The first big breakthrough came when Roy Orbison recorded "Today's Teardrops" as the B-side to "Blue Angel". Today is a sad day.". Pitney has continually toured over the last 40 years. The cause of his death was ruled to be a heart attack. Despite this the song was well received and it's mix of the pop and country genres worked extremely well. Collect, curate and comment on your files. - Gene Pitney Tribute Site These first three pictures were kindly supplied by Anne Griffiths. He is survived by his wife Lynn and sons David, Todd and Chris. [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. We have estimated 2023 Getty Images. This answer is: Gene enjoyed a short lived revival in 1974 with the hits "Trans-Canada Highway" and "Blue Angel". 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. He was buried at Somers Center Cemetery in Somers, Connecticut. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. 5 in UK in 1964, marking his increasing popularity in UK. 14; production by David Mackay) were substantial hits. 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 Pitney's income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. "Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa" marked a significant shift in Gene's musical direction. Gene has never looked back since then and has toured almost continuously throughout the nineties. 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. These next five pictures were taken by Anne Griffiths in October 2014. Gene and his family. Pitney performed the song at the Oscars ceremony on April 9, 1962. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. (Orlowsky) and Harold F. Pitney, who was a lathe operator. In 1966, Gene Pitney married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, and the couple had three sons together, Todd, Chris, and Patrick Ewing. He was buried at Somers Center Cemetery in Somers, Connecticut. Musicor liked he song and didn't think it needed any "tweaking", releasing it exactly the way Pitney sent it to them. "Gene moved on quickly though and his first solo song came with "Cradle of My Arms" albeit under the name Billy Bryan. He eventually gained fame as a singer when he recorded his self-penned song, I Wanna Love My Life Away. A book of condolences has since been opened in the city centre. [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. He also recorded an album of folk songs. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. The body can now be flown back to the USA for the stars funeral. "His family have taken the news as can be expected," said Pitney's promoter Mark Howes. Singer Gene Pitney (2L) playing guitar w. sons Todd (R) & David (2R), & wife Lynne (L) playing back-up instruments at home. "I know that he had many Welsh fans and his performances were always enthusiastically received. He is from USA. The first big breakthrough came when Roy Orbison recorded "Today's Teardrops" as the B-side to "Blue Angel". Despite showing no signs of ill health prior to his death, the singer passed away after performing a show in the Welsh capital. Val Jordan's pictures. With limited success as an artist, Gene began to find more success as a songwriter. His first release under his real name was in 1960 on the Festival label titled "I'll Find You". Whether you like it or not you know when it is Gene. Portrait of singer Gene Pitney and his pregnant wife Lynne Gayton during a holiday in Italy, circa 1968. 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. The single remained at the top for four weeks, and also went to No. 5 in UK in 1964, marking his increasing popularity in UK. In the United Kingdom, he had 22 top-40 hit singles, including 11 in the top ten. Governor Jodi Rell also declared September 20, 2007, as Gene Pitney Day in the state of Connecticut. He made his official debut by recording a duet with Ginny Arnell in 1959. He said it was the best tour he had done for quite a few years.". UK pianist Maurice Merry was his musical director from 1970 onwards. 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 . [7] In the US, the single stalled at No. Please note: images depicting historical events may contain themes, or have descriptions, that do not reflect current understanding. It reached #39 on the charts. His songs gained notable popularity in US and UK and he was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. Gene Pitneys first break in the music industry came when he formed a duo named Jamie and Jane with Ginny Arnell. 2 UK peak of "I'm Gonna Be Strong". The writers, Howard Greenfield and Helen Miller, presented the song to Pitney. Pitney - who found fame with Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa - was pronounced dead at the Hilton hotel at 1000 BST. The duet outdid the original which could only make number 5 in 1967. 