He was an enthusiastic doo-wop singer and also sang with a group named The Embers. "Rubber Ball", another Pitney song, became a hit for Bobby Vee in the US and Marty Wilde in the UK. His streak of success continued through 1976 with songs like Down This Road, and Days of Summer. "He's a Rebel" would eventually reach number 1 in the UK and ironically deny Pitney the chance at a number 1 himself. They are provided in a historical context. Gene Pitney died at age 65 of natural causes. Gene Pitney, whose keening tenor voice produced a string of hits including "Town Without Pity'' was found dead in his hotel room in Wales Wednesday following a concert that fans acclaimed as. 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. Mark Howes of his management company In Touch Music said the singer was found in his bed. Who Is Gene Pitney's Wife? He was buried at Somers Center Cemetery in Somers, Connecticut. The duet outdid the original which could only make number 5 in 1967. Please note: images depicting historical events may contain themes, or have descriptions, that do not reflect current understanding. He is from USA. 2 UK). (Orlowsky) and Harold F. Pitney, a lathe operator. In 1964, his song Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa peaked at No.5 in Britain and at No. In Australia, his songs Blue Angel (No. It reached #39 on the charts. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. Pictures of Gene's Grave. In 1966, Gene Pitney married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, and the couple had three sons together, Todd, Chris, and David. The cause of death is not yet known but is not suspicious. Jason Derby, Other Works The song had been a UK No. At one point he had hits in Europe, the UK, and the US pop and country charts with four different songs simultaneously. 7 and No. Pitney. The funeral of singer Gene Pitney has been held in his home town of Somers, in Connecticut. 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 was staying in an executive suite at the Hilton, Pitney returned to the charts with Marc Almond in 1989, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites, The songwriter who became a star in his own right. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. On 18 March 2002, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His family asked for donations, in lieu of flowers, to be made to Connecticut Public Broadcasting Company and the Humane Society of the US. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. Gene Pitney was an American Singer, songwriter, musician, and sound engineer.He is well known for his chart making hit songs and recordings. Listen online to one of his last interviews, conducted by BBC Radio Wiltshire's Mark Seaman. He had two older and two younger siblings and lived with his family in Rockville, Connecticut. Written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington, the song won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song, but lost to "Moon River". He had a regional hit with "Nessuno mi pu giudicare". 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 . His maternal grandparents were Polish. Wed 5 Apr 2006 12.08 EDT The American singer-songwriter Gene Pitney, whose biggest hit was Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa, has been found dead in a hotel room in Cardiff, it was announced today.. 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. Did Gene Pitney ever get married? Gene Pitney is a member of Rock Singer. Lord Mayor of Cardiff Freda Salway noted: "I was extremely saddened to hear about the death of Gene Pitney. "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. 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. Gene Pitney - 17Feb 1940 - 05Apr 2006 (died at the age of 66) J Jason Raymer Tune Music Music Star Rock Music Music Memories Childhood Memories Dj Company The safest and most inclusive global community of photography enthusiasts. "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 66 years old, Gene Pitney height not available right now. Gene Pitney's net worth In October 2008, an international fan convention was held in Rockville. 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 was on a UK tour and had shown no signs of illness. It reached the Top 40 in US and Britain. He had played a show at Cardiff St Davids Hall the previous night. The cause of his death was ascertained to be a heart attack. 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. Although disappearing in the late seventies he made a successful touring comeback in 1983 with a sell out North American tour. I was shocked and saddened to hear of the. The cause of his death was ascertained to be a heart attack. Especially in Italy where he came second in the San Remo song contest with the song "Nessuno Mi Puo Giudicare". It reached #39 on the charts. T Alison Ryan He was buried at the Somers Centre Cemetery following a service at the nearby All Saints Church. Early Life. 4 in 1962. Pitney's biggest hits included Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa, Town Without Pity and Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart, on which he duetted with Marc Almond. Members of the family attended. Gene Pitney was the man with one of the unique voices in music history, awesomely talented and brilliant. (Orlowsky) and Harold F. Pitney, a lathe operator. 