Pitney charted 16 top 40 hits in the United States, four in the top ten. "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. 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. - Gene Pitney Tribute Site These first three pictures were kindly supplied by Anne Griffiths. They recorded Classical Rock & Roll in 1959 followed by a single called Cradle of My Arms.. 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. In Italy, his song Nessuno mi pu giudicare became a sensational hit, and he finished second in the countrys annual Sanremo Music Festival twice. The limousine carrying the family of singer Gene Pitney leaves Somers Center Cemetery following Pitney's burial. Gene Pitney's wife Was Lynne Pitney. They also collaborated in the production of the hit song "Days of Summer". Gene's career as an artist in his own right began with the self-penned "I Wanna Love My Life Away" which he recorded for $30 at a small recording studio in New York. Despite showing no signs of ill health prior to his death, the singer passed away after performing a show in the Welsh capital. Among his most famous hits are "Town Without Pity", "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance", "Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa", "I'm Gonna Be Strong", "It Hurts to Be in Love", and "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart". However, initially he found more success as a songwriter rather than as a singer. Meanwhile, Pitney wrote hits for others, including "Today's Teardrops" for Roy Orbison, "Rubber Ball" for Bobby Vee, "Hello Mary Lou" for Ricky Nelson, and "He's a Rebel" for the Crystals (later recorded by Vikki Carr and Elkie Brooks). ", The Mandalorian's Pedro Pascal on season 3, Neighbours announces seven more returning cast. Pitney has continually toured over the last 40 years. Gene Pitney was an American singer, songwriter, and sound engineer best known for his song Town Without Pity. More tickets released for It's a Sin star's play, Nope's Keke Palmer gives birth to first child, Strictly's Rachel Stevens talks split from husband, Stacey Solomon hits back at mum-shaming trolls, Paris Hilton shares unusual name for newborn son, Love Island stars spark engagement rumours, Ray Liotta given posthumous Walk of Fame star, Marvel's Karen Gillan posts first wedding pictures, DIGITAL SPY, PART OF THE HEARST UK ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK. (Orlowski) and Harold F. Who Is Gene Pitney's Wife? 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. "Gene moved on quickly though and his first solo song came with "Cradle of My Arms" albeit under the name Billy Bryan. With limited success as an artist, Gene began to find more success as a songwriter. Unrivaled Mac notes apps for fuss-free note-taking, 6 Actionable Tips for Improving Your Websites SEO, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes. He was on a UK tour and had shown no signs of illness. Gene Pitney was an American Singer, songwriter, musician, and sound engineer.He is well known for his chart making hit songs and recordings. Publicity Listings Musicor liked he song and didn't think it needed any "tweaking", releasing it exactly the way Pitney sent it to them. 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. American superstar Gene Pitney has been found dead aged 65 in his bed in a Cardiff hotel. (Orlowsky) siblings: Dennis Pitney, Francis Pitney children: Chris, David, Todd Born Country: United States Pop Musicians Lyricists & Songwriters Died on: April 5, 2006 place of death: Cardiff, Wales In high school, he was part of the band "Gene Pitney and the Genials". Gene Francis Alan Pitney (February 17, 1940[1][2] April 5, 2006)[3] was an American singer-songwriter and musician.[4]. Marked by his piercing, pained, and melodramatic tenor, he was often characterized (very unfairly) as a shallow teen idol type of singer. The single made the top 40 in the US and Britain. 2) and Trans-Canada Highway (No. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, in 1966, and had three children with her. For more than 40 years, the singer Gene Pitney, who has died aged 65, was able to count on loyal audiences for his regular tours of Britain. 2011-04-11 01:33:42. His US career started declining after his song She's a Heartbreaker made it to the Top 40 in mid-1968. (Orlowsky) and Harold F. Pitney, who was a lathe operator. Mourning Quote: Lord Mayor of Cardiff Freda Salway noted: "I was extremely saddened to hear about the death of Gene Pitney. Gene Pitney is a member of Rock Singer. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. His maternal grandparents were Polish. Record Covers More Record Covers Magazine or newspaper articles Memories Blog About Contact Gene Video's from Youtube. At one point he had hits in Europe, the UK, and the US pop and country charts with four different songs simultaneously. He followed up in December with "Half Heaven, Half Heartache", which reached No. Pitney died on 5 April at the age of 65 of natural causes, hours after coming off stage during his UK tour. After another low-charting single, 1964's "Yesterday's Hero", Pitney rebounded with another string of hits in the mid-1960s, including the 1964 singles "It Hurts to Be in Love" and "I'm Gonna Be Strong", which reached No. T Alison Ryan He is an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.. [2] The third of five children of a lathe operator, Pitney lived with his family in Rockville, Connecticut, during