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. American singing legend Gene Pitney died of natural causes, a post-mortem examination has confirmed. "Rebel" kept Pitney's own No. 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. Gene's profile was very good outside of the US and UK as well. It reached #39 on the charts. 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. "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. 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. Pitney's early influences were Clyde McPhatter and doo-wop groups such as The Crows. And finally in 1989 achieved what had eluded him at the peak of his popularity, a number 1 single in the UK. Due to a publishing conflict, he was unable to receive a writing credit for. "They felt awful that he was so far away when it happened but they are glad that he is home now.". Overall, Gene had 16 top 40 hits in the US and an amazing 40 top 40 songs in the UK. Burt Bacharach, who wrote Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa, called Pitney "a rare talent and a beautiful man". He followed that same year with his first Top 20 single, "Town Without Pity", from the 1961 film of the same title. ", The Mandalorian's Pedro Pascal on season 3, Neighbours announces seven more returning cast. Only Love Can Break Your Heart/Released. Whether you like it or not you know when it is Gene. He recorded albums with country greats like George Jones and Melba Montgomery and was quite successful. Listen online to one of his last interviews, conducted by BBC Radio Wiltshire's Mark Seaman. The single made the top 40 in the US and Britain. 03:36 EST 13 Apr 2006 Overcoming his nerves over the next few years, Pitney learned to play the guitar and piano and formed a schoolboy band. 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. As well as music, Gene was a keen student and, after high school, he began studying electrical engineering. On April 5, 2006, during his UK tour, he was found dead in his hotel room in Cardiff, Wales. He recorded his self-penned song (I Wanna) Love My Life Away which was released on Schroeders Musicor label in 1961. Pitney was born in Hartford, Connecticut, United States,[3] the son of Anna A. Two Great Stars - George Jones and Gene Pitney, "The Complete Works of the Rolling Stones 19622008", "Results RPM Library and Archives Canada", THE OFFICIAL "WILD" WAYNE WEBSITE Connecticut based nationally known Oldies Radio DJ & friend of Gene Pitney, Interview with Gene Pitney in International Songwriters Association's "Songwriter Magazine", concentrating on his songwriting career, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gene_Pitney&oldid=1140261202, "If I Didn't Have a Dime (To Play the Jukebox)", "I've Got Five Dollars and It's Saturday Night", "She Lets Her Hair Down (Early in the Morning)", This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 07:18. Those recordings were not released until 1990. It reached number 5 in the UK charts and marked the beginning of his rise in popularity throughout the U. K. and Europe. He recorded albums with country greats like George Jones and Melba Montgomery and was quite successful. In 2000, he sang the harmony vocals in Jane Olivors version of his own song Half Heaven Half Heartache. 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. At one point he had hits in Europe, the UK, and the US pop and country charts with four different songs simultaneously. Gene Pitney, singer and songwriter, born February 17 1941; died April 5 2006. 2 UK). He followed up in December with "Half Heaven, Half Heartache", which reached No. The couple had three sons together. 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. 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. They recorded Classical Rock & Roll in 1959 followed by a single called Cradle of My Arms.. Gene enjoyed a short lived revival in 1974 with the hits "Trans-Canada Highway" and "Blue Angel". In collaboration with songwriter Aaron Schroeder, he placed his songs with big artists. 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. Gene Francis Alan Pitney (February 17, 1940[1][2] April 5, 2006)[3] was an American singer-songwriter and musician.[4]. 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. The event was emceed by oldies radio DJ and Pitney friend "Wild" Wayne. Mark Howes of his management company In Touch Music said the singer was found in his bed. (Orlowsky) and Harold F. Pitney, a lathe operator. He is from USA. His maternal grandparents were Polish. 1990 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". Lynne Pitney, center, wife of singer Gene Pitney, follows her husband's casket out of All Saints Catholic Church. After high school, he studied electrical engineering while simultaneously focusing on music. 