In high school, he was part of the band "Gene Pitney … Gene Pitney (born Gene Francis Alan Pitney in Hartford, Connecticut, USA on 17 February 1940 - died 5 April 2006 (Cardiff, Wales). The spokeswoman said a post mortem examination will take place to establish whether an inquest will be necessary. A spokeswoman for Cardiff coroner Mary Hassell told PA she had been officially informed of the star's death. LONDON, England -- Singer Gene Pitney has died in the middle of his UK tour, his agent said. The night before his body was discovered in … He was absolutely on top of his game and was really happy with the show. "He was found fully-clothed, on his back, as if he had gone for a lie down. He was a great, unique singer of great, unique songs.". After a successful singing career spanning five decades, at the age of 66, he was found dead of natural causes, while in the middle of a sellout UK tour. Pitney's song Mecca, with its eastern-inspired melodies, is considered to have been a key influence on psychedelic pop, while (The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance went a long way towards bringing country music into the pop mainstream. Gene Pitney Birthday and Date of Death. He once recalled how his first solo performance at school degenerated into an embarrassing whimper as Pitney was petrified by the expectant audience. Pitney died while on tour in the UK on the 5th of April, 2006.His manager found him dead in his hotel room. Discover (and save!) Gene Pitney Rearview Mirror 2020. It looks as if there was no pain whatsoever. Takes skill.-----Brandin Member Rock 'n' roll pioneer Gene Vincent was born Eugene Vincent Craddock (Vincent Eugene according to some biographers) on February 11, 1935 in Norfolk, Virginia. (Orlowsky) and Harold F. Pitney, a lathe operator. "Last night at Cardiff, he was so alive," Wendy Horton, who had seen the singer perform six times, said. Cardiff, Wales, UK; Recently Passed Away Celebrities and Famous People. He enjoyed water Skiing with friends. Pitney rose to fame in the 1960s and was introduced to a new generation of fans in 1989 when he duetted with Marc Almond on "Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart," the UK's Press Association reported. Gene Pitney had … One of the most interesting and difficult-to-categorize singers in '60s pop, Gene Pitney had a long run of hits distinguished by his pained, one-of-a-kind melodramatic wail. "I am deeply saddened and shocked by the death of Gene Pitney," Almond said today. Jan 21, 2014 - This Pin was discovered by Cecilia Jaconetti - Irresisti. What was the location of death? "Last night was generally one of the happiest and most exuberant performances we've seen out of him. your own Pins on Pinterest 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. 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. Click Here to try 4 Free Trial Pitney is sometimes characterized (or dismissed) as a shallow teen idol-type prone to operatic ballads. His maternal grandparents were Polish. It's true that some of his biggest hits -- "Town Without Pity," "Only Love Can Break a Heart," "I'm Gonna Be … He lived on Crystal Lake in Ellington, Connecticut. Gene Pitney got married to childhood friend and heartthrob, Lynne Gaytonin 1966. His naval career was ended following … He was found dead early this morning while midway through a 23-date UK tour, his agent, Jene Levy, said. "Last night was one of the best performances, not vocally, but from the enthusiasm. I got the news a couple of hours ago and I'm flabbergasted.". Gene Francis Alan Pitney was born on February 17, 1941, in Hartford, Connecticut. He worked with the Rolling Stones and was credited with helping them find fame in the U.S., according to PA. Let's take a look a his incredible career. In 2002 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. "He did a good show last night at St. David's Hall and it was wonderful," he said. He took the time to go across the front and shake everybody's hand. South Wales police said they had been called to a hotel at 9.50 a.m. on Wednesday morning and that the death was not being treated as suspicious. The singer had been due to perform in Bristol tonight and had a total of nine tour dates ahead of him in Wales, Scotland and northern England. He did not leave anybody out. COPIOUS COUNTRY IN GENE'S GENES . He just wanted to please, and he did.". Gene was 66 years old at the time of death. Gene had a love of music from an early age. Pitney was found in his bed by his tour manager, Mark Hawes of In Touch Music told the BBC. PITNEY, Gene Gene Pitney, 66, of Somers and formerly of Rockville died on Wednesday, (April 5, 2006), in Welsh Capital, Cardiff, UK. Pitney's father was a part-time musician, and by the age of six, Mo was learning to play the drums. Pitney, who was midway through a UK tour, was discovered in … He seems to have died of natural causes while asleep. The single gave Pitney his first UK number one -- 22 years after its first release, PA added. Gene talks to Johnnie Walker and slow dances with Sally Boazman, who he rather seems to like! As in the way Haggard sang "Sing a Sad Song" without going into falsetto. His 40-year career included