Profile: Gene Pitney
Wednesday April 5, 2006
Who was the first teen pop idol to perform at the Oscars? The first songwriter to work Middle Eastern elements into pop? The first Phil Spector hitmaker who also wrote for him? The first Sixties rock vocalist to cross over into country? Believe it or not, the answer to all these questions is Gene Pitney, who sadly is no longer with us (see below). However, he left behind one of pop music's unique legacies, all sides of which are is covered my profile, the latest in a series on oldies music giants.
Comments
How sad I was to learn of the sudden death of Gene Pitney. Having only seen him 2 weeks ago in Peterborough, England I was eagerly awaiting his return.
Another sad day in the history of Rock N Roll music.
I loved his voice — his songs — I was at a concert in Bismarck, ND in ‘64 or ‘65 and was trying to be polite and get a picture of him (for my girlfriend at the time) while he was onstage but fans kept bumping me around — an escort took me to the dressing room where i got to meet him take his picture and get an autograph — I play in a 50’s-60’s group and will try to master a cover of some of his songs in honor of him — I’m sad –
Way back when, I happened to be visiting a friend in Atlantic City and hear about a concert featuring Gene Pitney in Philadelphia. He came on stage and whistled the opening part of “Only Love Can Break a Heart” and sounded better than the record. He held the audience in the palm of his hand for over half an hour. Still sends chills down my spine when I hear his great songs……
What a waste of talent,gone too soon. I have been a fan of Gene’s ever since He first started with all His hits. Favorites too numerous to mention all. Only Love Can Break the heart, Liberty Valance,Town without Pity and so many more. I have the greatest hits cd and I made copies to play so that the original stays intact. I am going to miss him and his fantastic voice, No one can compare to his style. Wish I had been able to see Him in concert.
God Bless you Gene
Gone too soon. I am still devestated by Gene’s sudden passing - nearly 3 weeks ago. I cry myself to sleep every night. What an amazing man and talent. I met him on 3 occasions and was impressed with his professionalism, humour and kindness. Thank you Gene for 40 years of pleasure. God Bless you and your family at this sad time. RIP my friend. Love you forever, Marg, South Australia