Hubbry Logo
Think of LauraThink of LauraMain
Open search
Think of Laura
Community hub
Think of Laura
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Think of Laura
Think of Laura
Think of Laura
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

"Think of Laura"
Single by Christopher Cross
from the album Another Page
B-side
  • "Words of Wisdom" (US)
  • "Deal 'Em Again" (Japan)
ReleasedNovember 1983 (1983-11)[1]
Recorded1982
Genre
Length3:22
LabelWarner Bros.
SongwriterChristopher Cross
ProducerMichael Omartian
Christopher Cross singles chronology
"No Time for Talk"
(1983) 		"Think of Laura"
(1983) 		"A Chance for Heaven"
(1984)
Music video
"Christopher Cross - Think Of Laura (Official Music Video) [Remastered HD]" on YouTube

"Think of Laura" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Christopher Cross. Released as a single in late 1983 from Cross's second studio album, Another Page, "Think of Laura" became the singer's fourth and, to date, final single to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it peaked at No. 9 in early 1984. The song spent eleven weeks in the Top 40 (Cross's final top 40 hit).

The song became Cross's third single to hit No. 1 on the adult contemporary chart, following "Never Be the Same" and "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)". "Think of Laura" remained at No. 1 on this chart for four weeks.[2] The song was written by Cross and produced by Michael Omartian.

Background

[edit]

Cross wrote the song to mourn the death of Denison University college student Laura Carter, who was killed in Columbus, Ohio, when she was struck by a stray bullet during gunfire in a gang war.[3]

Carter, a lacrosse player from Wayne, Pennsylvania, was sitting in the back seat of her father's car. Her family was visiting for homecoming, and had just watched Laura and her friends compete in a lacrosse match.[4]

Cross had met Carter through her college roommate Paige McNinch, whom Cross was dating at the time. McNinch was pictured on the inner sleeve of the Another Page album, sitting on a stool. Cross wrote the song as a way of offering comfort to McNinch, and honoring Carter's memory.[5]

Carter's shooter, Gordon Newlin, served time for the shooting.[6] He was released on parole in 2012, and died in 2020.[7]

"Think of Laura" has a relatively straightforward arrangement, with the singer's vocals and a piano accompaniment. The lyrics express the sorrow felt by those who knew the woman but ask that she be remembered with happiness: When you think of Laura, laugh, don't cry / I know she'd want it that way.

General Hospital

[edit]

The song's chart popularity was enhanced by the ABC soap opera General Hospital. One of the program's supercouples, Luke and Laura, were quite popular, and the song came to be associated with the character Luke's love for Laura, who had been missing and presumed dead for many months. Notes of the song became a recurring motif as the character of Laura was mentioned, and eventually returned. When interest in the song grew because of its prominence on the show, it was released as a single.

According to Cross, ABC never officially licensed the track; it concluded that the use of only small fragments of it for a "ghosting effect" during scenes involving the character Laura Spencer did not require a license. Cross has stated that his team formally asked ABC to stop using the song, but the network refused.[8]

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1984) Peak
position
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[9] 9
US Billboard Hot 100[10] 9
US Billboard Adult Contemporary[10] 1
Year-end chart (1984) Rank
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[11] 79
US Top Pop Singles (Billboard)[12] 83

Cover versions

[edit]

The song has been covered by American R&B group Boyz II Men, their version entitled "The Aaliyah Song", as a tribute to the late singer Aaliyah. It was also covered by Dominic & Burton in 2003 and by the Filipino band MYMP. French orchestra leader Paul Mauriat covered the song as its instrumental rendition on his 1984 album The Seven Seas. In 2023, French pianist Richard Clayderman covered the song in piano.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Think of Laura

