Gene Pitney

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Biography

Hartford, Connecticut, USA (1961 – 2006)

Gene Pitney (born Gene Francis Alan Pitney in Hartford, Connecticut, USA on 17 February 1940 - died 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, while in the middle of a sellout UK tour.

Pitney, a pop rock pioneer, had his greatest success overall in Britain, first travelling 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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  • britishboy1976

    For anyone who is interested, EMI release on 23 April 2012 'Completely Cilla: 1963-1973' - a 5CD boxset of material by the British pop singer Cilla Black who began her career alongside The Beatles in Liverpool during the 1960s. Cilla went on to chart 18 Top 40 singles during that decade and toured across the world with many of the other sixties greats. The new set contains 139 recordings all produced by George Martin (the man behind The Beatles' hits) and comes with a bonus Region 0 / NTSC DVD of many previously unreleased BBC TV music performances.

    22 Apr 2012 Reply

  • MusicMagic77

    Gene Pitney & Marc Almond - Somethings gotten hold of my Heart at YouTube

    25 Feb 2012 Reply

  • sogletho

    If the only thing this man had ever done was write He's A Rebel, it would have been more than enough

    14 Jan 2012 Reply

  • narci91

    Added 3 nice pictures, feel free to vote them up :)

    7 Jul 2011 Reply

  • Rapture5212011

    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~!

    4 Sep 2010 Reply

  • genefan-nz

    My email is genep@ihug.co.nz....... Have a look at web site... www.jonpalmer.co.nz

    12 Aug 2010 Reply

  • genefan-nz

    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.....

    12 Aug 2010 Reply

  • blimka

    Polish blood! [2] He's amazing.

    24 Jun 2010 Reply

  • tomk773

    Good to know he's fron Cardiff, Wales yeah

    13 Jun 2010 Reply

  • capo08

    Polish blood! Great voice! AMAzing songs! This is Real MUSIC people!

    7 Jan 2010 Reply

  • MelodyLee89

    town without pity... on look whos talking when john tavolta and kristie alley are dancing... the song goes great...

    30 Sep 2009 Reply

  • xmotylanogax

    I love how he singsI <3

    17 Aug 2009 Reply

  • Lowbacca

    http://www.lastfm.de/music/Gene+Pitney/+images/30781377

    4 Aug 2009 Reply

  • Bumba1717

    I wish i had've seen him live before he died =( His songs are amazing!

    30 Apr 2009 Reply

  • Cajungrandma

    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.......

    23 Apr 2009 Reply

  • gipsojo

    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!

    9 Dec 2008 Reply

  • leekpie

    Gene is clearly #1

    1 Dec 2008 Reply

  • penny136

    LOve song ...TOWN WITHOUT PITY......Will never die!

    27 Oct 2008 Reply

  • chaileywatts

    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

    30 Aug 2008 Reply

  • girl_from_oz

    We need more streamable songs by Gene Pitney

    22 Jul 2008 Reply
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