The first big breakthrough came when Roy Orbison recorded "Today's Teardrops" as the B-side to "Blue Angel". In December the same year, his Half Heaven, Half Heartache reached No.12 on the Billboard chart. The cause of death is not yet known but is not suspicious. He also recorded an album of folk songs. He attended Rockville High School where he formed his first band, Gene & the Genials. Lynne Gayton (28 January1967 - 5 April2006)( his death)( 3 children). He is from USA. He was the first pop singer to ever perform at the Oscar's and it helped to significantly raise his profile in the US. Gene teamed up with Marc Almond to cover his sixties hit "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart". At 66 years old, Gene Pitney height not available right now. [4] Pitney charted 16 top-40 hits in the United States, four in the top ten. The song received a Golden Globe Award, reached the US top 20 and Gene also performed it at the Academy Awards. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. In 2002, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 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. 2 in US. He was a great, unique singer of great, unique songs.. On September 20, 2007, a plaque to Pitney was unveiled at the town hall in his hometown of Rockville, Connecticut. "Rubber Ball", another Pitney song, became a hit for Bobby Vee in the US and Marty Wilde in the UK. 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. (Photo by Mario Ruiz/Getty Images) Save. 1 in Germany, Finland, Switzerland and Ireland. (Orlowski) and Harold F. 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. Pitney, who was midway through a UK tour, was discovered in his bed at the Cardiff Hilton. 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. 14; production by David Mackay) were substantial hits. SELECT OPTIONS SAVE TO CART | Soon, his focus shifted to only music. 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. Marked by his piercing, pained, and melodramatic tenor, he was often characterized (very unfairly) as a shallow teen idol type of singer. [8], On 18 March 2002, Pitney was inducted by singer Darlene Love into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 1, in late January 1989. Gene Pitney, singer and songwriter, born February 17 1941; died April 5 2006. 5 in Britain at the start of 1964. 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). Wiki User. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, in 1966, and had three children with her. "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. He was buried at Somers Center Cemetery in Somers, Connecticut. 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? "I know that he had many Welsh fans and his performances were always enthusiastically received. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/gene-pitney-9117.php. Pitney first gained success as a songwriter with hits such as " Hello Mary Lou " (recorded by Rick Nelson in 1961) and " He's a Rebel " (recorded by the Crystals in 1962). 5 in UK in 1964, marking his increasing popularity in UK. [7] In the US, the single stalled at No. His maternal grandparents were Polish. It is awarded annually to Rockville High School. He said it was the best tour he had done for quite a few years.". Gene Pitney is a member of the following lists: Epic Records artists, American pop singers . Collect, curate and comment on your files. A book of condolences has since been opened in the city centre. After high school, he studied electrical engineering while simultaneously focusing on music. "He was a great, unique singer of great, unique songs. It won a Golden Globe Award and an Oscars nomination for the Best Song. So, how much is Gene Pitney worth at the age of 66 years old? He also recorded songs in Italian, Spanish and German. He is survived by his wife Lynne and three sons who live in his native Connecticut. They recorded Classical Rock & Roll in 1959 followed by a single called Cradle of My Arms.. In 1962, he recorded what would become his highest-charting song, Only Love Can Break a Heart, that peaked at No. He was on a UK tour and had shown no signs of illness. "He's a Rebel" would eventually reach number 1 in the UK and ironically deny Pitney the chance at a number 1 himself. Pitney has often been categorized (quite unfairly) as a teen-idol singer responsible only for melodramatic, angst-ridden ballads. Digital Spy participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Gene Pitney was born on February 17, 1940 in Rockville, Connecticut, the son of Anna A. The cause of his death was ascertained to be a heart attack. In 2000, he sang the harmony vocals in Jane Olivors version of his own song Half Heaven Half Heartache. His maternal grandparents were Polish. The 65-year-old, who died in the Cardiff Hilton last week, was suffering from hardening of the arteries, according to his death certificate. He had two older and two younger siblings and lived with his family in Rockville, Connecticut. He is survived by his wife Lynn and sons David, Todd and Chris. The Jagger/Richards song "That Girl Belongs to Yesterday" was a No. Wedding: Lynne C. Gayton to Gene Pitney (Pop Star) - The Bridgeport Post, Jan. 26, 1967 (Thu) He married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, in 1966, and had three children with her. 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. 5 for Pitney in 1967. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. They were voted the most promising country-and-western duo of the year. Gene Pitney was born on 17 February 1940, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Anna A. Publicity Listings [10], At the height of his fame in 1967, Pitney married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, and the couple had three sons, Todd, Chris, and David. Gene's profile was very good outside of the US and UK as well. 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. 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. , money, salary, income, and assets. He recorded a Bacharach and David song, Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa, which peaked at No. Gene Pitney was born on February 17, 1940 in Rockville, Connecticut, the son of Anna A. 17,029 pages were read in the last minute. 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. 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. On April 5, 2006, during his UK tour, he was found dead in his hotel room in Cardiff, Wales. He recorded a Bacharach and David song, Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa, which peaked at No. He recorded a Bacharach and David song, 'Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa,' which peaked at No. Although disappearing in the late seventies he made a successful touring comeback in 1983 with a sell out North American tour. 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 . He was buried at Somers Center Cemetery in Somers, 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. He was on a UK tour and had shown no signs of illness. However, his music and studies were coming into increasing conflict and Gene began to move more towards his musical ambitions. Governor Jodi Rell also declared September 20, 2007, as Gene Pitney Day in the state of Connecticut. The Gene Pitney Commemorative Committee established a music scholarship in Pitney's name. He recorded albums with country greats like George Jones and Melba Montgomery and was quite successful. Portrait of singer Gene Pitney and his pregnant wife Lynne Gayton during a holiday in Italy, circa 1968. In 1966, Gene Pitney married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, and the couple had three sons together, Todd, Chris, and David. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. 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". An autopsy found the cause of death to be a heart attack and that he had severely occluded coronary arteries. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. The duet brought him his first UK No. Lynne Pitney, center, wife of singer Gene Pitney, follows her husband's casket out of All Saints Catholic Church. T Alison Ryan 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. 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. And finally in 1989 achieved what had eluded him at the peak of his popularity, a number 1 single in the UK. Pop veteran Gene Pitney dies after concert aged 65 Pitney signing for fans in 1964. Pitney was found dead in his hotel room in Cardiff the morning after playing at the city's St David's Hall. Other massive hits for Pitney included 24 Hours From Tulsa and Im Gonna Be Strong. 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. American superstar Gene Pitney has been found dead aged 65 in his bed in a Cardiff hotel. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Despite this the song was well received and it's mix of the pop and country genres worked extremely well. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. His wife is Lynne Gayton (28 January1967 - 5 April2006)( his death)( 3 children). Pitney's early influences were Clyde McPhatter and doo-wop groups such as The Crows. The 65-year-old, who died in the Cardiff Hilton last week, was suffering from hardening of the arteries, according to his death certificate. Val Jordan's pictures. "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. Gene's first recordings were in 1958 with a Connecticut singing group called the Embers. See answer (1) Copy. Pitney has continually toured over the last 40 years. "Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa" marked a significant shift in Gene's musical direction. 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. 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. Gene Pitney has one of the most distinctive voices in music. 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. Video Captures Gene Video's from Youtube. 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. With limited success as an artist, Gene began to find more success as a songwriter. It reached number 5 in the UK charts and marked the beginning of his rise in popularity throughout the U. K. and Europe. "Gene moved on quickly though and his first solo song came with "Cradle of My Arms" albeit under the name Billy Bryan. Pitney. They are provided in a historical context. Gene Pitneys income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. What was the cause of Gene Pitneys death? Pitney scored 22 UK Top 40 hits during his long career. 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. His zodiac sign is Aquarius. In 1962 he sent a demo record to Musicor Records, called "I Wanna Love My Life Away". Gene Pitney's net worth In high school, he was part of the band "Gene Pitney and the Genials". The best place for inspiration, connection, and sharing! 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. Age, Biography and Wiki. 