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Condolences
600 As I recall it was summer 1966 or 67 - I can't quite
remember. My girlfriend and I went to a suburban Chicago concert in Matteson,
Illinois at a stage that was set up on a football field facing the bleachers.
After the Buckinghams sang Kind of a Drag we hear Gene Pitney sing. After
he sang one song, he apologized and he said he had to leave immediately,
as he had just heard that his wife was in delivery of their first child!
I never forgot that moment. We were with Gene Pitney the night his wife
gave him a child! 599 I just recently learned of Mr.Pitneys passing and I am saddened as hell. Anyone who ever listened to him sing, felt the same emotion as he did.He was not a singer but an artists artist. Folks like him rarely come along in our lifetime. I feel like a part of my childhood has been taken from me and I am sad for it happening.A part of my youth is gone and I am all the more sad for it. Peace be with you Mr.Pitney; 598 We were completely shattered and heartbroken when we heard that Gene had died on the morning of the 5th. We had been to see him in concert in Worthing only a week or so before and he seemed to be in wonderful form – we had a great evening! Gene has always been to us one of the best singers of the 60s and growing up in Ireland all my friends and myself constantly played his music and talked about him. I had such happy memories of those days. We are still in shock and would like to send a condolence to his family as we loved him so much. From heartbroken Eleanor and Dave. 597 I was very saddened to hear of Gene's passing. I always wanted to communicate with him as we had met under unusual circumstances years ago. My only meeting with Gene if you can believe it, was at Lackland AFB, TX in the spring of 1962. I was going through Basic Training for the Air Force. As we had to do several times while at Lackland, we were sent to the far side of the base to perform KP or kitchen police. Gene was not in my Flight but was in another Flight that was also performing KP that day and in that chow hall. As I understand it, Gene was going through Basic Training as part of his Air National Guard or AF Reserve duty. I have a newspaper clipping somewhere that was in the Base newspaper. They had interviewed him while he was at Lackland. I can remember it so well because the movie "The Man who shot Liberty Valence" was playing at the base theaters at the time. Someone introduced me to Gene and to the others there on KP. Naturally, we didn't have time to chat. Just a smile and a handshake. But I will never forget that day. Buck Seibert 596 I have been a fan of Gene Pitney's since I was 6 years
old. I am now 49 I was so totally devastated by his passing. His music
has meant so much to me for This message is sent with love from me to you. Love Pat 595 I was so very sad to hear of Genes untimely death. He
was always one of my favourite singers. I still treasure my 45rpm record
I still have of 24 Hours From Tulsa. The world has lost a great performer
and a nice man. 594 I am an aussie from a little town 100 miles from Melbourne,
Australia. I am just listening to the platinum selection album, and specifically
"A Town Without Pity". We grew up with what was, and probably always will be,
the most important time in music, with the birth of rock and yet still
with an appreciation for the previous traditional styles of music. Gene
Pitney will live in our hearts and his songs will always bring back the
memories for time immemorial. In closing I am now listening to "True
Love Never Runs Smooth". Boy what a true statement. 593 His voice ... His songs ... will live on forever .... 592 This is a belated condulence. Gene Pitney was the greatest! His songs came from a time where songs really meant something! and there was always something in his music we all could relate to! His music was different from the rest, and thats whats seperates him from the ordinary music in the industry!God Bless Gene! Mike Charron from Connecticut. 591 We were shocked and saddened to hear of Gene Pitney’s death. We attended his concert the previous Saturday evening, 1st April at St George’s Hall in Bradford. It was a brilliant performance. He will be greatly missed and long remembered.