his formative years. "Rubber Ball", another Pitney song, became a hit for Bobby Vee in the US and Marty Wilde in the UK. [9], Pitney was involved in a gaffe on ITV's This Morning in 1989, owing to a "technical mishap". "His family have taken the news as can be expected," said Pitney's promoter Mark Howes. Pitney, who was midway through a UK tour, was discovered in his bed at the Cardiff Hilton. Also Known As: Gene Francis Alan Pitney Died At Age: 66 Family: Spouse/Ex-: Lynne Gayton (m. 1967) father: Harold F. Pitney mother: Anna A. Almond said he was "saddened and shocked" at the news. In 1966, Gene Pitney married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, and the couple had three sons together, Todd, Chris, and David. He had nine dates left on his 23-date UK tour and was due to appear at Bristol's Colston Hall on Wednesday. Gene Pitney was born on February 17, 1940 in Rockville, Connecticut, the son of Anna A. Gene Pitney's casket "Wild" Wayne's floral arrangement at the funeral for Gene Pitney - IMDb Mini Biography By: Musicor liked he song and didn't think it needed any "tweaking", releasing it exactly the way Pitney sent it to them. Does Unforgotten work without Nicola Walker? Especially in Italy where he came second in the San Remo song contest with the song "Nessuno Mi Puo Giudicare".He also recorded a number of his hits in Italian. Photograph: Getty Richard Williams Thu 6 Apr 2006 05.09 EDT Overall, Gene had 16 top 40 hits in the US and an amazing 40 top 40 songs in the UK. He recorded albums with country greats like George Jones and Melba Montgomery and was quite successful. They were taken just a few days after Gene's funeral. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. On it Pitney not only sang but played all the instruments, in addition to recording the backup vocals (he didn't have the money to hire singers or musicians). After high school, he studied electrical engineering while simultaneously focusing on music. Portrait of singer Gene Pitney and his pregnant wife Lynne Gayton during a holiday in Italy, circa 1968. When Was Only Love Can Break Your Heart released? The song had been a UK No. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. The body can now be flown back to the USA for the stars funeral. 17 on the Hot 100. The 66-year-old, who was found dead in his hotel room in Cardiff last week, was buried in Somers, Connecticut, after a service attended by friends, neighbours and lifelong fans. Pitney - who found fame with Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa - was pronounced dead at the Hilton hotel at 1000 BST. Pitney was found dead in his hotel room in Cardiff the morning after playing at the city's St David's Hall. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. 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. In high school, he was part of the band "Gene Pitney and the Genials". It reached the Top 40 in US and Britain. Gene Pitney And Lynne Gayton. The cause of death is not yet known but is not suspicious. 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'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. At 66 years old, Gene Pitney height not available right now. Sources include Joel Whitburn's Record Research material for the US Top 100, "Bubbling Under" and US Country charts; Tim Rice et al., Guinness Book of Hit Singles for the UK; CHUM Chart for Canada prior to mid-1964, and the Canadian RPM charts thereafter; and The Kent Report for Australia, Involvement with the Rolling Stones (1964), UK, Australian and European stardom (19661970s), Last edited on 19 February 2023, at 07:18, Gene Pitney Meets the Fair Young Ladies of Folkland, It Hurts to Be in Love and Eleven More Hit Songs, For the First Time! , money, salary, income, and assets. Singer Gene Pitney (2L) playing guitar w. sons Todd (R) & David (2R), & wife Lynne (L) playing back-up instruments at home. Gene enjoyed a short lived revival in 1974 with the hits "Trans-Canada Highway" and "Blue Angel". Soon, his focus shifted to only music. We have estimated Following hot on the heels of "Town Without Pity" was "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". "They felt awful that he was so far away when it happened but they are glad that he is home now.". "Together we had one of the biggest hits of 1989 with Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart and it was an honour to have worked with him," he said. I was shocked and saddened to hear of the. Pitney was present with Phil Spector at some of the Rolling Stones' early recording sessions in London, including "Little by Little" and other tracks for their debut album;[6] he played piano, though the extent of this is uncertain. He once recalled how his first solo performance at school degenerated into an embarrassing whimper as Pitney was petrified by the expectant audience. The writers, Howard Greenfield and Helen Miller, presented the song to Pitney. His first release under his real name was in 1960 on the Festival label titled "I'll Find You". "Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa" marked a significant shift in Gene's musical direction. Gene enjoyed a short lived revival in 1974 with the hits "Trans-Canada Highway" and "Blue Angel". Pitney scored 22 UK Top 40 hits during his long career. (Photo by Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images), 4950 x 3669 px (16.50 x 12.23 in) - 300 dpi - 4 MB. Gene had a love of music from an early age. Video Captures Gene Video's from Youtube. The cause of his death was ruled to be a heart attack. Associated With. Gene Pitney's income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. 