With his popularity now firmly established in the US and growing in the UK Gene began to churn the hits out with amazing regularity. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. It was only Pitney's third single release in the UK to reach the singles chart, and the first to break into the Top Twenty there; it was also a hit in the US, peaking at No. Today we welcome famous widow, Lynne Pitney, wife of famous Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Gene Pitney, to our joy -ous club, the club that nobody wants to joy -n. Ever. In 1966, his single Nobody Needs Your Love peaked at No. In Australia, after a fallow period in the early 1970s, Pitney returned to the Top 40 in 1974, when both "Blue Angel" (No. Pitney's popularity in the UK market was ensured by the breakthrough success of "Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa", a Bacharach and David song, which peaked at No. Only Love Can Break Your Heart/Released. Gene had a love of music from an early age. Mourning Joy: Q: What do you call the elephant witch doctor? Almond said of his old singing colleague upon hearing of his death: It was an honour to have worked with him. [10] Giving a performance of his track "You're the Reason", Pitney missed his cue and was seen "failing dismally to mime along in time to his backing track";[11] he continued with the song, and found humor in the incident. "I've seen him quite a few times on this tour and he was fit and well. Gene's profile was very good outside of the US and UK as well. He returned one last time to the Top 40 with "She's a Heartbreaker" in mid-1968 and placed several singles in the lower reaches of the Hot 100 after that, but by 1970 he was no longer a hit-maker in the US. They were taken just a few days after Gene's funeral. Gene Pitney was born on February 17, 1940 in Rockville, Connecticut, the son of Anna A. Pitney scored 22 UK Top 40 hits during his long career. Gene Pitney, (born February 17, 1941, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.died April 5, 2006, Cardiff, Wales), American singer and songwriter known for dramatic pop balladry. His family asked for donations, in lieu of flowers, to be made to Connecticut Public Broadcasting Company and the Humane Society of the US. What was even more amazing is that Gene recorded all 7 vocal tracks as well as playing the piano, guitar and drums on the song. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, in 1966, and had three children with her. He was the first pop singer to ever perform at the Oscar's and it helped to significantly raise his profile in the US. Gene's first foray into the music scene was as part of a duet with Ginny Arnell, their first song being 1959's "Classical Rock & Roll. His wife is Lynne Gayton (28 January 1967 - 5 April 2006) ( his death) ( 3 children) Gene Pitney Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2020-2021. He also recorded an album of folk songs. Further success would come with Ricky Nelson recording "Hello Mary Lou" (a Top 5 in the US) and "He's a Rebel" for Phil Spector's group, The Crystals. In 2000, he sang the harmony vocals in Jane Olivors version of his own song Half Heaven Half Heartache. In 2002, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The first big breakthrough came when Roy Orbison recorded "Today's Teardrops" as the B-side to "Blue Angel". Pitney has continually toured over the last 40 years. Thu 6 Apr 2006 05.12 EDT. Pitney's last hit on the UK charts came in 1989, after an absence of 15 years, when he and Soft Cell singer Marc Almond recorded a duet version of "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart" by British writers Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway. American superstar Gene Pitney has been found dead aged 65 in his bed in a Cardiff hotel. In high school, he was part of the band "Gene Pitney and the Genials". Video Captures Gene Video's from Youtube. The night before his body was . Pitney performed the song at the Oscars ceremony on April 9, 1962. The 65-year-old, who died in the Cardiff Hilton last week, was suffering from hardening of the arteries, according to his death certificate. The cause of death is not yet known but is not suspicious. (Orlowsky) and Harold F. Pitney, a lathe operator. On April 5, 2006, during his UK tour, he was found dead in his hotel room in Cardiff, Wales. He is most remembered for Song, "Red Rubber Ball. Soundtrack Of My Life: Talking Heads Tina Weymouth, Creed III review: Michael B. Jordan gets another big win under his belt, Panic Shack: the wildest and funniest live band youll see all year, Final Fantasy 16 is a lavish RPG twist on Bayonetta and its all the better for it. Pitney charted 16 top-40 hits in the United States, four in the top ten. Marc Almond recorded "Backstage (I'm Lonely)" for his 2007 covers album Stardom Road. - Gene Pitney Tribute Site These first three pictures were kindly supplied by Anne Griffiths. He had nine dates left on his 23-date UK tour and was due to appear at Bristol's Colston Hall on Wednesday. The cause of his death was ascertained to be a heart attack. It reached number 5 in the UK charts and marked the beginning of his rise in popularity throughout the U. K. and Europe. It reached #39 on the charts. In October 2008, an international fan convention was held in Rockville. These next five pictures were taken by Anne Griffiths in October 2014. He was a truly iconic figure in the world of music and we were extremely lucky in Cardiff that he visited this city many times to perform at St David's Hall. In the United Kingdom, he had 22 top-40 hit singles, including 11 in the top ten. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote his hit That Girl Belongs to Yesterday which became the Stones duo's first composition to reach the American charts. 7 UK hit for Pitney in 1964; it was the first tune composed by the duo to become a Top 10 hit in the UK. | It won a Golden Globe Award and an Oscars nomination for the Best Song. After high school, he studied electrical engineering while simultaneously focusing on music. Pitney first gained success as a songwriter with hits such as " Hello Mary Lou " (recorded by Rick Nelson in 1961) and " He's a Rebel " (recorded by the Crystals in 1962). In collaboration with songwriter Aaron Schroeder, he placed his songs with big artists. Pitney - who found fame with Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa - was pronounced dead at the Hilton hotel. In 1964, he recorded the singles It Hurts to Be in Love (No.7 in US) and I'm Gonna Be Strong (No.9 in US and No. BORN GENE FRANCIS ALAN PITNEY - HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT FEBRUARY 17, 1941 DIED - CARDIFF - WALES - APRIL 5, 2006 COPIOUS COUNTRY IN GENE'S GENES When Gene Pitney emulated Buck Owens by dying in his sleep after his finale concert it was more than just serendipitous timing and modern history repeating. "Only Love Can Break a Heart" was denied number 1 in the US charts by Pitney's own composition "He's a Rebel" sung by The Crystals. Pitney maintained a successful career in Britain and the rest of Europe into the 1970s, appearing regularly on UK charts as late as 1974. It reached the Top 40 in US and Britain. In 1962, he recorded what would become his highest-charting song, Only Love Can Break a Heart, that peaked at No. In addition to this Pitney began to make forays into other areas of music once again demonstrating his vocal range. What was even more amazing is that Gene recorded all 7 vocal tracks as well as playing the piano, guitar and drums on the song. The single made the top 40 in the US and Britain. However, initially he found more success as a songwriter rather than as a singer. Gene and his family. SELECT OPTIONS SAVE TO CART In December the same year, his Half Heaven, Half Heartache reached No.12 on the Billboard chart. "He was a great, unique singer of great, unique songs. 9, respectively, in the US, and 1966's "Nobody Needs Your Love", which peaked at No. He is from USA. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, in 1966, and had three children with her. Pitney charted 16 top 40 hits in the United States, four in the top ten. The duet outdid the original which could only make number 5 in 1967. Jane Corbett's pictures Pictures of Gene's Grave. Gene teamed up with Marc Almond to cover his sixties hit "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart". [9], Pitney was involved in a gaffe on ITV's This Morning in 1989, owing to a "technical mishap". In high school, he was part of the band "Gene Pitney and the Genials". Legendary crooner Gene Pitney has sadly passed away. 5 in UK in 1964, marking his increasing popularity in UK. Listen online to one of his last interviews, conducted by BBC Radio Wiltshire's Mark Seaman. Gene's first recordings were in 1958 with a Connecticut singing group called the Embers. Though it shares a title with the John Wayne western, the song was not used in the film because of a publishing dispute. Governor Jodi Rell also declared September 20, 2007, as Gene Pitney Day in the state of Connecticut. Musicor liked he song and didn't think it needed any "tweaking", releasing it exactly the way Pitney sent it to them. The real breakthrough for Gene came with the song "Town Without Pity" which was the title song to the movie of the same name. Gene enjoyed a short lived revival in 1974 with the hits "Trans-Canada Highway" and "Blue Angel". Soon, his focus shifted to only music. She confirmed: As soon as it (the death) was deemed to be non-suspicious, the matter was handed over to the coroner.. Gene's profile was very good outside of the US and UK as well. . Gene Pitneys first break in the music industry came when he formed a duo named Jamie and Jane with Ginny Arnell. Members of the family attended. "It Hurts to Be in Love" had been planned for and recorded by Neil Sedaka, but RCA refused to release it because Sedaka had recorded the song outside RCA Victor in violation of his contract. 2) and Trans-Canada Highway (No. 14; production by David Mackay) were substantial hits. What was the cause of Gene Pitneys death? His songs gained notable popularity in US and UK and he was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. We have estimated 36K views 1 year ago The Life and Tragic Ending of Gene Pitney Gene Pitney was born Gene Francis Alan Pitney on February 17, 1940, in Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.One of the most. Does Unforgotten work without Nicola Walker? A: Mumbo Jumbo. The real breakthrough for Gene came with the song "Town Without Pity" which was the title song to the movie of the same name. Gene Pitney, singer and songwriter, born February 17 1941; died April 5 2006. Gene Pitney's wife Lynne leads the mourners at his funeral, Gene Pitney had been touring in Wales when he died, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites, The songwriter who became a star in his own right. This is to deny the true talent of the man and the extensive range he possesses.Gene Pitney was born on February 17, 1940 in Rockville, Connecticut, the son of Anna A. Gene Pitney is a member of the following lists: Epic Records artists, American pop singers . Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Marked by his piercing, pained, and melodramatic tenor, he was often characterized (very unfairly) as a shallow teen idol type of singer. He was on a UK tour and had shown no signs of illness. (Photo by Mario Ruiz/Getty Images) Save. His first hit was (I Wanna) Love My Life Away in 1961, but he took another 28 years to score a Number One, when his duet with Marc Almond on Somethings Gotten Hold Of My Heart went all the way to the top. The Mick Jagger/Keith Richards song "That Girl Belongs to Yesterday" established his worldwide fame and he followed it up with "I'm Gonna be Strong", "Looking Through the Eyes of Love" (a million seller), "I Must be Seeing Things", "Princess in Rags", "Backstage", "Just One Smile", "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart" and "Nobody Needs Your Love". The couple had three sons together. He received a glowing review for the South Wales Echo - "non-stop enthusiastic performance" during what proved to be his final concert in Cardiff. The funeral of singer Gene Pitney has been held in his home town of Somers, in Connecticut. In 2000, Pitney sang harmony vocals on Jane Olivor's recording of his 1962 hit "Half Heaven Half Heartache", which was released on her 'comeback' album Love Decides. The body can now be flown back to the USA for the stars funeral. He was the first pop singer to ever perform at the Oscar's and it helped to significantly raise his profile in the US.Following hot on the heels of "Town Without Pity" was "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". The best place for inspiration, connection, and sharing! 2 UK peak of "I'm Gonna Be Strong". When Was Only Love Can Break Your Heart released? In 1966, Gene Pitney married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, and the couple had three sons together, Todd, Chris, and Patrick Ewing. Pitney's career in the US took a downturn after mid-1966, when "Backstage" ended another run of Top 40 hits. The cause of his death was ruled to be a heart attack. The cause of Gene Pitney's death has been confirmed. Clipping found in The Bridgeport Post in Bridgeport, Connecticut on Jan 26, 1967. He also recorded songs in Italian, Spanish and German. Gene's first foray into the music scene was as part of a duet with Ginny Arnell, their first song being 1959's "Classical Rock & Roll. Gene Francis Alan Pitney (February 17, 1940[1][2] April 5, 2006)[3] was an American singer-songwriter and musician.[4]. 7 and No. 5 for Pitney in 1967. "He's a Rebel" would eventually reach number 1 in the UK and ironically deny Pitney the chance at a number 1 himself. It reached #39 on the charts. Gene Pitney was born on February 17, 1940 in Rockville, Connecticut, the son of Anna A. Gene Pitney is a member of Rock Singer. On September 20, 2007, a plaque to Pitney was unveiled at the town hall in his hometown of Rockville, Connecticut. Record Covers More Record Covers Magazine or newspaper articles Memories Blog About Contact Gene Video's from Youtube. Those recordings were not released until 1990. 5 in UK in 1964, marking his increasing popularity in UK. Because of his success on the music charts, and as he explained to his friend, oldies DJ 'Wild' Wayne, an unknown radio disc jockey at the time gave Pitney the nickname 'The Rockville Rocket', which caught on. Pop veteran Gene Pitney dies after concert aged 65 Pitney signing for fans in 1964. He recorded a Bacharach and David song, Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa, which peaked at No. At one point he had hits in Europe, the UK, and the US pop and country charts with four different songs simultaneously. After a long break, he made his comeback with a duet version of Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart with singer Marc Almond; it reached and stayed at No.1 in UK for four weeks in January 1989, and gained the No.1 ranking in Germany, Switzerland, Finland, and Ireland. At 66 years old, Gene Pitney height not available right now. Gene Pitney And Lynne Gayton. They also collaborated in the production of the hit song "Days of Summer". Despite this the song was well received and it's mix of the pop and country genres worked extremely well. Pitney has often been categorized (quite unfairly) as a teen-idol singer responsible only for melodramatic, angst-ridden ballads. Overall, Gene had 16 top 40 hits in the US and an amazing 40 top 40 songs in the UK. [2] The third of five children of a lathe operator, Pitney lived with his family in Rockville, Connecticut, during his formative years. Id love the Rolling Stones to come and play at the party Im sure theyll still be touring long after I am dead. He is survived by his wife Lynn and sons David, Todd and Chris. Also learn how He earned most of Gene Pitney networth? In Italy, his song Nessuno mi pu giudicare became a sensational hit, and he finished second in the countrys annual Sanremo Music Festival twice. It was during one of their gigs that his distinctive voice was discovered by the "the proverbial fat man with a cigar" who took him off to New York. In Australia, his songs Blue Angel (No. Other massive hits for Pitney included 24 Hours From Tulsa and Im Gonna Be Strong. The cause of his death was ascertained to be a heart attack. He still appeared regularly on UK charts till 1974. Gene teamed up with Marc Almond to cover his sixties hit "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart". [8], On 18 March 2002, Pitney was inducted by singer Darlene Love into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 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