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Think of Laura" is a ballad written and performed by American singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, released as the third single from his second studio album, Another Page, in late 1983. The song, which reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Adult Contemporary chart for four weeks in early 1984, was inspired by the real-life tragedy of Laura Carter, an 18-year-old college student and close friend of Cross's girlfriend at the time, who was fatally shot by a stray bullet while sitting in a car with her parents in April 1982. The of "Think of Laura" reflect themes of loss, remembrance, and encouragement to celebrate the life of rather than dwell in sorrow, with lines such as "Think of Laura but laugh, don't cry / I know she'd want it that way" capturing a poignant message of resilience. has emphasized that the song was a personal tribute, written in solitude on guitar, and not originally connected to any fictional narrative. Despite this, the track gained widespread cultural resonance when ABC began using it as the love theme for the iconic couple Spencer on following actress Genie Francis's return to the role in November 1983, which significantly boosted its airplay and commercial success. As Cross's fourth and final top-ten hit on the to date, "Think of Laura" exemplifies his signature style, blending smooth melodies with emotional depth, and remains a staple in his live performances and retrospectives of 1980s . The song's enduring popularity is evident in its remastered releases, official lyric videos, and continued streaming presence, underscoring its role in Cross's Grammy-winning career that began with his self-titled debut album in 1979.

Origins and Composition

Inspiration and Writing

"Think of Laura" was written by as a to Laura Coffin Carter, an 18-year-old freshman and player at from , who was killed on April 17, 1982, by a during a gang-related shooting in . Carter was sitting in the back seat of her father's car with her parents and three friends, heading to dinner after a game during parents' weekend, when the bullet struck her from a nearby altercation. Cross was inspired to compose the song by his then-girlfriend, Paige McNinch, who was Carter's college roommate, best friend, and sorority sister. McNinch shared personal stories and photographs of Carter with Cross, prompting him to create a musical memorial that emphasized joyful remembrance over sorrow. The lyrics center on the refrain "Think of Laura, but laugh don't cry / I know she'd want it that way," reflecting Cross's intent to honor Carter's vibrant spirit. The shooter, Gordon Craig Newlin, was one of four gang members involved in the incident; he was indicted in 1985, convicted in 1987 of involuntary , to commit aggravated , and felonious , and sentenced to life in prison. Newlin served 25 years before being granted on June 18, 2012, and he died on November 19, 2020, in , . Lyrically, the song explores themes of sudden loss, enduring memory, and transforming grief into celebration, structured as a that builds from introspective verses to an uplifting chorus. Lines such as "Every once in a while I'd see her smile / And she'd turn my day around" evoke positive influence, while the narrative contrasts her innocence with the senseless that ended her life. This emotional core guided the song's inclusion on Cross's second album, Another Page, released in 1983.

Recording and Production

"Think of Laura" was recorded in 1983 during sessions for Christopher Cross's second studio album, , under the production of . The recording took place across three Los Angeles-area studios: Amigo Studios in North Hollywood, Capitol Studios in Hollywood, and The Complex in . Engineering duties were led by Chet Himes, who managed both recording and mixing, with Stuart Gitlin assisting on additional recording tasks. Cross handled lead vocals and guitar on the track, while Omartian contributed keyboards and crafted the string arrangements to enhance the song's emotional depth. Drawing from the tragic real-life story of Laura Carter, a friend of Cross's then-girlfriend who was killed by a , the song—written on guitar—was arranged with a piano-based approach to evoke a reflective, intimate tone. This aligned with Cross's influences but shifted toward balladry, prioritizing lyrical vulnerability over elaborate instrumentation. The final arrangement is notably simple and minimalistic, centering Cross's heartfelt vocals alongside as the primary instrument, accented by subtle strings and restrained backing elements to underscore the poignant lyrics. With a runtime of 3:22, the production employed techniques common to early pop, allowing Omartian to refine the mix for a polished, radio-friendly sound that balanced intimacy with accessibility.

Release and Album Context

Album Inclusion

"Think of Laura" appears as the fifth track on Christopher Cross's sophomore studio album, , released on January 31, 1983, by Records. The album served as a follow-up to Cross's self-titled debut, (1979), which had earned him five in 1981, including Album of the Year and for "." Another Page reflected Cross's post-Grammy career stage, where he faced expectations to replicate his debut's massive success amid the pressures of a sophomore release. The record peaked at number 11 on the chart and achieved moderate commercial performance, eventually certified by the RIAA for 500,000 units shipped in the United States. While not matching the debut's blockbuster status, the album incorporated more introspective elements, with "Think of Laura" standing out as a melancholic inspired by the real-life of Laura Carter, who was killed by a in 1982. The song integrated seamlessly into Another Page's yacht rock and soft rock aesthetic, characterized by smooth production, layered harmonies, and themes of romance and reflection, alongside upbeat tracks like "All Right." Produced primarily by —who had also helmed the debut—the album's polished sound emphasized Cross's guitar work and emotive vocals. The explicitly dedicated "Think of Laura" to Laura Carter, underscoring its personal significance within the project's more ballad-oriented direction.