Sheila, Paul, Pauline and Phil. 590 Hi to you Lynne and your family, I'm Diane (Conopast/Grous) Velasco (26 yrs.) I was a
friend of your beautiful sister, Sharon and, of course, Gene. My heart
aches, and I did cry when I heard the news. We wern't "hang out type"
friends, but most all of us kids at that time were close, I My heart goes out to you as does all who knew Gene and you. I have lost contact with everyone back East as I have no relatives there any longer, and my beautiful son just brought us this computer last week! We didn't have one (nor really had any interest in one), but the kid (kid? 44 yrs. old)wanted us to finally join the 21st century so here we are. I guess that's why I lost contact with everyone. I'm sorry it took this to get in contact with you. I loved your sister, and we were best friends for a long time. I miss her. God Bless you and know that Gene will be in our hearts forever and one day we will all be together in the best place ever. With love, Diane 589 My sincere condolences to Gene's wife Lynn and 3 children. Gene was a staple of my youth and I have been lucky enough to see him in concert. His songs had great meaning for me and his talent was astonishing. He truly was one of the 'great' in music and he will be much missed. Gene, I know you have joined that choir in "Rock and Roll Heaven" and someday I plan to be there when you sing again for me! Kathy DeWees 588 Dear Lynn and Boys, Carol Pratt 587 I first saw Gene Pitney at the infamous July 11, 1987
Club Bene show in Sareville, New Jersey. Some guy wrote him a letter,
saying he wouldn't attend because he was convinced he died of a brain
tumor years before, but if still alive, he invited him to a party he was
hosting nearby after the show. Gene read the letter to audiences for years
for laughs. But it just served to show how long he had been away from
audiences up until then. 586 Gene you will be sadly missed by all you fans all over
the world. Our thoughts and heart felt feelings go to Lynn & your
sons. And of course all the family. 585 Je ne connais pas tellement bien la carrière de
Gene Pitney mais je Sincères condoléances. Fabian 584 Gene is now with the chorale in the sky but his music
will be in our hearts and homes forever...Peace be with you Gene and thank
you so much for many great moments to remember. 583 Devastated at the news. Saw Gene Pintney in Hull, England on the 29th March 2006. Magnificent concert. A true professional and a gentleman. Deepest sympathy to the family. David and Gillian Peat 582 I was so sorry to hear of Gene Pitney's death. He was
a great artist and his voice was fantastic, you could hear every word
that he sang. 581 Lieber Gene, 580 Gene Pitney was to Me an all Time Great and he new how
to make his audience Happy with his Songs. I was Totally Upset when I
heard the News of his Passing. I feel for his wife and Children at this
Time. My Prayers are with all his Family. 579 We would like to pay our respects to Gene's family &
to say how deeply saddened by his untimely death,having attended his concert
preformance the thursday before at The Royal Concert Hall Nottingham England,
Not only was Gene a fine singer he was also a great composer.Our daughter
had the pleasure of seeing Gene in the foyer of the Hotel Plaza in Nottingham
Saturday lunchtime & told how much she enjoyed the concert & he
thanked her & signed his autograph in a magazine she had with her,
it just shows just how well Gene treated his fans he made all his fans
that attended his shows feel that they were personal friends of his.There
will never be another artist like him his music still bridges generations
of fans.my daughter being 23yrs my wife & myself 50yrs also seen him
in concert at least eight times never seen a bad concert a true proffesional
performer a real star. We will miss his smile,his music will live on. 578 I would like to send my sincere condolences to Gene's
family, I may only be 26 but I was brought up listening to his music and
so grew to be a huge fan. Even though he's no longer with us I will still
listen to his music. 577 Thank you Gene for all the pleasure you gave us over
the years. 576 Both my wife and I are still stunned by the news of Genes
sudden death. Having meet him several times and being life long fans we
"somethings taken from me". 575 My sister and I were at Gene's last concert on Tuesday
evening as we Gene was in fine voice and the audience gave him a standing ovation. My last glimpse of Gene was of him leaving the stage
with a last wave I did not hear of his death until I got home from work
the following I would like to offer my condolences to Gene's family