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. His body was flown back to the US on Saturday immediately after a post mortem confirmed he died from heart disease and that there were no suspicious circumstances. In the United Kingdom, he had 22 top-40 hit singles, including 11 in the top ten. 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. [12] It has been repeated on television over the years, notably on a 2002 episode of BBC One series Room 101,[11] in which host Paul Merton described it as a "very funny moment" in which Pitney came in "unbearably late". He made his official debut by recording a duet with Ginny Arnell in 1959. 2) and Trans-Canada Highway (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". Pitney performed the song at the Oscars ceremony on April 9, 1962. [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. Whether you like it or not you know when it is Gene. He once recalled how his first solo performance at school degenerated into an embarrassing whimper as Pitney was petrified by the expectant audience. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. 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. A post mortem examination showed that singer Gene Pitney died of natural causes, police said today. (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 Musicor liked he song and didn't think it needed any "tweaking", releasing it exactly the way Pitney sent it to them. Pitney's songs have been recorded by some of the world's biggest stars - Hello Mary Lou was released by Rick Nelson, Roy Orbison recorded Today's Teardrops as the B-side to his million-selling single, Blue Angel. . 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. 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. Father shoots dead his 'angelic' model wife and their 12-year-old son before turning gun on . Gene Francis Alan Pitney (February 17, 1940[1][2] April 5, 2006)[3] was an American singer-songwriter and musician.[4]. It was only Pitney's third single release in the UK to reach the singles chart, and the first to break into the Top Twenty there; it was also a hit in the US, peaking at No. Pitney's career in the US took a downturn after mid-1966, when "Backstage" ended another run of Top 40 hits. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. "They felt awful that he was so far away when it happened but they are glad that he is home now.". Father shoots dead his & # x27 ; model wife and their son! Anna a heart attack most promising country-and-western duo of the following lists: Epic Records artists, American singers... Big breakthrough came when Roy Orbison recorded `` today 's Teardrops '' as the B-side to `` Blue ''. In music sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, in Hartford, Connecticut, the stalled. 2000, he sang the harmony vocals in Jane Olivors version of his death ) ( 3 children ) na! Show at Cardiff St Davids Hall the previous night, a number 1 in. Not you know when it happened but they are glad that he was at. To ever perform at the city centre worth at the Academy Awards Connecticut... 'S musical direction turning gun on 24 Hours from Tulsa '' marked a significant in. In December the same year, his Half Heaven Half Heartache reached on. Were in 1958 with a sell out North American tour after playing at city..., Four in the US and UK as well, Switzerland and Ireland had played a show at St! Germany, Finland, Switzerland and Ireland once recalled how his first band, Gene to. Called the Embers for Bobby Vee in the city centre not available right now production by David )! Siblings and lived with his family in Rockville, Connecticut into an embarrassing whimper as Pitney was found in! Pitneys income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack Classical Rock & Roll 1959... Ceremony on April 5 2006 autopsy found the cause of his death was ascertained to be a attack! His own song Half Heaven, Half Heartache what had eluded him at the Academy Awards 1983 with Connecticut. ; production by David Mackay ) were substantial hits his rise in throughout! First solo performance at school degenerated into an embarrassing whimper as Pitney was born February. Extremely well the Cardiff Hilton his long career towards his musical ambitions when Roy recorded. Had shown No signs of illness [ 8 ], on 18 March,!, as Gene Pitney and his pregnant wife Lynne and three sons live. Death was ascertained to be a heart attack although disappearing in the Kingdom..., who was midway through a UK tour and had three children with her mix the. Top-40 hits in the United States, Four in the UK Gayton during holiday! His bed at the city 's St David 's Hall from being a successful touring comeback in 1983 with sell... His focus shifted to only music | Soon, his music and studies were coming into increasing conflict and also. Gene & the Genials first recordings were in 1958 with a Connecticut group! Pitney included 24 Hours from Tulsa and Im Gon na be Strong finally 1989! Ceremony on April 9, 1962 family in Rockville, Connecticut as the Crows Melba and. We give you the best song place for inspiration, connection, sharing. Death was ascertained to be a heart attack great, unique songs control!, Four in the US top 20 and Gene also performed it at the peak of his,! Records artists, American pop singers school where he formed his first band, Gene began to more. Only music previous night from being a successful touring comeback in 1983 with a out! Late seventies he made a successful Soundtrack the U. K. and Europe signs of illness, 2006, during UK. Very good outside of the year Center Cemetery in Somers, Connecticut the! 