Gene Pitney
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Gene Francis Alan Pitney, b. 17 February 1940 (Hartford, Connecticut, USA), d. 5 April 2006 (Cardiff, Wales).
After a successful singing career spanning five decades, at the age of 66, he was found dead of natural causes, 5 April 2006, while in the middle of a sellout UK tour.
Pitney, a pop rock pioneer, had his greatest success overall in Britain, first traveling there after his first self penned hit in 1961. “I Wanna Love My Life Away” hit #26 on the UK singles chart & just broke into the top 40 in the US.
His early music recorded for the “musicor” label was romantic, lonely and dramatic, fitting in alongside contemporaries like Buddy Holly, Neil Sedaka, Roy Orbison, & serves as an audio time capsule of a more innocent time.
Gene Pitney - Yesterday’s Hero…
Gene was a Brill Building songwriter who even before his singing career took off, had written one of Ricky Nelson’s biggest hits “Hello Mary Lou”. He had been helped out initially in his career by Burt Bacharach & Hal David, and later recorded some of their songs which became big hits like “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” and the classic “Only Love Can Break A Heart”. At the time his “Only Love…” recording was a #2 chart hit, he had written the number 1 song that week; “He’s A Rebel” (A Phil Spector production recorded by The Crystals). All in all Pitney himself recorded 16 top 40 songs in the US from 1961 to 1968.
After a successful singing career spanning five decades, at the age of 66, he was found dead of natural causes, 5 April 2006, while in the middle of a sellout UK tour.
Pitney, a pop rock pioneer, had his greatest success overall in Britain, first traveling there after his first self penned hit in 1961. “I Wanna Love My Life Away” hit #26 on the UK singles chart & just broke into the top 40 in the US.
His early music recorded for the “musicor” label was romantic, lonely and dramatic, fitting in alongside contemporaries like Buddy Holly, Neil Sedaka, Roy Orbison, & serves as an audio time capsule of a more innocent time.
Gene Pitney - Yesterday’s Hero…
Gene was a Brill Building songwriter who even before his singing career took off, had written one of Ricky Nelson’s biggest hits “Hello Mary Lou”. He had been helped out initially in his career by Burt Bacharach & Hal David, and later recorded some of their songs which became big hits like “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” and the classic “Only Love Can Break A Heart”. At the time his “Only Love…” recording was a #2 chart hit, he had written the number 1 song that week; “He’s A Rebel” (A Phil Spector production recorded by The Crystals). All in all Pitney himself recorded 16 top 40 songs in the US from 1961 to 1968.
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Backstage
Gene Pitney
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Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart
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Golden Hits
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The Greatest Hits
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Shoutbox
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sogletho wrote:
If the only thing this man had ever done was write He's A Rebel, it would have been more than enough
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narci91 wrote:
Added 3 nice pictures, feel free to vote them up :)
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VeckRock wrote:
I'm Gonna Be Strong <3
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cotmo wrote:
What a true talent. Besides being one of best male singers I ever heard, he wrote and produced wonderful songs.
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Rapture5212011 wrote:
Gene had a terrific voice & delivery. He is sadly missed but his legacy continues on his recordings. Many fond memories from the 'baby boomer' generation of the 60s & 70s. Go to www.findagrave.com to see his Biography & burial details ~~ just click on Famous Grave Search. Rest In PEACE. God bless~!
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genefan-nz wrote:
My email is genep@ihug.co.nz....... Have a look at web site... www.jonpalmer.co.nz
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genefan-nz wrote:
Gene... is the best ever in my opinion.................such a sad loss for everyone.. a nicer person u couldnt find.. and TALENTED.. any one interested in gene music feel free to email me personally... I manage a guy in NZ who does Gene Pitney Tribute Shows.... and man he has to be good to get past me... ihave worked with him for 3 years now.... done shows in NZ and Australia... looking to get him to the USA and Uk.... I would be happy to send complimentry copy of his CD...all gene songs.........!! its doesnt get any better.....
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blimka wrote:
Polish blood! [2] He's amazing.
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tomk773 wrote:
Good to know he's fron Cardiff, Wales yeah
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capo08 wrote:
Polish blood! Great voice! AMAzing songs! This is Real MUSIC people!
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MelodyLee89 wrote:
town without pity... on look whos talking when john tavolta and kristie alley are dancing... the song goes great...
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xmotylanogax wrote:
I love how he singsI <3
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Lowbacca wrote:
http://www.lastfm.de/music/Gene+Pitney/+images/30781377
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Bumba1717 wrote:
I wish i had've seen him live before he died =( His songs are amazing!
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Cajungrandma wrote:
Gene had one of the most Stunning Voice of the 60s. He had a Great Band too. His voice was one to die for... Close your eyes and listen the feeling he gives you.......
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gipsojo wrote:
to chailey watts- the song you're looking for is called "animal crackers (in cellophane boxes)." You can find it on a few best of type things (check allmusic.com). The single (from 1967- not originally released as part of any album) was Pitney's sole attempt at garage-psyche. It was written by Bonner & Gordon, who also wrote all of the Turtles' hits that year. Enjoy!
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leekpie wrote:
Gene is clearly #1
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penny136 wrote:
LOve song ...TOWN WITHOUT PITY......Will never die!
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chaileywatts wrote:
Does anyone know where or on what Gene Pitney release I can find the song Cellophane Zoo? My ex played it to me a few weeks ago and been looking for it ever since. Is truly bizarre and I love it
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girl_from_oz wrote:
We need more streamable songs by Gene Pitney
Videos
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Play
If I Never Get To Love You
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Till the End of Time..w/ LYRICS
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Play
If I Only Had Time...Gene Pitney
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If I Didn't Have a Dime (To…
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Recent Activity
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handeeone, jimcurry123, BellCityBlues and 32 other people added Gene Pitney to their libraries. Friday morning
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AJ2002 tagged Gene Pitney with 70s, soul, pop and 2 other tags. last month
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and 1 other person added Gene Pitney to their libraries. last month
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sonderpatient tagged Gene Pitney with easy listening, blue-eyed soul, 60s and one other tag. last month
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M-V-J, SF_49er, jdkrutherford and 17 other people added Gene Pitney to their libraries. last month
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wilte01 tagged Gene Pitney with ‘pop’. December 2011
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duane59, michoumix, abbotsfordbc and 25 other people added Gene Pitney to their libraries. December 2011
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ADChaos tagged Gene Pitney with ‘pop’. December 2011
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ronkr1948 added Gene Pitney to ronkr1948’s library. December 2011
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