at this sad time Cheryl Wilson and Ray Jerimiah 574 Only today i read about Gene Pitney's death and was shocked,
as he 573 My deepest sypathies. 572 From my teenage to pension age. I have always loved Gene,
having seen him on numerous occasions,he holds a special place in my heart,
also that of my family, 571 I have been a fan of Gene’s since 1961, and my friend and I have been to many of his concerts in the U.K. over the years. We were at his concert in Sheffield, England on the 31st March shortly before he died, and Gene’ performance was as wonderful as always – he was a star till the end. May his family and friends find solace in the knowledge that Gene was loved by so many all over the world. Love Mary 570 As a teenager I had Gene's photo on my bedroom wll, his
45's on my 569 ive been a fan of Gene pitney for many years and I'm so sad of his passing. I only heard this morning of this terrible news. Goodbye Gene. Love, Sybil 568 I'm a child of the 60's and Mr. Pitney's music was a
mainstay in my life. 567 My wife and I have been fans since 1961, we saw Gene almost every time he visited Australia. We are very shocked and saddened by the news, it is as though we have lost a member of our family Tony & Susan Graham 566 Was very sorry to hear that Gene Pitney had died as my
older sister Marilyn was his No.1 Fan and I have been brought up on Gene's
songs since aged 3. Now my daughter knows all the songs. As Gene was not
coming to New Zealand last year my 3 sisters and I travelled to Sydney
to see Gene perform, we even got to meet him before the show. Wow - did
that make Marilyn HAPPY. A Fantastic Show and we will all have great memories
of that concert. Even though we wont
get to see you perform again - your music will live on and we can look
at that photo of Gene and my sister which takes pride of place in her
house. 565 Heard the news on public radio and was deeply saddened.
Gene was one of my all-time favorites. Can't get enough of his music and
songs. Just recently picked up on Gene's tour for the year and was looking
forward to one of his performances. A truly magnificent entertainer who
will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. 564 I have been a fan of Gene's since I was 13, about 42
years. I met Gene from his wife Lynn. I was cutting her hair and Todd
and Chris's and she told me that Gene was coming in. I was very intimidated,
and can still see him, sitting quietly in the waiting room, always a gentleman.
I was trying to act cool and everything, but I stopped the haircut, stood
in front of him and said. I have to say this or I am not going to get
thorough this haircut. I said, "I love you, you are the only one
I ever called WDRC to request a song. It was Mecca, which back then was
a toll call and a risky thing to do in my house, but I was willing to
pay the price. He laughed, thanked me and then I was talking to a human
being and not an icon. I continued to cut his hair until his passing.
He was a wonderful person and I am privileged to have know him and his
family. I will hold Lynn, Todd, Chris, and David in my prayers and I will
also hold Gene in them. I will miss him always and I will remember him
as I last saw him, excitied about life and enjoying his family and life.
I have heard the _expression, you die the way you live, he did, he passed
peacefully and loving his flfe and singing for all of us. 563 Gene Pitney was and still is one of my favorite singers. He was wrongfully labeled a light weight heart throb, part of the post-payola "Bobby and Billy" clean up of rock n' roll music. That's why it took the so-called music experts years before they finally voted him into the R n' R Hall of Fame. Just listen to '"Make Believe Lover" on the Hits and Misses CD (Bear Records). An unfinished masterpiece, with Gene's beautiful voice accompanied only by him on the piano. My condolences to his family. It is truly a very sad day. Chuck R 562 A gentleman and great song writer/singer will be sadly missed. From Theila & Gesa Canberra 561 I am 26, and have seen Gene Pitney three times. I got
married to 'Something's Thanks to Gene Pitney for the music he has given us.
Also, although we will miss the musician, condolances to his family who
will miss the man, father and husband. 560 So sorry to hear Gene Pitney has passed away, 65 is too young these days. Condolences to his family and all his fans. L Mitchell 559 My name is david rowe of glocester ma also my brother dan rowe of gloucester ma would like to express our heartfelt sympathy for gene's family.his songs will go on forever. david rowe 558 I am terribly saddened about the loss of Gene Pitney.