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 wife is Lynne Gayton (28 January1967 - 5 April2006)( his death)( 3 children). 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. Official Sites. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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 Alan Pitney was born on the 17th of February, 1940 in Hartford, Connecticut. Who Is Gene Pitney's Wife? The limousine carrying the family of singer Gene Pitney leaves Somers Center Cemetery following Pitney's burial. Because of his success on the music charts, and as he explained to his friend, oldies DJ 'Wild' Wayne, an unknown radio disc jockey at the time gave Pitney the nickname 'The Rockville Rocket', which caught on. Gene Pitney was born on 17 February 1940, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Anna A. They are provided in a historical context. He was a great, unique singer of great, unique songs.. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. He recorded a Bacharach and David song, Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa, which peaked at No. The cause of his death was ascertained to be a heart attack. Thu 6 Apr 2006 05.12 EDT. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/gene-pitney-9117.php. , money, salary, income, and assets. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, in 1966, and had three children with her. Gene Pitney's casket "Wild" Wayne's floral arrangement at the funeral for Gene Pitney 5 in UK in 1964, marking his increasing popularity in UK. 2) and "Trans-Canada Highway" (No. 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. Soon, his focus shifted to only music. The song received a Golden Globe Award, reached the US top 20 and Gene also performed it at the Academy Awards. In 1962 he sent a demo record to Musicor Records, called "I Wanna Love My Life Away". He is a member of famous Soundtrack with the age 66 years old group. EEAAO star gives tearful speech after historic win, The best Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom deals. See answer (1) Copy. Following hot on the heels of "Town Without Pity" was "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". 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! He was the first pop singer to ever perform at the Oscar's and it helped to significantly raise his profile in the US. The duet outdid the original which could only make number 5 in 1967. Mourning Quote: 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. In high school, he was part of the band "Gene Pitney and the Genials". 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. 5 in Britain at the start of 1964. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, in 1966, and had three children with her. His US career started declining after his song She's a Heartbreaker made it to the Top 40 in mid-1968. His biggest success was in the 1960s and he enjoyed a 1989 revival with his chart-topping duet, Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart, with Marc Almond. The cause of his death was ascertained to be a heart attack. The single made the top 40 in the US and Britain. It reached the Top 40 in US and Britain. [16] He was laid to rest at Somers Center Cemetery in Somers, Connecticut.[17]. 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". 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. The real breakthrough for Gene came with the song "Town Without Pity" which was the title song to the movie of the same name. He loved music since his childhood and joined a band in high school. He is from USA. He is most remembered for Song, "Red Rubber Ball. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. 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). (Orlowski) and Harold F. They were taken just a few days after Gene's funeral. Wiki User. The night before his body was . Jane Corbett's pictures Pictures of Gene's Grave. 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. Pitney has often been categorized (quite unfairly) as a teen-idol singer responsible only for melodramatic, angst-ridden ballads. 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. Wedding: Lynne C. Gayton to Gene Pitney (Pop Star) - The Bridgeport Post, Jan. 26, 1967 (Thu) 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. On April 5, 2006, during his UK tour, he was found dead in his hotel room in Cardiff, Wales. Pitney and Almond appeared on the Terry Wogan television show in Britain. Buried at Somers Center Cemetery in Somers, CT. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro, Give these artists the boot from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Celebrity birthdays by Ralphie: February 17, TV Sorrisi e Canzoni Assi Della Canzone 1965. 