What's Happening?
Christopher Cross's song 'Think Of Laura,' originally written as a personal tribute to a friend who died tragically, gained unexpected popularity when it was featured in the soap opera 'General Hospital.' The song was inspired by Laura Carter, a young
woman who was killed by a stray bullet during a gang shootout. Cross included the track on his 1983 album 'Another Page,' not initially considering it as a single due to its personal nature. However, the producers of 'General Hospital' used the song to underscore a storyline involving the show's popular couple, Luke and Laura, which led to the song's release as a single. It subsequently reached No. 9 on the pop charts, marking a significant moment in Cross's career as it became his last Top 40 hit.
Why It's Important?
The unexpected success of 'Think Of Laura' highlights the influence of media cross-promotion in the music industry. By featuring the song in a popular soap opera, 'General Hospital' provided it with a platform that significantly broadened its audience. This case exemplifies how television can impact music sales and artist visibility, especially during a time when soap operas held substantial sway over popular culture. For Christopher Cross, this exposure was crucial as it extended the reach of his music beyond his existing fan base, albeit marking the end of his peak chart success. The story also underscores the unpredictable nature of the music industry, where a song's trajectory can be altered by external factors such as media tie-ins.
What's Next?
While 'Think Of Laura' marked the end of Christopher Cross's run of Top 40 hits, the song's success through 'General Hospital' could encourage other artists to seek similar cross-promotional opportunities. Television and other media platforms continue to serve as valuable avenues for music promotion, especially for songs that might not initially be considered mainstream hits. As media consumption habits evolve, artists and record labels may increasingly look to integrate music into diverse entertainment formats to reach wider audiences.
Beyond the Headlines
The story of 'Think Of Laura' also touches on the broader theme of how personal art can take on new meanings when exposed to different contexts. While Christopher Cross wrote the song as a tribute to a personal tragedy, its adoption by 'General Hospital' transformed it into a cultural touchstone for fans of the show. This highlights the dynamic relationship between art and audience interpretation, where the original intent of a piece can evolve based on how it is received and repurposed by others.