I have adored his music for many years, he is a true icon, as was Roy
Orbison and Buddy Holly. Thankfully we will have his music to live on
forever. My condolences to Gene's wife and family. 557 My condolences go to Gene's family. Sincerely Esther Brochin 556 dear Gene i will treasure your music for the rest of mij life Love Phil 555 God Takes All the Best for his own, Chris Robins 554 My Heart is sad with the death of a great singer and
a great man, I never got to see him in person, but to me he was the one
of the best singers around and will be a great lose to the singing world,
I love his voice and his songs, my Only wish is that I had seen him live,
Gene Pitney done what he did best and he shared it with the world, my
blessing to his family my heart and my sorrow is with you at this time 553 have been a fan of genes since the early sixtys and have been to many concerts and convections i was even at the syphony hall in birmingham last sunday with my daughter who has been raised a fan also,we had front row tickets as normal with other fans,also northampton a couple of weeks back,as were due in manchester next week.i wept buckets when i heard the news which got to me via telephone at about 11.15am weds.my heart goes out to lynn & boys as they were not with him at his bedside,and as he said at his show talking about retirement "no way i will die doing what i loved best on stage touring"well he got his final wish. R.I.P.gene gone but never forgotten you & your music will live in my heart forever. joan. 552 GENE was and will always be the best, he could sing anything
and make it sound great he was a true gentleman and will be missed,
God has got one great singer to join
his chior 551 First Del Shannon, then Roy Orbison ……………….. and now Gene Pitney !!! Three of my absolute favorite pop singers of all time are now gone. The big “4” for me in that golden era of music (early 60s) were Del Shannon, Roy Orbison, Gene Pitney, and Bobby Vee; and now Bobby Vee is the only one left.
Gene Pitney, like the others, was a unique singer with an unmistakable sound and style, who produced some of the greatest songs ever recorded. “Half Heaven, Half Heartache”, “If I Didn’t Have a Dime”, “I’m Gonna Be Strong”, “Waking Up Alone”, and “Every Breath I Take” are probably my five favorite; but I can honestly say that there are probably at least 20 Gene Pitney songs that would make my “favorites list” of all time. The “tingling” feeling of anticipation that I always get when the DJ is getting ready to play a Pitney song is almost indescribable. He had that much of an effect on me. I feel so bad now that I missed seeing him here in Michigan about a month ago, but his performance was sold out before I could get any tickets. Fortunately, I did have the good fortune of seeing him a couple of times over the years. My prayers and sincerest condolences go out to his family. If the quality of his relationship and dedication to his family was anywhere near the special quality of his music, then Gene Pitney leaves a tremendous legacy to all of us. Larry Suarez Allen Park, Michigan USA 550 I wish to send my sympathy to Genes wife Lynne and their
three sons on the loss of a great entertainer as well as a fine human
being. I had the pleasure of meeting Gene back in August 1993 when he
performed at Hampton Beach Casino where after the concert, I was lucky
to catch him as he was leaving, and asked him to sign my record cover
that I brought with me. Unfortunately I forgot to bring a pen, needless
to say he couldn't sign it. I was leaving very upset, then Gene sent his
fan club president( which I didn't know at the time) over with a news
letter and to me that if I send the record cover to the address listed,
Gene would sign it and return it to me. True to his word, Gene did sign
the cover and it now hangs in my living room for all my friends and company
to see.Gene was my idol, from when I was a young boy, my mother played
his albums , and I just love his voice and choice of songs, any time i
find a record that I don't have from him I buy it. I even have some people
remember me as Mr Pitney, that how much they know how much he meant to
me!!. May his family finding comfort from all his fans at this time of
sorrow, my prayers are with them, with a heavy heart I wish he rest in
peace with the angels until we all can be together in heaven 549 Dear Mrs. Pitney and sons, I am so sorry for your loss.
I have listened to Gene With heart felt sympathy for your lose, 548 I think Gene Pitney was one of the most underrated and
under appreciated artists of the 1950s and 1960s. My husband and I are
deeply saddened by the news of his untimely death. We wish his family
our condolences at this very difficult time. They are in our thoughts
and prayers. 547 i was raised listening to gene pitney as a youngster
in the 60's, and grew to love him just as much as my mum. i had the pleasure
of seeing Gene in concert as my parents did before me and even though
we listened to his songs endlessly, nothing prepares you for the commanding
presence and powerful voice seeing Gene live in concert. i cannot believe
he has gone. He was a true performer and really cared for all his fans.