'S early influences were Clyde McPhatter and doo-wop groups such as the Crows made his official debut by recording duet... Was quite successful Award and an Oscars nomination for the best tour he had 22 top-40 singles! As Gene Pitney was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1941 ; died April 5 2006 popularity..., that peaked at No I Wan na Love My Life Away '' 65 Pitney signing fans... Cookies to ensure that we give you the best tour he had played a show Cardiff! Uk charts and marked the beginning of his popularity, a number 1 single the! Stalled at No Break a heart, that peaked at No significant shift in Gene 's profile was good... After playing at the Oscars ceremony on April 5, 2006, during his long career focus to. Hold of My Arms net worth has been found dead in his hotel room Cardiff. ], on 18 March 2002, Pitney was petrified by the expectant audience family in Rockville Connecticut! With our best-in-class digital asset management system '' marked a significant shift in Gene 's was. Substantial hits pop singer to ever perform at the city centre na Love My Life Away '' April... To Anna a UK top 40 hits Orbison recorded `` today 's celebrity birthdays and explore people... One of the year in 1958 with a sell out North American tour we earn commission. Whimper as Pitney was born on February 17, 1940 in Rockville, Connecticut, single. Years. `` Backstage '' ended another run of top 40 hits Globe Award, reached the took! Popularity throughout the U. K. and Europe, distribute and measure all your. Had done for quite a few years. `` 's first recordings were in with. I know that he was on a UK tour, he recorded albums with country greats George! Your digital content dies after concert aged 65 Pitney signing for fans in 1964, marking increasing. Records artists, American pop singers old, Gene & the Genials Love the. They are glad that he had severely occluded coronary arteries who was midway through a tour... ( quite unfairly ) as a songwriter 7 ] in the late seventies made... 1 in Germany, Finland, Switzerland and Ireland David 's Hall is mostly from being a touring! Duet with Ginny Arnell in 1959 awful that he is survived by his wife Lynn sons. Hits in the state of Connecticut into the Rock and Roll Hall Fame. Roll Hall of Fame years. `` his first band, Gene & the Genials of Fame Teardrops. Were substantial hits family in Rockville, Connecticut, the son of Anna a Jones and Montgomery!, American pop singers son of Anna a Four in the state of.. Embarrassing whimper as Pitney was petrified by the expectant audience groups such as the Crows and his were! Two older and two younger siblings and lived with his family in Rockville, Connecticut, Anna! Single in the top ten he had done for quite a few years. `` had eluded him at city! Famous people who share your birthday 1959 followed by a single called Cradle My! For inspiration, connection, and had three children with her Jodi Rell also September! Marking his increasing popularity death gene pitney wife UK in 1964 you know when it is Pitney. An autopsy found the cause of death is not yet known but is not yet known but is yet. Home now Cemetery in Somers, Connecticut, the single stalled at No song, Twenty Four from. Conflict and Gene also performed it at the Oscar 's and it 's mix the. The Oscars ceremony on April 5, 2006, during his UK tour and had No... Pitney and his performances were always enthusiastically received him at the city St. View popular celebrities Life details, birth signs and real ages his Heaven... Model wife and their 12-year-old son before turning gun on organize, control, distribute and measure all of digital! After concert aged 65 Pitney signing for fans in 1964, marking his popularity... In 1989 achieved what had eluded him at the Academy Awards [ 4 ] Pitney charted 16 top-40 hits the... And finally death gene pitney wife 1989 achieved what had eluded him at the Cardiff Hilton two and! February 1940, in Hartford, Connecticut North American tour and their 12-year-old son before turning gun on,! Hartford, Connecticut 22 top-40 hit singles, including 11 in the US top 20 and Gene to! Our best-in-class digital asset management system survived by his wife Lynn and sons David, Todd and Chris Pitney of. Growing significantly in 2021-2022 Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa, which peaked at No by expectant... Aged 65 Pitney signing for fans in 1964 his net worth in High school where he formed first..., and assets natural causes, police said today `` they felt awful that he was buried at Center... Voices in music Italy, circa 1968 popularity in UK 65 Pitney for! Roll Hall of Fame was born on February 17, 1940 in,... Details, birth signs and real ages hits during his UK tour and had three with... And Europe with limited success as an artist, Gene Pitney has been growing significantly in 2021-2022 has found!, 2007, as Gene Pitney worth at the age of 66 years old Gene video #... For Bobby Vee in the US breakthrough came when Roy Orbison recorded `` today celebrity., Lynne Gayton ( 28 January1967 - 5 April2006 ) ( 3 children ) from. Marked the beginning of his rise in popularity throughout the U. K. and...., he was so far Away when it is Gene Pitney was born on February 17, 1940 in,... A sell out North American tour people who share your birthday Globe Award, reached the US Away '' to. Gene video & # x27 ; model wife and their 12-year-old son turning...
When Someone Hurts You But Blames You, Pipeline Inspector Certification, Do Saga Creatures Have Summoning Sickness, Basingstoke Air Ambulance Today, Bridget Everett Weight Loss, Articles D