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. Gene enjoyed a short lived revival in 1974 with the hits "Trans-Canada Highway" and "Blue Angel". Also learn how He earned most of Gene Pitney networth? American singing legend Gene Pitney died of natural causes, a post-mortem examination has confirmed. "He was a great, unique singer of great, unique songs. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. On April 5, 2006, during his UK tour, he was found dead in his hotel room in Cardiff, Wales. He had nine dates left on his 23-date UK tour and was due to appear at Bristol's Colston Hall on Wednesday. [2] The third of five children of a lathe operator, Pitney lived with his family in Rockville, Connecticut, during his formative years. 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. Pitney, who was midway through a UK tour, was discovered in his bed at the Cardiff Hilton. Gene Pitney is a member of the following lists: Epic Records artists, American pop singers . (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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. His wife is Lynne Gayton (28 January1967 - 5 April2006)( his death)( 3 children). The couple had three sons together. Due to a publishing conflict, he was unable to receive a writing credit for. 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). I wanted to pay my respects by signing this book of condolence, which I know will reflect just how fondly thought of Gene was in Cardiff. Whether you like it or not you know when it is Gene. 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 . Record Covers More Record Covers Magazine or newspaper articles Memories Blog About Contact Gene Video's from Youtube. 2011-04-11 01:33:42. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. He made his official debut by recording a duet with Ginny Arnell in 1959. A book of condolences has since been opened in the city centre. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. 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 2020-2021. 17 on the Hot 100. The event was emceed by oldies radio DJ and Pitney friend "Wild" Wayne. In December the same year, his Half Heaven, Half Heartache reached No.12 on the Billboard chart. Lynne Pitney, center, wife of singer Gene Pitney, follows her husband's casket out of All Saints Catholic Church. Gene Pitneys first break in the music industry came when he formed a duo named Jamie and Jane with Ginny Arnell. Singer Gene Pitney (2L) playing guitar w. sons Todd (R) & David (2R), & wife Lynne (L) playing back-up instruments at home. The son of a mill worker, Pitney said childhood ambitions of becoming a performer could not have been further from his mind. "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. It is awarded annually to Rockville High School. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, in 1966, and had three children with her. In 1966, his single Nobody Needs Your Love peaked at No. Pitney scored 22 UK Top 40 hits during his long career. Legendary crooner Gene Pitney has sadly passed away. Pitney charted 16 top-40 hits in the United States, four in the top ten. After high school, he studied electrical engineering while simultaneously focusing on music. He is also credited with helping the Rolling Stones break the American market with his endorsement of the band. Thu 6 Apr 2006 05.12 EDT. [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. The Gene Pitney Commemorative Committee established a music scholarship in Pitney's name. In 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. "His family have taken the news as can be expected," said Pitney's promoter Mark Howes. 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". Though it shares a title with the John Wayne western, the song was not used in the film because of a publishing dispute. 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". [3] His final show at Cardiff's St David's Hall had earned him a standing ovation; he ended with "Town Without Pity". Pitney died on 5 April at the age of 65 of natural causes, hours after coming off stage during his. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Marc Almond recorded "Backstage (I'm Lonely)" for his 2007 covers album Stardom Road. He once recalled how his first solo performance at school degenerated into an embarrassing whimper as Pitney was petrified by the expectant audience. 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. The single made the top 40 in the US and Britain. Father shoots dead his 'angelic' model wife and their 12-year-old son before turning gun on . He is from USA. In Australia, after a fallow period in the early 1970s, Pitney returned to the Top 40 in 1974, when both "Blue Angel" (No. Gene Pitney's income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. Gene Francis Alan Pitney (February 17, 1940[1][2] April 5, 2006)[3] was an American singer-songwriter and musician.[4]. Gene's profile was very good outside of the US and UK as well. So, how much is Gene Pitney worth at the age of 66 years old? However, initially he found more success as a songwriter rather than as a singer. American superstar Gene Pitney has been found dead aged 65 in his bed in a Cardiff hotel. With his popularity now firmly established in the US and growing in the UK Gene began to churn the hits out with amazing regularity. It was followed by Town Without Pity which became his first Top 20 single. 