He gave so much to so many. We will miss you greatly. Our thoughts are
with his family. 546 My sincerest condolences to Lynne and family... 545 i am 34 years old and have grown up with gene pitney, i have always loved his music and have seen him three times whilst he was here in the UK. i even took my then 9 year old brother to butlins in wales to see him. which was actually a good move because he got to the front of the queue and we managed to get front row seats. my brother said after that concert that he had felt that Gene was singing only to him and i think thats how he made all his fans feel. i even managed to shake his hand at the end. he seemed like a wonderful man and was a great entertainer who will be very sadly missed. my condolences to his family and all his other fans kendra fox 544 Deepest sympathy to Gene's family, friends and fans at
his sudden passing. 543 anche se sono giovane, sono un grande fans di gene pitney.
ho ciao gene, e arrivederci lassu'. 542 Hi, 541 I had always liked Gene Pitney since i was a teenager in the sixties but never saw him live.My wife by chance found details for a concert in Northampton England where we live and booked up. It was a most wonderful experience to see a man with so much talent and so obviously normal.We left with thoughts of "must go again when he comes back". Sadly we will never see him again but he has left us with great memories.Our deepest condolences to his family. Norma and John Alderson 540 Our thoughts and prayers are with Lynne, Todd, Chris
and David at this MAY HAWORTH, OSWALDTWISTLE 539 Please except my deepest sympathy in the loss of Gene
Pitney. I'm from the generation that the best music and i remember when
i first heard Mecca. I fell in love with his music and have always been
a fan. He will be missed 538 I was shocked and extremely saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. I have been a fan since the 60s and attended many of Gene’s concerts here in the UK. Gene has brought so much joy to so many with his wonderful, powerful, unique voice. A truly wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. God Bless, Gene. Carol, Dorset, England.
537 As a teenager in England in the late 60's I became sweet
sixteen listening to my idol Gene singing on "Top of the Pops"
and I was hooked. I loved you and your music so much. I told my sister
"I'm going to marry him one day".. as teenagers do, and when
you did get married to your one and only love, the love of your life,
I cried with happiness for you and sadness for myself. I never stopped
loving you and your music and will do so forever. Frank and Susan Smith 536 My Wife and I wish to send our condolences to the Family
of The Great Gene Pitney. He will be sorely missed. 535 534 HandJLANDGRAF 533 I thought I caught the tail end of a news cast the other
day about Gene passing away. I thought that surely that could not be correct,
he seemed in such good shape and far too young. 532 I have ALWAYS enjoyed Gene Pitney's talent and am deeply
Ann Marie Miller, Pittsfield, Maine 531 530 529 Please add my belated condolences. Gene Pitney was a great singer/songwriter! My older sister and brother turned me on to him…when I was 8!! I am a musician myself, and would have loved to have jammed with him!!! I am from East Haven Ct. Gene is now performing in Heaven!!!! Thanks, Stan 528 I am very sad to learn of the death of Gene Pitney. I
have been a fan of his music since 1963. I was selected to be his "date"
when he came to my hometown, Milford DE on December 29,1964 to perform
at our local theater. I really felt like "Cinderella" that day!!
His wife and family are remembered in my thoughts and prayers. 527 manuel zafra 526 Sammy 525 The terms 'unique' and 'legendary' are certainly apt
descriptors of the late Gene Pitney. From his very first hit, 'I Want
to Love My Life Away', his enthusiasm and mastery of the medium were evident.