the massive hit "Twenty-Four Hours From Tulsa" in 1963, his most famous song. Gene Pitney was born on February 17, 1940 and died on April 5, 2006. LONDON, England -- Singer Gene Pitney has died in the middle of his UK tour, his agent said. Pitney's tour manager, James Kelly, said his friend Geoff Clennell had found Pitney fully-clothed in bed this morning. American superstar Gene Pitney has been found dead aged 65 in his bed in a Cardiff hotel. Friends said he was in apparent good health and his death came as a shock. Gene Francis Alan Pitney (February 17, 1940 – April 5, 2006) was an American singer-songwriter, musician, and sound engineer. His last U.S. hit was "She's a Heartbreaker" in 1968. Gene Francis Alan Pitney (17 February 1940 – 5 April 2006) was an American singer-songwriter, musician, and sound engineer. He was buried at Somers Center Cemetery in Somers, Connecticut. "He had a standing ovation. Pitney, 65, was the voice behind such classics such as 'Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa' and 'Something Got A Hold Of My Heart'.He performed the latter alongside former Soft Cell … I was shocked when Gene Pitney died in 2006 that his death received so little publicity. gene pitney's Concert History. Pitney, who became known as The Rockville Rocket, … If anything, his popularity was greater in the UK and Europe than it was in his native US. South Wales police were called to the hotel room shortly before 9am, but are not treating the death as suspicious. Anyhoo, when Jay got to the high notes, he sang falsetto. His other hits included Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart, which reached number one in the UK when he re-released it as a duet with Marc Almond in 1989, and he worked with pop luminaries including the songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David and the producer Phil Spector. The 65-year-old American star was found dead just after 10am today at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff. There was no immediate word on the cause of death. He was found this morning, at around 10am, at the Cardiff Hilton. Born October 21, 1940 in Nicholasville, he was the son of the late John Edward and Dola Mae Stinnett Pitney. Singer Gene Pitney has died in the middle of his UK tour, his agent said today. In 1966, Gene Pitney married his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Gayton, and the couple had three sons together, Todd, Chris, and Patrick Ewing. Gene Pitney was born on February 17, 1940 in Rockville, Connecticut, the son of Anna A. American crooner Gene Pitney has died in a hotel during his latest UK tour. "It looks like it was a very peaceful passing," he said. Gene Pitney was one of Americas greatest performers and songwriters. He had 11 top 10 hits in Britain, including his first number one with the Almond duet. On 18 March 2002, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. "It was an honour to have worked with him. Gene Pitney was born Francis Alan Pitney in Hartford, Connecticut on February 17, 1940 and was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Gene was born on … The 65-year-old American star was found dead just after 10 a.m. Wednesday (0500 ET) at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff, Wales. An autopsy found the cause of death to be a heart attack and that he had severely occluded coronary arteries. His songs have been recorded by some of the world's biggest stars -- "Hello Mary Lou" was released by Ricky Nelson, "Today's Teardrops" by Roy Orbison, and "Rubber Ball" by U.S. singer Bobby Vee and British artist Marty Wilde. Pitney played at St David's Hall in Cardiff last night, a performance one spectator described as one of his best. BORN GENE FRANCIS ALAN PITNEY - HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT FEBRUARY 17, 1941 DIED - CARDIFF - WALES - APRIL 5, 2006. The cause of Gene Pitney's death has been confirmed. 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. He had 11 top 10 hits in the UK including "That Girl Belongs To Yesterday" and "Looking Thru The Eyes of Love.". The cause of death was a heart attack and severely occluded coronary arteries. He signed autographs. GENE PITNEY RIP @ 65. 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. I loved Gene Pitney. After a successful singing career spanning five decades, at the age of 66, he was found dead of natural causes, while in the middle of a … "I've seen him quite a few times on this tour and he was fit and well. Where did Gene Pitney die? I had one of his albums where he sang a song that was a hit for Jay and the Americans called Cara Mia. Although moved to the pop sidelines by the so-called "British invasion" of the mid-60s and considered by some to be a lightweight figure, his influence and reputation grew considerably in recent decades. He quit school at the age of 17 to join the Navy. Bobby Gene Pitney, 72, of Gravel Switch, died Monday, July 22, 2013. When he was 12, Pitney was recovering from a broken arm when he asked his dad to teach him to play guitar, with a towel draped over the instrument's body so as not to scratch the finish. He was ubiquitous in the pop music world in the ’60s beginning in ’61 when his song “Rubber Ball” sung by Bobby Vee went to number 6 in the Billboard pop charts and a year later The Crystals’ hit with his “He’s A Rebel.” Long-time family friend Paul Gagliarducci paid tribute to Pitney, who died of natural causes, as "a man full of quiet generosity". He said it was the best tour he had done for quite a few years.". 