soap opera General Hospital that truly elevated this emotional ballad to ’80s love song status.
In the early ’80s, the love story between General Hospital characters Luke Spencer (portrayed by Anthony Geary) and Laura Spencer (formerly Collins; played by Genie Francis) captivated soap opera fans across the nation. The couple’s 1981 on-screen wedding, featuring a special appearance by Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor, drew in a record-breaking 30 million viewers. The fervor surrounding Luke and Laura’s romance reached new heights until Laura’s sudden disappearance in 1981, leaving Luke heartbroken and fans devastated. However, the pair’s dramatic reunion episode on November 24, 1983, marked a turning point in the storyline, much to the delight of loyal viewers.
Against the backdrop of Luke and Laura’s emotional reunion, Christopher Cross’s haunting melody “Think of Laura” played, adding an extra layer of poignancy to the on-screen moment. Following the song’s surge in popularity on General Hospital, “Think of Laura” was officially released in December 1983 as the lead single from Cross’s second studio album, Another Page. The song quickly climbed the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 9 by February 1984 and maintaining its presence for 17 weeks.
While the soap opera fandom may have embraced “Think of Laura,” its origins stem from a real-life tragedy. Cross wrote the song in memory of Denison University student Laura Carter, a friend of Cross’s girlfriend at the time. Carter tragically lost her life in a senseless act of violence, struck by a stray bullet during a gang-related incident. This somber backstory lends a deeper, more profound meaning to the emotional lyrics of the song.
Despite its melancholic origins, “Think of Laura” continues to resonate with audiences to this day. Christopher Cross’s iconic 1983 hit has garnered over 86.1 million streams on Spotify, solidifying its place in music history. The timeless appeal of this track serves as a poignant reminder of love, loss, and the enduring power of music to capture the essence of human emotions.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.