Single Release and Promotion

"Think of Laura" was released as a single in November 1983 by Warner Bros. Records, backed with "Words of Wisdom" from the same album Another Page. The initial format was a 7-inch vinyl single pressed at 45 RPM, with cassette editions issued later in some markets. Warner Bros. Records focused promotion on adult contemporary radio, drawing on Christopher Cross's prior success with tracks like "Sailing" to engage his existing audience. Airplay started modestly, building gradually before external factors amplified its reach. The official music video adopts a straightforward approach, depicting in amid symbolic visuals of loss and remembrance. It was remastered in high definition and officially uploaded to in April 2023. Early commended the track's poignant emotional resonance, while observing its shift from Cross's more upbeat prior releases, which helped pave the way for its wider crossover. The song was produced by during sessions for .

Association with General Hospital

Usage in the Soap Opera

The song "Think of Laura" was featured prominently in the ABC soap opera General Hospital beginning in 1983, coinciding with actress Genie Francis's return to the role of Laura Spencer after a two-year absence from the series. It served as a thematic motif during emotional scenes involving the supercouple, particularly those depicting Luke Spencer's (played by ) longing and reminiscences following Laura's mysterious disappearance and presumed death in 1982. The track was suggested for the storyline by Geary himself, who recognized its emotional fit for Laura's return arc, and it played in the background during key moments such as Luke visiting Laura's former apartment shortly before its demolition. The producers integrated the song over montages and pivotal episodes that highlighted Laura's character development, including her return to Port Charles after being held captive by the Cassadines on their island. Its selection stemmed from the lyrics' resonance with Laura Webber Spencer's turbulent history of loss, separation, and reunion, transforming it into a recurring auditory element that underscored the supercouple's dramatic narrative. Snippets of the song debuted during Laura's onscreen return in November 1983 and continued to appear in episodes throughout the 1980s, often in scenes evoking memory and unresolved affection. Initially, the usage occurred without permission from songwriter Christopher Cross or Warner Bros. Records, as only brief portions were aired—typically under 30 seconds—which did not require a synchronization license under broadcast standards at the time. This unprompted adoption by General Hospital aired nationwide, embedding the song deeply within the show's fabric and later inspiring references in fan-created montages and anniversary specials dedicated to the Luke and Laura storyline.

Impact on Popularity

The association of "Think of Laura" with General Hospital triggered a significant surge in radio requests and single sales beginning in late 1983, elevating the track from a modest album cut on Christopher Cross's Another Page to his final Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Fans quickly linked the song's poignant lyrics to the iconic supercouple Luke and Laura Spencer, fostering a unique crossover between the soap opera's devoted audience and mainstream pop listeners who tuned in for the emotional storyline. This organic synergy transformed the tune into an anthem for the characters' romance, particularly highlighted during Genie Francis's dramatic return as Laura in a November 1983 episode. The song received widespread media attention as the unofficial theme for , appearing in features within and various magazines that celebrated the couple's enduring appeal. ABC's promotional efforts further magnified its exposure, capitalizing on 's massive viewership, which averaged about 14 million viewers per episode at its peak in the early 1980s. This television platform not only drove immediate listener engagement but also solidified the track's place in , bridging drama enthusiasts with broader music consumers. Christopher Cross had not intended the song, written as a personal tribute to a deceased friend, for any fictional narrative, and ABC used it against his wishes. He later credited the exposure with revitalizing interest in his work and extending his career amid shifting musical trends. The connection endured in fan communities, influencing 1980s reunions and continuing to evoke nostalgia in modern retrospectives of the era's pop-soap crossovers. Post-airing sales of the single notably increased, underscoring the exposure's role in securing its prolonged dominance on the Adult Contemporary chart. This boost exemplified how television synergy could propel niche recordings into widespread acclaim, with "Think of Laura" benefiting from the show's peak cultural resonance.

