The 1950s and 60s brought us a new era of music called Rock and Roll. A true icon of that time was then a young man of considerable talent, Gene Pitney. Pitney released a string of unforgettable hits that I grew up with.I always lamented that I never got to see him in person. That is until about two years ago when he put on a marvelous show in Las Vegas. Needless to say I did not miss that opportunity. Pitney was fit, fabulous and looked like he had another 20 years left to tour before he would retire. I got to meet him and shake his hand afterwards. Pitney also produced a DVD of that show that I own.
When the Beatles hit our shores Rock and Roll was pushed to the side. Later, Disco would rule American tastes. Too many artists like Pitney found themselves in forced retirement. Instead of retirement, Pitney explored and found new audiences in Europe and Australia and New Zealand. Pitney spent his time where the money was instead of brooding at home.
Gene died while touring in the UK. Another great one is in Rock and Roll Heaven. Rest in peace Gene…
We have much so much "pity" at this giant loss to our musical history! His music is a part of our lives forever. May Gene rest in peace. Paul, we know how much you enjoyed his music.. I'm more sorry now that I didn't get to go with you to see his Vegas show. Our prayer's, Andy/Ann Jillian Murcia
ReplyDeleteNobody sang unchained Melody better than Gene Pitney. Rest in peace...
ReplyDeleteI wish that this blog was up and running a few years ago when Mr. Pitney was in Vegas. I would have gotten on an airplane just to see him perform.
ReplyDeleteLet me tell you a story. My dad bought a brand new 1962 Chevy station wagon that he really loved. It was his first new car and he really pampered it. On weekends him, my mom and my two sisters and I would go up to a cottage in Wisconsin for the weekends during the summer. On the return trip back to Chicago on most Sunday nights, my sisters and I were made to lie down on the bed in the back of the station wagon and go to sleep because it was usually very late at night and we were only aged from about 8-12 years old.. On one of these return trips, as I layed down in the back, I heard my mother scream. I looked up just in time to see us plowing underneath the rear end of a stopped 18 wheeler. As this was occuring there was a song playing on the radio. It was a catchy tune sung by a man with a nice voice. I never did find out the name of that song or who sang it. Fast forward 40 years and your post about Gene Pitney. Because of your enthusiastic post about Mr. Pitney, I went to Amazon and ordered his Greatest Hits CD. Guess what was on track 13. That same song that was playing on the radio the night my parents and I were almost killed. Boy did that bring back memories. I can remember that night as if it were yesterday. Anyway, thanks for helping me finding the singer and the name of that song. My only regret is that I didn't find out earlier or attend one of his concerts.