14; production by David Mackay) were substantial hits. (Photo by Mario Ruiz/Getty Images) Save. SELECT OPTIONS SAVE TO CART In addition to this Pitney began to make forays into other areas of music once again demonstrating his vocal range. UK pianist Maurice Merry was his musical director from 1970 onwards. 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. Gene Pitney was born on 17 February 1940, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Anna A. Overcoming his nerves over the next few years, Pitney learned to play the guitar and piano and formed a schoolboy band. He also performed it at Oscars ceremony on April 9, 1962, becoming the first pop singer to do so. The body can now be flown back to the USA for the stars funeral. Gene Pitney's casket "Wild" Wayne's floral arrangement at the funeral for Gene Pitney Who Is Gene Pitney's Wife? 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 enjoyed a short lived revival in 1974 with the hits "Trans-Canada Highway" and "Blue Angel". What was the cause of Gene Pitneys death? The worlds defining voice in music and pop culture: breaking whats new and whats next since 1952. "Gene moved on quickly though and his first solo song came with "Cradle of My Arms" albeit under the name Billy Bryan. 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. 17,029 pages were read in the last minute. [4] Pitney charted 16 top-40 hits in the United States, four in the top ten. We will update Gene Pitney's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. Other massive hits for Pitney included 24 Hours From Tulsa and Im Gonna Be Strong. 5 in UK in 1964, marking his increasing popularity in UK. Pitney performed the song at the Oscars ceremony on April 9, 1962. Gene Pitneys income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. Portrait of singer Gene Pitney and his pregnant wife Lynne Gayton during a holiday in Italy, circa 1968. Gene Francis Alan Pitney (February 17, 1940 [1] [2] - April 5, 2006) [3] was an American singer-songwriter and musician. "I know that he had many Welsh fans and his performances were always enthusiastically received. Today is a sad day.". In 1962, he recorded what would become his highest-charting song, Only Love Can Break a Heart, that peaked at No. 49, ending a run of seven Top 40 singles for Pitney as a performer. In 1962 he sent a demo record to Musicor Records, called "I Wanna Love My Life Away". In addition to this Pitney began to make forays into other areas of music once again demonstrating his vocal range. Discover Gene Pitney's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. 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. Gene has never looked back since then and has toured almost continuously throughout the nineties. The song received a Golden Globe Award, reached the US top 20 and Gene also performed it at the Academy Awards. Lynne Gayton (28 January1967 - 5 April2006)( his death)( 3 children). "He's a Rebel" would eventually reach number 1 in the UK and ironically deny Pitney the chance at a number 1 himself. 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. 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. His maternal grandparents were Polish. [9], Pitney was involved in a gaffe on ITV's This Morning in 1989, owing to a "technical mishap". He recorded a Bacharach and David song, 'Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa,' which peaked at No. 2 in UK. 03:37 EST 13 Apr 2006, King Charles hosts von der Leyen at Windsor Castle, Police: Urgent search for Constance Marten's missing baby, Shocking video shows machete fight in broad daylight, Putin spy plane before being 'destroyed by pro-Ukraine Belarus group', Gabor Mat: No Jewish state without oppressing local population, Amplified jet stream could lead to 'disruptive snow in places', Pupils take to TikTok as they stage protest at Shenfield High School, Putin orders intelligence service to find 'scum' who oppose him, Moment supermarket cashier is attacked at work in New York, Police search allotment sheds for Constance Marten's missing baby, Huge urgent police search for missing baby of Constance Marten, Dashcam captures moment two cars collide on a roundabout. So, how much is Gene Pitney worth at the age of 66 years old? "Rebel" kept Pitney's own 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 2021-2022. His songs gained notable popularity in US and UK and he was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. Pitney has continually toured over the last 40 years. It reached number 5 in the UK charts and marked the beginning of his rise in popularity throughout the U. K. and Europe. "Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa" marked a significant shift in Gene's musical direction. With limited success as an artist, Gene began to find more success as a songwriter. 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. (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 Gene had a love of music from an early age. 2023 Getty Images. An autopsy found the cause of death to be a heart attack and that he had severely occluded coronary arteries. "Rubber Ball", another Pitney song, became a hit for Bobby Vee in the US and Marty Wilde in the UK. His maternal grandparents were Polish. Collect, curate and comment on your files. 12 on the Billboard chart. 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. 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. His songs gained notable popularity in US and UK and he was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. 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