He apparently lived his life similarly, in regard to his family, as well
as his fans. Though I was saddened to learn that he had passsed, it was
appropriate that his last night was spent doing what he loved most(and
doing it well); entertaining. My condolences go out to Gene's wife and
son, and to all the fans that love him so dearly. 524 Gene I will always remember you. You were my Music since 1964. I saw you at least once a year in Concert. All those years you let me know how much you loved My Irish wolfhound Elsa you had from me for Lynne Tod Chris and David.The Afghan ect were all named after your Beautiful songs.Wasn't I a lucky lady to have met you The Gentleman and your Family.God Bless Them.Gene Pitney (YOU WERE THE BEST) I think I have every song you sang and will continue playing them and remembering YOU with with love and pride.Your back home now with your loved ones. Bye Bye Gene May Elsa be by your side Valerie Jordan and family. 523 Vera and Whanau 522 My name is Catarina Pike. I want you to know that Mr. Gene Pitney, a genious artist and a wonderful heart, has meant so very much to me through my whole life. I love many musician songwriters, but none as brilliant as he. I was blessed enough to see him in concert in the late 90's here in Cincinnati, Ohio. And lucky enough to tell him what his music has meant to me. My children age 26 and 23 have always known how much I adore his voice and how he delivered those meaningful words. My daughter called from her office to tell me the next morning of his passing and was so worried as to how I would take it, and I tried to be strong, but broke down and tore my family up. I have listened to his music constantly and as I listen to each word I smile as I remember how he & his songs were with me through my husband and my dating period, my husband sent me all of his music as it was put on cassettes to play as I traveled. I will think of him often and am so happy that I told him I loved him and he replied I love you too. Mr. Pitney is and will forever be a number one class act, I will cherish forever. Thank you for the chance to tell you my thoughts. CP Bless You! Catarina Pike 521 Pat 520 Seems like a bad dream, like losing another Roy Orbison or Bobby Hadfield.... So sudden and so sad/. Only sorry I never go to see Gene Pitney on tour here in Australia. Gone but never forgotten... Scott Morris 519 518 At times like this one always thinks of the close ones
left behind, in Gene's case a wife and three children, God be with you
all. I saw Gene in Newcastle Australia in 2004 and I wasn't disappointed
let me tell you. I was a relatively late appreciator of this brilliant
singer's genre and his masterly _expression of emotions that are common
to everyday experience for all of us. "Looking through the eyes of
love" in particluar struck a chord for me, because of the ineluctable
fact that a man can indeed be a giant when he is supported in that way
by a woman. 517 So saddened to know Gene was no longer with us. I even imagined watching him with Parkinson on TV or thought about rejoining his Fan Club which had been started again … It’s all too late now. But of course he’s left so many good songs with his great voices which immortalise him. Thank you Gene for the pleasure and excitement you have given us for many, many years. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Koko Clark, Sydney, Australia 516 515 I was saddened and shocked to hear of the untimely passing
of a great man. I have listened to his music for many years and seen him
live on many occasions. My thoughts go out to his wife and family. Our
great loss is heavens gains. RIP Gene. 514 I was devastated to hear of the passing of a great songwriter,
singer and Bernadette Joyce. 513 512 511 Keith Deschler 510 I first saw Gene in Edinburgh in 1965 when I was 16 and
have seen him in concert many times. I was shocked to hear of his sudden
death and was most upset as I had tickets to see him on Sunday. My heartfelt
condolences go to his wife and family. His music has given me great pleasure
over the years. 509 I cannot listen to Gene yet as I find it to painful,
'Backstage' made me weep so much. My heart goes out to Gene' s family,
the best singers have all died young, there must be some great concerts
in heaven. 508 Just heard to the news. Gene Rest easy. Now it's town
without Pity. 507 506 margaret smith 505 So sad and shocked to hear the news about Gene. I have
nothing but happy memories of seeing him every time he visited Batley
Variety Club in the late 60's, early 70's. I had the pleasure of actually
meeting him backstage on one occasion he was a wonderful guy. My deepest
sympathy to his Wife & Sons. 504 It has been several days since Gene's passing and it
is still hard to Gene was absolutely, without a doubt, my favorite singer,
outshining To Gene's family: I am so sorry for the loss of your
husband, Sue McAfee, Shermans Dale, PA 503 wes tideswell 502 501 Liz from Glasgow
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