1990 In 2002 he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a fitting honour and a long overdue recognition of his talent. Gene has never looked back since then and has toured almost continuously throughout the nineties. 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. 17 on US Hot 100. With limited success as an artist, Gene began to find more success as a songwriter. He is most remembered for Song, "Red Rubber Ball. He is also remembered for the Burt BacharachHal David song "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance", which peaked at No. 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. In the early 1970s, Pitney decided to spend only six months each year on the road in order to spend more time with his family. [8], On 18 March 2002, Pitney was inducted by singer Darlene Love into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Gene Pitney Commemorative Committee established a music scholarship in Pitney's name. 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. Gene's first recordings were in 1958 with a Connecticut singing group called the Embers. What was the cause of Gene Pitneys death? In October 2008, an international fan convention was held in Rockville. 14; production by David Mackay) were substantial hits. He also recorded a number of his hits in Italian. 2 in the UK, matching the No. His songs gained notable popularity in US and UK and he was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. 1, in late January 1989. However, his music and studies were coming into increasing conflict and Gene began to move more towards his musical ambitions. "Only Love Can Break a Heart", "If I Didn't Have a Dime", "Half Heaven, Half Heartache", "Mecca", "It Hurts to be in Love" and "True Love Never Runs Smooth" were all hit records for Gene in the US. The best place for inspiration, connection, and sharing! It reached number 5 in the UK charts and marked the beginning of his rise in popularity throughout the U. K. and Europe. Wiki User. Due to a publishing conflict, he was unable to receive a writing credit for. It is awarded annually to Rockville High School. Mr Howes told BBC Wales that everyone had been shocked by the death and there had been no signs that he was ill. "He did a good show last night at St David's Hall and it was wonderful," he said. His big break came when Roy Orbison recorded Today's Teardrops as the B-side to Blue Angel. It was followed by Rubber Ball for Bobby Vee and Hello Mary Lou for Ricky Nelson. "He's a Rebel" would eventually reach number 1 in the UK and ironically deny Pitney the chance at a number 1 himself. "Rubber Ball", another Pitney song, became a hit for Bobby Vee in the US and Marty Wilde in the UK. 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. A Burt Bacharach/Hal David song it was originally intended to be the title song to the movie of the same name but it never did appeared in the movie. He had two older and two younger siblings and lived with his family in Rockville, Connecticut. Please note: images depicting historical events may contain themes, or have descriptions, that do not reflect current understanding. Though it shares a title with the John Wayne western, the song was not used in the film because of a publishing dispute. The night before his body was . Whether you like it or not you know when it is Gene. Today is a sad day.". Gene Pitney was the man with one of the unique voices in music history, awesomely talented and brilliant. Although disappearing in the late seventies he made a successful touring comeback in 1983 with a sell out North American tour. Gene Pitney (Gene Francis Alan Pitney) was born on 17 February, 1940 in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, is a Soundtrack, Actor. A post mortem examination showed that singer Gene Pitney died of natural causes, police said today. The real breakthrough for Gene came with the song "Town Without Pity" which was the title song to the movie of the same name. Portrait of singer Gene Pitney and his pregnant wife Lynne Gayton during a holiday in Italy, circa 1968. Pitney. "He was a great, unique singer of great, unique songs. He was on a UK tour and had shown no signs of illness. 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. 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. The first big breakthrough came when Roy Orbison recorded "Today's Teardrops" as the B-side to "Blue Angel". Official Sites. His songs gained notable popularity in US and UK and he was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. He was buried at Somers Center Cemetery in Somers, Connecticut. In high school, he was part of the band "Gene Pitney and the Genials". Gene's profile was very good outside of the US and UK as well. Signed to songwriter Aaron Schroeder's newly formed Musicor label in 1961, Pitney scored his first chart single, which made the Top 40, the self-penned "(I Wanna) Love My Life Away", on which he played several instruments and multi-tracked the vocals. A Burt Bacharach/Hal David song it was originally intended to be the title song to the movie of the same name but it never did appeared in the movie. Mark Howes of his management company In Touch Music said the singer was found in his bed. So, how much is Gene Pitney worth at the age of 66 years old? It was followed by Town Without Pity which became his first Top 20 single. The single made the top 40 in the US and Britain. He was buried at the Somers Centre Cemetery following a service at the nearby All Saints Church. Miller replaced Sedaka's voice with Pitney's, though Sedaka's trademark backing harmonies were left intact. 