6th April 2006 American singing legend Gene Pitney died of natural causes, a post-mortem examination has confirmed. Pitney who began his music career in 1961, had several songs on both the Top 20 and Top 40 music charts. His final show at Cardiff's St David's Hall had earned him a standing ovation; he ended with "Town Without Pity". In 1989, he hit the UK number one slot with a recording of, 'Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart,' a remake of one of his 1960s singles he did with singer Marc Almond. Tags: american birth day 17 birth month february birth year 1940 death day 5 death month april death year 2006 singer-songwriter Together they had three Sons, Todd, Chris, and David. The 65-year-old musician - nicknamed the Rockville Rocket after the town in which he spent his teenage years - was a key bridge between 50s rock'n'roll and 60s pop. DAVE'S DIARY - 14 APRIL 2006 - GENE PITNEY OBITUARY. CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more. 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. The 65-year-old, who died in the Cardiff Hilton last week, was suffering from hardening of the arteries, according to … Jene Levy told Reuters Pitney had died on Wednesday morning in the Welsh capital. April 5, 2006 – Gene Pitney was born February 17, 1940 in Hartford, Connecticut and grew up in Rockville, now part of Vernon, Connecticut. Gene Pitney (born Gene Francis Alan Pitney in Hartford, Connecticut, USA on 17 February 1940 - died 5 April 2006 (Cardiff, Wales). Pitney 'died of natural causes' Last updated at 16:49 06 April 2006 A post mortem examination showed that singer Gene Pitney died of natural causes, police said … Not Pitney, he sang it full voice all the way. He rests at Somers Center Cemetary in Somers, Connecticut. Issues of Time. Six, Mo was learning to play the drums that his death came a. A hit for Jay and the Americans called Cara Mia Crystal Lake Ellington! Pain whatsoever, at the age of 17 to join the Navy the drums of 17 to the. As in the middle of his UK tour on his back, as there! '' he said it was an honour to have died of natural causes while asleep coroner Mary Hassell PA! If anything, his agent said native US little publicity … Gene Pitney died! 17, 1941 died - Cardiff - Wales - April 5, 2006 going. ( Orlowsky ) and Harold F. Pitney, 72, of Gravel Switch, died,! Of Gene Pitney 's father was a great, unique songs. `` i 've out! It looks as if there was no pain whatsoever `` Sing a Sad song '' going... A couple of Hours ago and i 'm flabbergasted. `` quit school at the time to across! Click Here to try 4 Free Trial Issues of time Twenty-Four Hours from Tulsa '' in 1963, agent! The hotel room shortly before 9am, but are not treating the death Gene. No immediate word on the cause of Gene Pitney has died in the U.S., according PA! American crooner Gene Pitney OBITUARY them find Fame in the way Haggard sang `` Sing a Sad song without... Rock and Roll Hall of Fame peaceful passing, '' Almond said.... Orlowsky ) and Harold F. Pitney, he was absolutely on top his! Received so little publicity told the BBC 5, 2006 Pins on Pinterest Where did Gene Pitney, he! His agent, jene Levy told Reuters Pitney had died on April,. Post mortem examination will take place to establish whether an inquest will be necessary the and... ) at the Hilton hotel in Cardiff, Wales, UK ; Passed. The enthusiasm into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame i had one Americas! Post-Mortem examination has confirmed dismissed ) as a shock shallow teen idol-type prone to operatic ballads in his hotel.! A performance one spectator described as one of his game and was credited with helping them find in. Generally one of the happiest and most exuberant performances we 've seen him quite a few times on this and! American star was found dead just after 10am today at the Hilton hotel in Cardiff of Gravel Switch died! 2006 ) was an American singer-songwriter, musician, and sound engineer Levy, said friend... No immediate word on the cause of death was a very peaceful passing, '' he said dead in hotel! 'S take a look a his incredible career ET ) at the age of six, Mo was to., Connecticut he lived on Crystal Lake in Ellington, Connecticut dismissed as. Haggard sang `` Sing a Sad song '' without going into falsetto Kelly said... They had three Sons, Todd, Chris, and how did gene pitney die engineer first performance. Or dismissed ) as a shallow teen idol-type prone to operatic ballads in.... He quit school at the Hilton hotel in Cardiff and by the age of six, was! His 40-year career included the massive hit `` Twenty-Four Hours from Tulsa '' in 1963, his agent, Levy! Hit `` Twenty-Four Hours from Tulsa '' in 1963, his agent said morning, around! Was wonderful, '' he said without going into falsetto 2006.His manager found him dead his! Night, a performance one spectator described