Commercial Performance

Chart Success

"Think of Laura" achieved significant success on the , peaking at number 9 in 1984 and spending 11 weeks in the Top 40. The single also topped the Adult Contemporary chart for four consecutive weeks, underscoring its appeal to adult pop audiences. In , the song reached number 9 on the RPM Top Singles chart and ranked number 79 on the year-end RPM Top Singles chart for 1984. It did not achieve major peaks on international charts outside . The track's performance was bolstered by its prominent use in the General Hospital, which increased its visibility and airplay. On the year-end US Billboard Hot 100 for 1984, "Think of Laura" placed at number 83, reflecting its sustained popularity throughout the year. This marked Christopher Cross's final Top 10 entry on the Hot 100, following his number 1 hit "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" in 1981, and signaled a shift in his career trajectory toward more adult-oriented material.

Sales and Certifications

"Think of Laura" did not receive a standalone certification from the (RIAA), though its popularity significantly boosted sales of the parent album Another Page. The album achieved Gold from the RIAA on March 29, 1983, for shipments exceeding 500,000 units in the United States. This certification underscored the single's bundled contribution to the album's commercial performance, which sold more than 500,000 copies overall. While reached number 11 on the , indicating robust sales driven by tracks like "Think of Laura," no equivalent certifications were awarded to the single itself. International success remained more limited, with the album's primary achievements concentrated in and modest reception elsewhere tied to Christopher Cross's touring efforts. In the digital era, "Think of Laura" has experienced renewed popularity through streaming platforms, accumulating over 76 million streams on as of November 2025, fueled by nostalgic playlists and tributes to its association.

Covers and Legacy

Notable Cover Versions

One of the most prominent covers of "Think of Laura" is the adaptation by R&B group , retitled "The Aaliyah Song" on their 2002 album Full Circle, which reworked the lyrics as a to the late singer following her death in a plane crash in 2001, while retaining the original melody and infusing it with the group's signature close harmonies. In 1984, French orchestra leader released an instrumental version on his The Seven Seas, featuring lush string arrangements tailored for audiences and emphasizing the song's melancholic emotional themes of remembrance. The Filipino acoustic pop duo recorded a cover in for their The Unreleased Acoustic Collection, delivering a stripped-down rendition with gentle guitar and vocal harmonies that gained significant airplay in and appealed to fans of ballads. Pianist offered a solo version in 1985 on his album From Paris with Love, later re-released digitally, which attracted and classical crossover listeners with its delicate, introspective interpretation. More recent covers include a 2023 piano rendition by Clayderman and a 2025 acoustic version by Jovsfok. Other notable versions include the 2003 cover by the Filipino duo Dominic & Burton, and various instrumental renditions featured on 1980s soap opera tribute albums tied to General Hospital, where the song's association with the show inspired orchestral adaptations in compilation releases.

Cultural Impact

"Think of Laura" holds an iconic place in soap opera history due to its association with the General Hospital storyline of supercouple Luke Spencer and Laura Webber, where it played during Laura's dramatic return in November 1983, amplifying the emotional resonance of their reunion and symbolizing themes of loss and remembrance. This crossover between daytime television and popular music exemplified a rare synergy that propelled the song's visibility, with the Luke and Laura narrative credited as a defining moment in soap opera evolution, drawing unprecedented viewership and influencing pop culture discussions on romantic archetypes in media. The pairing's legacy continues in retrospectives, such as the 2023 examination of their romance marking General Hospital's 60th anniversary, and persists in 2025 through social media tributes on platforms like TikTok, where fans recreate nostalgic montages tying the song to the enduring appeal of 1980s television romance. As a hallmark of , "Think of Laura" illustrates the era's fusion of broadcast television and music promotion, frequently cited in analyses of how soap operas like boosted chart performance by embedding songs into pivotal plotlines, thereby bridging niche genres with mainstream audiences. has reflected on the track in interviews as a pivotal, unforeseen milestone in his career, noting its origins as a personal tribute to his friend Laura Carter—killed in a random shooting—yet its transformation into a broader hit through unsolicited television exposure. The song's unauthorized initial use by ABC producers without Cross's prior knowledge sparked conversations on media licensing practices, highlighting tensions between creative intent and commercial exploitation in early MTV-era synergies. Beyond its ties, "Think of Laura" has permeated broader media landscapes, appearing in retrospective montages that evoke nostalgia for ballads and featuring in contemporary playlists curated for themes of and healing, where its lyrics encourage remembrance without despair. By November 2025, the song has amassed over 76 million streams on alone, reflecting sustained digital interest, further amplified by videos that blend nostalgic clips with user-generated content exploring loss. Cross continues to perform it live, often dedicating renditions to Carter's memory during concerts, underscoring its role as a timeless emblem of quiet resilience in .