4 in 1962. Collect, curate and comment on your files. 03:36 EST 13 Apr 2006 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. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, in 1966, and had three children with her. In 1961, Gene Pitney recorded his first Top 20 single, Town Without Pity which had been penned by Tiomkin and Ned Washington. With his popularity now firmly established in the US and growing in the UK Gene began to churn the hits out with amazing regularity. Legendary crooner Gene Pitney has sadly passed away. 2 UK peak of "I'm Gonna Be Strong". 2 in US. 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. Other massive hits for Pitney included 24 Hours From Tulsa and Im Gonna Be Strong. Gene had a love of music from an early age. "Only Love Can Break a Heart", "If I Didn't Have a Dime", "Half Heaven, Half Heartache", "Mecca", "It Hurts to be in Love" and "True Love Never Runs Smooth" were all hit records for Gene in the US. The couple had three sons together. 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. 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. , updated Gene Pitney, singer and songwriter, born February 17 1941; died April 5 2006. On April 5, 2006, during his UK tour, he was found dead in his hotel room in Cardiff, Wales, by his manager after a concert. (Orlowsky) and Harold F. Pitney, a lathe operator. "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. On April 5, 2006, during his UK tour, he was found dead in his hotel room in Cardiff, Wales. 5 in UK in 1964, marking his increasing popularity in UK. In collaboration with songwriter Aaron Schroeder, he placed his songs with big artists. 2 UK). Early Life. Later that year, he had his first solo release "Cradle Of My Arms" under the name Billy Bryan on the Blaze record label. In 1989, while performing live on ITV's This Morning show, he missed his cue for the song You're the Reason and couldnt mime with the beats in time! On 18 March 2002, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 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. On September 20, 2007, a plaque to Pitney was unveiled at the town hall in his hometown of Rockville, Connecticut. 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. "I know that he had many Welsh fans and his performances were always enthusiastically received. His songs were performed by many famous artists. They were voted the most promising country-and-western duo of the year. The cause of Gene Pitney's death has been confirmed. Pitney was born in Hartford, Connecticut, United States,[3] the son of Anna A. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? 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. Pitney continued to place records in the Australian charts through 1976, including the hit "Down This Road", written and produced by distant relative Edward Pitney. Gene Pitney was born on February 17, 1940 in Rockville, Connecticut, the son of Anna A. A book of condolences has since been opened in the city centre. 1 position.[5]. UK pianist Maurice Merry was his musical director from 1970 onwards. Lynne Gayton (28 January1967 - 5 April2006)( his death)( 3 children). A: Mumbo Jumbo. Marc Almond recorded "Backstage (I'm Lonely)" for his 2007 covers album Stardom Road. Members of the family attended. Gene Pitneys first break in the music industry came when he formed a duo named Jamie and Jane with Ginny Arnell. He had a regional hit with "Nessuno mi pu giudicare". In 1965, Pitney recorded two successful albums with country singer George Jones. The son of a mill worker, Pitney said childhood ambitions of becoming a performer could not have been further from his mind. 5 in UK in 1964, marking his increasing popularity in UK. He recorded his self-penned song (I Wanna) Love My Life Away which was released on Schroeders Musicor label in 1961. Did Gene Pitney ever get married? https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/gene-pitney-9117.php. Despite this the song was well received and it's mix of the pop and country genres worked extremely well. 2 hit "Only Love Can Break a Heart", his highest-charting single in the US, from the top spot on 3 November 1962, the only time that a writer shut himself (or herself) out of the No. 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. (Orlowsky) and Harold F. Pitney, a lathe operator. 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. With his popularity now firmly established in the US and growing in the UK Gene began to churn the hits out with amazing regularity. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. [16] He was laid to rest at Somers Center Cemetery in Somers, Connecticut.[17]. The funeral of singer Gene Pitney has been held in his home town of Somers, in Connecticut. Jane Corbett's pictures Pictures of Gene's Grave. Had three children with her shift in Gene 's musical direction on September 20 2007. His last interviews, conducted by BBC Radio Wiltshire & # x27 ; s wife was Lynne Pitney break!, a lathe operator and studies were coming into increasing conflict and Gene began to find more success as singer. 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