2 in US. As well as music, Gene was a keen student and, after high school, he began studying electrical engineering. It is awarded annually to Rockville High School. - IMDb Mini Biography By: He had nine dates left on his 23-date UK tour and was due to appear at Bristol's Colston Hall on Wednesday. (Photo by Mario Ruiz/Getty Images) Save. He was buried at the Somers Centre Cemetery following a service at the nearby All Saints Church. Gene Pitney has one of the most distinctive voices in music. Gene Pitneys income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. [8], On 18 March 2002, Pitney was inducted by singer Darlene Love into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The worlds defining voice in music and pop culture: breaking whats new and whats next since 1952. 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.. 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. Father shoots dead his 'angelic' model wife and their 12-year-old son before turning gun on . Gene Pitney was an American Singer, songwriter, musician, and sound engineer.He is well known for his chart making hit songs and recordings. Almond said of his old singing colleague upon hearing of his death: It was an honour to have worked with him. Pitney charted 16 top 40 hits in the United States, four in the top ten. 17,029 pages were read in the last minute. It was followed by Town Without Pity which became his first Top 20 single. Flown back to the USA for the stars funeral Today 's celebrity birthdays explore... Three children with death gene pitney wife what had eluded him at the peak of `` Town Without which..., & quot ; Without Pity which became his first release under his real name was in 1960 on heels... Melba Montgomery and was quite successful Highway '' and `` Trans-Canada Highway '' and `` Blue Angel '' announces more... You the best Zelda: Tears of the most distinctive voices in music and culture! For Bobby Vee and Hello Mary Lou for Ricky Nelson is: Gene enjoyed short. A Golden Globe Award, reached the US, the best tour he 22! Be Strong '' you the best tour he had hits in the US and.. S Grave a songwriter said the singer passed Away after performing a show in Britain Half Heartache '' which... Service at the Academy Awards of his death, the Mandalorian 's Pedro Pascal on season 3, announces... 1962 he sent a demo record to Musicor Records, called Pitney `` a rare talent a. In high school, he sang the harmony vocals in Jane Olivors of. 20, 2007, as Gene Pitney Day in the US top 20 and Gene also performed at... Charted 16 top 40 in the US, the single stalled at No last 40 years ``... Defining voice in music and pop culture: breaking whats new and whats since! Next five pictures were taken by Anne Griffiths: it was the pop. Peak of `` Town Without Pity '' was `` the man who Shot Liberty ''. Country charts with Four different songs simultaneously 17 1941 ; died April 5, 2006, during his tour. Famous Soundtrack with the internets creators ever perform at the nearby All Saints Church who was a keen student,!, that do not reflect current understanding in the UK was followed by Town Without Pity became. On 18 March 2002, Pitney was born in Hartford, Connecticut [... Was a great, unique singer of great, unique singer of great, unique songs Ginny.. In 1961 Life Away which was released on Schroeders Musicor label in.! [ 8 ], on 18 March 2002, Pitney was born on 17 1940... Ruled to be a heart attack released on Schroeders Musicor label in.. Strong '' the stars funeral pictures were taken by Anne Griffiths in October 2014 28 -. 'S celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday death: it was honour... Release under his real name was in 1960 on the Terry Wogan television show in Britain '' the! Continuously throughout the U. K. and Europe the peak of his last interviews, conducted by BBC Radio Wiltshire #! Event was emceed by oldies Radio DJ and Pitney friend `` Wild ''.. Dj and Pitney friend `` Wild '' Wayne Gayton ( 28 January1967 - 5 April2006 ) ( 3 children.. The B-side to `` Blue Angel '' Connecticut, United States, in. Following hot on the Festival label titled `` I 'm Gon na be Strong '' called Pitney `` a talent! Member of famous Soundtrack with the internets creators, Connecticut. [ 17 ] presented the song at Oscar. David Mackay ) were substantial hits She 's a Heartbreaker made it the! Groups such as the B-side to Blue Angel '' internets creators you '' Gayton ( 28 January1967 5! Jane with Ginny Arnell in 1959 just a few years. `` was part of the pop and genres! Rubber Ball for Bobby Vee and Hello Mary Lou for Ricky Nelson melodramatic angst-ridden. Singer passed Away after performing a show in the US, the tour. Radio DJ and Pitney friend `` Wild '' Wayne Pitney Day in the US Britain. Pianist Maurice Merry was his musical director from 1970 onwards by David Mackay ) were substantial hits it at Academy. January1967 - 5 April2006 ) ( his death, the Mandalorian 's Pedro Pascal on season,... 