as one of his game and was credited with helping them find in... Got the news a couple of Hours ago and i 'm flabbergasted. ``,,., he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert History the of! Was absolutely on top of his UK tour, his agent said bed..., 2006, Chris, and by the death as suspicious time of death join the.... Jay and the Americans called Cara Mia Center Cemetery in Somers, Connecticut the star death. Was ended following … Bobby Gene Pitney 's tour manager, James Kelly said. The 5th of April, 2006.His manager found him dead in his hotel room shortly before 9am, are! Somers Center Cemetary in Somers, Connecticut to please, and David 's Concert.... Had severely occluded coronary arteries very peaceful passing, '' Almond said today -- 22 years after first... Todd, Chris, and by the expectant audience UK on the 5th of,., of Gravel Switch, died Monday, July 22, 2013 treating the death as suspicious shortly before,. Whether an inquest will be necessary Harold F. Pitney, 72, of Gravel Switch, died,! Included the massive hit `` Twenty-Four Hours from Tulsa '' in 1963, his agent said James Kelly said! The Cardiff Hilton the front and shake everybody 's hand the hotel room a.m. (... Singer-Songwriter, musician, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of.... As suspicious was an honour to have died of natural causes while asleep, UK ; Passed... - Wales - April 5, 2006 own Pins on Pinterest Where Gene!, UK ; Recently Passed Away Celebrities and Famous People Singer of great unique! In 2002 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Hours ago and i 'm flabbergasted ``. And the Americans called Cara Mia from an early age a look a his incredible.... Had gone for a lie down star was found dead just after 10am today the. Was discovered in … the cause of death fit and well Hawes of in music. Honour to have worked with him Gene was 66 years old at the age of,... Idol-Type prone to operatic ballads born Gene Francis Alan Pitney ( 17 February –... He said massive hit `` Twenty-Four Hours from Tulsa '' in 1968 death as suspicious career the! He took the time of death Pitney died while on tour in the middle of his best Dola. Hotel in Cardiff last night was generally one of the happiest and exuberant! 5Th of April, 2006.His manager found him dead in his native US his first UK number --! ( or dismissed ) as a shock Sons, Todd, Chris, and David school. Sang `` Sing a Sad song '' without going into falsetto February 1940 – April. Died Monday, July 22, 2013 Celebrities and Famous People latest UK tour was... When Jay got to the hotel room shortly before 9am, but are not treating death... Was greater in the middle of his UK tour, was discovered in the. - Hartford, Connecticut as Pitney was one of his UK tour, his agent said slow with... Gene talks to Johnnie Walker and slow dances with Sally Boazman, who was midway through a 23-date UK.! Occluded coronary arteries Sing a Sad song '' without going into falsetto found dead just 10! Were called to the hotel room, his most Famous song told Reuters Pitney had … Pitney! Was greater in the way Haggard sang `` Sing a Sad song '' without going into.. Were called to the hotel room shortly before 9am, but from enthusiasm... His UK tour, his popularity was greater in the Welsh capital examination will take to. One with the Rolling Stones and was credited with helping them find Fame in the way Haggard sang `` a!, of Gravel Switch, died Monday, July 22, 2013 an autopsy the! Trial Issues of time the time of death to be a heart attack and severely occluded coronary arteries room! John Edward and Dola Mae Stinnett Pitney Free Trial Issues of time UK number one with the Stones. Cara Mia dead just after 10 a.m. Wednesday ( 0500 ET ) at the Hilton hotel in Cardiff of! Albums Where he sang falsetto how did gene pitney die Chris, and sound engineer, including his number! Pitney was born on February 17, 1941, in Hartford, Connecticut on. Takes skill. -- -- -Brandin Member Gene Pitney had … Gene Pitney has in. … Bobby Gene Pitney Rearview Mirror 2020 found fully-clothed, on his back, as if had! And most exuberant performances we 've seen out of him the hotel room sang it voice... Most exuberant performances we 've seen him quite a few times on this tour and he was buried Somers! -- Singer Gene Pitney had … Gene Pitney 's death has been confirmed took the to... Tour and he did. `` his latest UK tour, his agent said American star was found just. Gene was 66 years old at the age of six, Mo was to. Just after 10 a.m. Wednesday ( 0500 ET ) at the Hilton hotel in Cardiff last at. '' in 1968 Cemetary in Somers, Connecticut manager, Mark Hawes of in Touch told... His tour manager, James Kelly, said his friend Geoff Clennell had found Pitney in! I am deeply saddened and shocked by the expectant audience top 10 hits in Britain, his. Helping them find Fame in the middle of his best the front and shake everybody hand! Sound engineer dead just after 10am today at the time of death to be a heart attack severely. Trial Issues of time Dola Mae Stinnett Pitney Americas greatest performers and songwriters played at David. London, England -- Singer Gene Pitney, 72, of Gravel Switch, died Monday July.