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: Mumbo Jumbo. In the United Kingdom, he had 22 top-40 hit singles, including 11 in the top ten. Pitney also recorded songs in Italian, Spanish, and German and twice finished second in Italy's annual Sanremo Music Festival, where his strong vibrato reminded older listeners of the Italian tenor Enrico Caruso. He also performed it at Oscars ceremony on April 9, 1962, becoming the first pop singer to do so. Pitney has often been categorized (quite unfairly) as a teen-idol singer responsible only for melodramatic, angst-ridden ballads. The cause of his death was ascertained to be a heart attack. Overall, Gene had 16 top 40 hits in the US and an amazing 40 top 40 songs in the UK. Gene Pitney has one of the most distinctive voices in music. Whether you like it or not you know when it is Gene. 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. 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. 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. Governor Jodi Rell also declared September 20, 2007, as Gene Pitney Day in the state of Connecticut. [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. American superstar Gene Pitney has been found dead aged 65 in his bed in a Cardiff hotel. His US career started declining after his song She's a Heartbreaker made it to the Top 40 in mid-1968. Musicor liked he song and didn't think it needed any "tweaking", releasing it exactly the way Pitney sent it to them. "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. At one point he had hits in Europe, the UK, and the US pop and country charts with four different songs simultaneously. 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! The couple had three sons together. However, his music and studies were coming into increasing conflict and Gene began to move more towards his musical ambitions. 4 in 1962. Portrait of singer Gene Pitney and his pregnant wife Lynne Gayton during a holiday in Italy, circa 1968. He was buried at Somers Center Cemetery in Somers, Connecticut. Gene has never looked back since then and has toured almost continuously throughout the nineties.In 2002 he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a fitting honour and a long overdue recognition of his talent.In April 2006, he was in the middle of a tour of the UK when he died in his hotel room following a concert in Cardiff. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. With limited success as an artist, Gene began to find more success as a songwriter. Although disappearing in the late seventies he made a successful touring comeback in 1983 with a sell out North American tour. Mourning Quote: "They felt awful that he was so far away when it happened but they are glad that he is home now.". 2 UK peak of "I'm Gonna Be Strong". He recorded a Bacharach and David song, Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa, which peaked at No. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, in 1966, and had three children with her. A police spokeswoman said there would be no need for an inquest or any further inquiries into the death following the results of the post-mortem. 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". Lord Mayor of Cardiff Freda Salway noted: "I was extremely saddened to hear about the death of Gene Pitney. Record Covers More Record Covers Magazine or newspaper articles Memories Blog About Contact Gene Video's from Youtube. His songs gained notable popularity in US and UK and he was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. Gene Pitney was born on February 17, 1940 in Rockville, Connecticut, the son of Anna A. Who Is Gene Pitney's Wife? The funeral of singer Gene Pitney has been held in his home town of Somers, in Connecticut. They were taken just a few days after Gene's funeral. He was an enthusiastic doo-wop singer and also sang with a group named The Embers. Gene Pitneys income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. Gene Pitneys Funeral The official website for Wayne Jones, host of New Englands longest running Oldies radio program; The Rock N Roll Memory Machine. Includes interviews, photos and other up-to-date info on rock-n-roll artists from the 50s and early 60s. Photograph: Getty Richard Williams Thu 6 Apr 2006 05.09 EDT Collect, curate and comment on your files. A post mortem examination showed that singer Gene Pitney died of natural causes, police said today. They recorded Classical Rock & Roll in 1959 followed by a single called Cradle of My Arms.. Pitney - who found fame with Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa - was pronounced dead at the Hilton hotel at 1000 BST. 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". It reached #39 on the charts. 2) and "Trans-Canada Highway" (No. Other massive hits for Pitney included 24 Hours From Tulsa and Im Gonna Be Strong. It is awarded annually to Rockville High School. Gene Pitney's casket "Wild" Wayne's floral arrangement at the funeral for Gene Pitney It won a Golden Globe Award and an Oscars nomination for the Best Song. He also recorded an album of folk songs. Gene Pitney, singer and songwriter, born February 17 1941; died April 5 2006. (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 I was shocked and saddened to hear of the. As well as music, Gene was a keen student and, after high school, he began studying electrical engineering. The song had been a UK No. This is to deny the true talent of the man and the extensive range he possesses. On April 5, 2006, during his UK tour, he was found dead in his hotel room in Cardiff, Wales. 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. Among his most famous hits are Town Without Pity , (The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance , Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa , Im Gonna Be Strong , and It Hurts To Be In Love . In high school, he was part of the band "Gene Pitney and the Genials". He attended Rockville High School where he formed his first band, Gene & the Genials. So, how much is Gene Pitney worth at the age of 66 years old? Born In: Hartford, Connecticut, United States. He recorded a Bacharach and David song, 'Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa,' which peaked at No. 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". His maternal grandparents were Polish. He said it was the best tour he had done for quite a few years.". They are provided in a historical context. Singer Gene Pitney (2L) playing guitar w. sons Todd (R) & David (2R), & wife Lynne (L) playing back-up instruments at home. 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. The worlds defining voice in music and pop culture: breaking whats new and whats next since 1952. 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. 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. "He's a Rebel" would eventually reach number 1 in the UK and ironically deny Pitney the chance at a number 1 himself. In high school, he was part of the band "Gene Pitney and the Genials". [13] It was re-aired on the 25th anniversary edition of This Morning in 2013, in which presenter Holly Willoughby "broke out into a cold sweat" while reliving the moment. In 2002 he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a fitting honour and a long overdue recognition of his talent. American Singer Gene Pitney was born Gene Francis Alan Ptney on 17th February, 1940 in Hartford, Connecticut, USA and passed away on 5th Apr 2006 Cardiff, Wales, UK aged 66. His zodiac sign is Aquarius. In 1966, Gene Pitney married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, and the couple had three sons together, Todd, Chris, and Patrick Ewing. 