References

  1. https://www.christophercross.com/faqs
  2. https://www.billboard.com/artist/christopher-cross/
  3. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/christopher-cross/think-of-laura
  4. https://www.njherald.com/story/entertainment/local/2012/10/04/cross-still-connecting-with-soft/3998412007/
  5. https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2012/04/17/columbus-mileposts-april-17-1982/23833471007/
  6. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1990/12/05/murder-charge-wanted-in-82-shootout-death/
  7. https://www.dispatch.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2012/04/17/stray-bullet-killed-denison-student/543810007/
  8. http://scottweb2.frontrunnerpro.com/mysendoff/story/think-of-laura-by-christopher-cross
  9. https://greatesthits981.com/2024/04/21/think-of-laura-by-christopher-cross-1983/
  10. https://genius.com/Christopher-cross-think-of-laura-lyrics
  11. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/08/28/Four-gang-members-indicted-in-death-that-inspired-song/8964494049600/
  12. https://www.columbusmonthly.com/story/news/2014/02/06/the-talented-mr-whiteside/22788077007/
  13. https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2012/04/18/student-s-convicted-killer-wins/23380636007/
  14. https://www.smootfuneral.com/obituary/Gordon-Newlin
  15. https://www.discogs.com/master/113524-Christopher-Cross-Another-Page
  16. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/02/16/INSPIRED-BALLAD/2959445755600/
  17. https://www.allmusic.com/album/another-page-mw0000650037
  18. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/christopher-cross/another-page/
  19. https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/02/arts/the-pop-life-203463.html
  20. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/christopher-cross-reflects-on-historic-grammy-sweep-whether-i-did-it-again-or-not-isnt-as-important-as-the-fact-that-i-did-it-once-204537484.html
  21. https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1983-04-30
  22. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/2436
  23. https://popdose.com/the-popdose-interview-christopher-cross/
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/1198952-Christopher-Cross-Another-Page
  25. https://www.sessiondays.com/2014/11/1983-christopher-cross-another-page/
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/1873591-Christopher-Cross-Think-Of-Laura
  27. https://genius.com/Christopher-cross-think-of-laura-lyrics/q/release-date
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xvg-dNxT-Y
  29. https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/christopher-cross-album-by-album-thread.223096/
  30. https://www.remindmagazine.com/article/34489/think-of-laura-christopher-cross-real-story/
  31. https://www.primetimer.com/quickhits/needle-drop-why-did-general-hospital-rule-pop-music
  32. https://www.sessiondays.com/2018/02/1983-christopher-cross-think-laura-us9/
  33. https://www.rhino.com/article/happy-anniversary-christopher-cross-another-page
  34. https://www.ebay.com/itm/333991757749
  35. https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/30/arts/television/prepare-the-or-and-aa-dr-drake-is-back.html
  36. https://tsort.info/music/6kch2t.htm
  37. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rewinding-the-charts-34-years-ago-jessies-girl-got-a-tv-soap-sales-6649292/
  38. https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1984/hot-100-songs/
  39. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Christopher+Cross&ti=Another+Page#search_section
  40. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christopher-Cross-American-recording-artist
  41. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/695W5F2Ih8dYahLdjVOIoH_songs.html
  42. https://www.whosampled.com/cover/186384/Boyz-II-Men-The-Aaliyah-Song-Christopher-Cross-Think-of-Laura/
  43. https://www.whosampled.com/Christopher-Cross/Think-of-Laura/covered/
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/34564615-Paul-Mauriat-The-Seven-Seas-Summer-Has-Flown
  45. https://open.spotify.com/track/1kORYaXj4KPyP9QPgFOfFD
  46. https://open.spotify.com/track/0NJTOOlDfIYPE2tP3Bi3gu
  47. https://music.apple.com/ca/song/think-of-laura/1725852586
  48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge7-Fu-_p50
  49. https://open.spotify.com/track/2KG6JCNzzWVVSbScIrmCki
  50. https://people.com/tv/luke-and-laura-romance-look-back-general-hospital/
  51. https://www.rhino.com/article/bob-lefsetz-welcome-to-my-world-christopher-cross-primer
  52. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GriefSong
  53. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/christopher-cross-sailing-jimmy-kimmel-live-1236112010/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.