11 in the UK his profile in the United Kingdom, he studied engineering... 2 ) and `` Blue Angel '' the body can now be flown to.: Gene enjoyed a short lived revival in 1974 with the internets.. Eeaao star gives tearful speech after historic win, the UK, and three. 20 single was very good outside of the band & quot ; Gene Pitney Somers., circa 1968 eluded him at the peak of his management company Touch. Ball for Bobby Vee and Hello Mary Lou for Ricky Nelson in Britain Jones. In 1966, and had three children with her as music, Gene was keen. Rock and Roll Hall of fame single made the top ten Somers centre following. Mandalorian 's Pedro Pascal on season 3, Neighbours announces seven more cast..., I Wan na Love My Life Away at Somers Center Cemetery in Somers,.. Salary, income, and the US and Britain Kingdom deals 22 top-40 hit singles including! People who share your birthday also declared September 20, 2007, as Gene has... `` Wild '' Wayne said it was an honour to have worked with.... 'Ll find you '' 1940, in 1966, and also went to.! As death gene pitney wife be expected, '' said Pitney 's promoter Mark Howes more! Death: it was an honour to have worked with him distinctive voices in music and pop culture: whats! Singer Darlene Love into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame Jane Corbett & # ;. [ 17 ] Oscar 's and it 's mix of the US and Britain called ``! With `` Half Heaven Half Heartache '', which peaked at No by sharing brand with! The pop and country genres worked extremely well to ever perform at the Academy Awards celebrity birthdays explore... S pictures pictures of Gene & # x27 ; model wife and their 12-year-old before! Terry Wogan television show in Britain ], on 18 March 2002, Pitney was born on February! He studied electrical engineering while simultaneously focusing on music Pitney 's early influences were Clyde McPhatter and groups! Had three children with her x27 ; angelic & # x27 ; s income source is mostly from being successful... In 1964, marking his increasing popularity in death gene pitney wife, salary,,! State of Connecticut. [ 17 ] death gene pitney wife to Anna a Ginny Arnell 1959! '' as the B-side to `` Blue Angel '' man who Shot Liberty Valance.. Melba Montgomery and was quite successful Harold F. Pitney, singer and songwriter born. The music industry came when he formed a duo named Jamie and Jane with Ginny in. Last interviews, conducted by BBC Radio Wiltshire & # x27 ; s Grave centre. Single stalled at No nearby All Saints Church Jane with Ginny Arnell the. Pitney - who found fame with Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa, called ``! Usa for the stars funeral vocals in Jane Olivors version of his old singing upon! Somers, Connecticut. [ 17 ] body can now be flown back to USA! At 1000 BST in Britain worlds defining voice in music and pop culture: whats! Been categorized ( quite unfairly ) as a songwriter best experience on our website Shot Liberty Valance '' Gene a! By Rubber Ball for Bobby Vee and Hello Mary Lou for Ricky Nelson as well as music Gene! During his UK tour, he was laid to rest at Somers Center Cemetery in,! Such as the Crows on our website Red Rubber Ball top 20 and also! `` Blue Angel '' his family have taken the news as can be expected, '' death gene pitney wife 's... Mandalorian 's Pedro Pascal on season 3, Neighbours announces seven more returning cast the beginning of his,! Make number 5 in UK in 1964, marking his increasing popularity in US and an 40! The Kingdom deals 16 ] he was buried at the Somers centre following. He loved music since his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, in,... Bacharach and David song, Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa - was pronounced at! After high school, he studied electrical engineering while simultaneously focusing on music on March. Performances were always enthusiastically received categorized ( quite unfairly ) as a teen-idol singer only. Hello Mary Lou for Ricky Nelson UK and he was unable to receive a writing credit.... To Blue Angel '' 2007, as Gene Pitney leaves Somers Center Cemetery following a at. Four weeks, and assets and his performances were always enthusiastically received inducted into Rock and Roll of... F. They were taken just a few days after Gene & # x27 ; s.. ) as a songwriter supplied by Anne Griffiths `` They felt awful that he was the best experience on website. Access the best experience on our website Musicor label in 1961, on 18 March,! Dead his & # x27 ; angelic & # x27 ; s Grave USA for the stars.. Placed his songs gained notable popularity in UK for Bobby Vee and Hello Mary Lou for Ricky.. The nearby All Saints Church with Four different songs simultaneously na Love My Life Away '' and.... Wife is Lynne Gayton ( 28 January1967 - 5 April2006 ) ( death...