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. T Alison Ryan Gene Francis Alan Pitney (February 17, 1940 [1] [2] - April 5, 2006) [3] was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Early Life. Almond said he was "saddened and shocked" at the news. Mark Howes of his management company In Touch Music said the singer was found in his bed. Members of the family attended. In addition to this Pitney began to make forays into other areas of music once again demonstrating his vocal range. It was followed by Town Without Pity which became his first Top 20 single. 5 in Britain at the start of 1964. He is survived by his wife Lynn and sons David, Todd and Chris. Gene Pitney was the man with one of the unique voices in music history, awesomely talented and brilliant. | Video Captures Gene Video's from Youtube. Gene has never looked back since then and has toured almost continuously throughout the nineties. Gene Pitney's income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. 12 on the Billboard chart. Gene had a love of music from an early age. American superstar Gene Pitney has been found dead aged 65 in his bed in a Cardiff hotel. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/gene-pitney-9117.php. The cause of Gene Pitney's death has been confirmed. Gene had a love of music from an early age. (Orlowski) and Harold F. The single made the top 40 in the US and Britain. 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 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 2021-2022. With his popularity now firmly established in the US and growing in the UK Gene began to churn the hits out with amazing regularity. He still appeared regularly on UK charts till 1974. SELECT OPTIONS SAVE TO CART [14][15], Pitney was touring the UK in the spring of 2006 when his manager found him dead in his hotel room following a concert in Cardiff, Wales, on April 5. Also learn how He earned most of Gene Pitney networth? Age, Biography and Wiki. He had two older and two younger siblings and lived with his family in Rockville, Connecticut. He is from USA. Val Jordan's pictures. Gene enjoyed a short lived revival in 1974 with the hits "Trans-Canada Highway" and "Blue Angel". Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. Gene and his family. She confirmed: As soon as it (the death) was deemed to be non-suspicious, the matter was handed over to the coroner.. 5 in UK in 1964, marking his increasing popularity in UK. 5 in UK in 1964, marking his increasing popularity in UK. 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 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. He also wrote the early-1960s hits "Rubber Ball" recorded by Bobby Vee, "Hello Mary Lou" by Ricky Nelson, and "He's a Rebel" by the Crystals. EEAAO star gives tearful speech after historic win, The best Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom deals. Gene Pitneys first break in the music industry came when he formed a duo named Jamie and Jane with Ginny Arnell. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. [9], Pitney was involved in a gaffe on ITV's This Morning in 1989, owing to a "technical mishap". The duet brought him his first UK No. Almond said of his old singing colleague upon hearing of his death: It was an honour to have worked with him. 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. In 1966, his single Nobody Needs Your Love peaked at No. He married wife Lynee. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. Discover Gene Pitney's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. 5 for Pitney in 1967. The Jagger/Richards song "That Girl Belongs to Yesterday" was a No. He recorded his self-penned song (I Wanna) Love My Life Away which was released on Schroeders Musicor label in 1961. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, in 1966, and had three children with her. Gene Pitney was born on February 17, 1940 in Rockville, Connecticut, the son of Anna A. These next five pictures were taken by Anne Griffiths in October 2014. Gene Pitney's wife Was Lynne Pitney. He was the first pop singer to ever perform at the Oscar's and it helped to significantly raise his profile in 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. Pitney charted 16 top 40 hits in the United States, four in the top ten. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. "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. Official Sites. Birth Day: February 17, 1940: Birth Place: Hartford, CT: Gene Pitney age: 80 YEARS OLD: Died On: Apr 5, 2006 (age 66) Birth Sign: Aquarius . - Gene Pitney Tribute Site These first three pictures were kindly supplied by Anne Griffiths. He attended Rockville High School where he formed his first band, Gene & the Genials. 03:36 EST 13 Apr 2006 Portrait of singer Gene Pitney and his pregnant wife Lynne Gayton during a holiday in Italy, circa 1968. 49, ending a run of seven Top 40 singles for Pitney as a performer. Pitney died on 5 April at the age of 65 of natural causes, hours after coming off stage during his UK tour. Pitney maintained a successful career in Britain and the rest of Europe into the 1970s, appearing regularly on UK charts as late as 1974. The song received a Golden Globe Award, reached the US top 20 and Gene also performed it at the Academy Awards. Marked by his piercing, pained, and melodramatic tenor, he was often characterized (very unfairly) as a shallow teen idol type of singer. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. This answer is: It reached number 5 in the UK charts and marked the beginning of his rise in popularity throughout the U.K. and Europe.Between 1963 and 1966, Gene consistently produced top 10 hits in the UK. He recorded albums with country greats like George Jones and Melba Montgomery and was quite successful. Pitney has continually toured over the last 40 years. Gene's profile was very good outside of the US and UK as well. With limited success as an artist, Gene began to find more success as a songwriter. In early 1959, he released two records on the Decca label, "Snuggle Up Baby" and "Classical Rock and Roll", as part of a duo called Jamie and Jane with Ginny Arnell. 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! The writers, Howard Greenfield and Helen Miller, presented the song to Pitney. 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. (Photo by Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Embed Save PURCHASE A LICENSE Get personalized pricing by telling us when, where, and how you want to use this asset. Gene Pitney - Yours Until Tomorrow (1968) - YouTube 0:00 / 3:22 Gene Pitney - Yours Until Tomorrow (1968) Beat-Club 388K subscribers Subscribe 601 Share Save 55K views 2 years ago Gene. 7 and No. He also recorded a number of his hits in Italian. 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