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Condolences
100 I was so saddened today to learn the news of Gene's
passing. I was actually reading the posts on another popular "group,"
Il Divo this morning. One of the girls said, "Did you hear that
Gene Pitney has passed away?" I immediately said to myself, "WHAT?
NO WAY?" You see, I, along with all those in his fan club, had
just received a newsletter from him last week. He was in great spirits,
was planning to have hip surgery that he'd put off for so many years
but decided to have because now the recovery time is so short. He was
looking forward to being up and around in no time. Even signed off with
Hip Hip Hooray! Gene Pitney's music was so amazing. Town Without Pity
has been and still is my favorite song of his and also my favorite song
of all time. What a magnificent voice he had. He will be missed. I have
cried today for a man I have never met yet has touched my heart and
soul deeply and given me wonderful memories of my youth. Thank you,
Gene. Thank you so very much. 99 i was about to go see the man in concert in glasgow
such a sad loss and another great icon taken from us older fan 98 The voice was tremendous. Bill Stewart 97 Just heard the sad news of Genes passing. Both my husband and self have been fans for over 30 years, we will miss him but have the joy of listening to his wonderful songs. Rest in Peace. anne 96 Please convey to Gene's family my heartfelt condolences
and sadness at this difficult time. 95 A great loss to the music industry as a legend has
now gone, you will be greatly missed by all. anthony slater 94 Very sad Genes passing, I bought all his records and saw him many times live. The first time was at Blackpools Queens theatre in the early 60s. The last time Dapto Leagues club NSW Australia 90s. He is a great loss to the music world and my wife and I. Condolences to his wife and children, we mourn with you. Alan Warwick 93 No long illness, doing what he loved. I saw Gene in Melbourne live when he came here. Songwriter extroadinaire singer of highest standard with a beautiful voice and lovely personality . We will miss you Gene. Say hi to Ricky, Buddy,Richie and all the others in heaven where you are now . God bless you . Thankyou for the music and sharing it with me David. 92 Really sad to here of Genes death whilst driving to work, I have had the pleasure of seeing him perform live many times when he has been in Stoke On Trent. It really saddens me to think I will not have the pleasure of seeing Gene perfom live again, though his great voice will live on. God bless Gene hope you're now singing with the angels. Pinklady 91 I was a fan of Gene Pitney for goodness knows how many years. Went to his concerts when he was in N.Z. God bless his wife and sons at this difficult time. Sylvia Hamilton 90 i'm so sad to hear about gene pitney,i grew up listening
to him and i've always loved his music. liz jackson 89 My wife and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the family of Gene Pitney. Gene was a great artist and a fine perfomer. I regret that I never had the pleasure to meet the man, although we came close a few years ago when we were both touring the U.K at the same time. God Bless his soul! Very Sincerely, CHARLIE GRACIE AND FAMILY 88 I want to express my most sincere sympathy to Mrs.
Pitney and her sons. Mary K. Yager 87 "One Word" At the end of the rainbow, No tears, no sadness, no pain. Thank you Gene for the wonderful songs. Someday we'll gather with you, Gene, remember us here on Earth, 86 The man was living proof of what a COMPLETE artist
is. total. writer, interpetive singer, production innovator, cutting
edge harmony singer, country, pop, R&B, Folk, Rock and Roll, etc.
It would take several hours just to listen to his 2 and half minute
hits. He wrote for the whose who in rock, for Spector, for Rick, for
Bobby Vee. THE DUDE ROCKED. al cassaro 85 When we were 12 years old my best friend Ann and I
were treated to our very first concert. The Dick Clark Caravan of Stars
featuring Gene Pitney was stopping at the Lakeside Ball Room in Barnesville
PA. I loved Gene and when he reach down and held my hand when he sang
Town Without Pity I vowed never to wash my hand again. I have loved
Gene all these years, and understood that he was very successfull in
the UK. Thrilled watching the TV broadcast of his induction into the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it was the first time I had seen him in
years and he looked and sounded wonderful! After all these years (45
to be exact) I found out he was going to do a show at Hershey Park...after
all these years Ann and I were together once again in the front roll
watching Gene. We stayed for both shows and giggled like school girls
again remembering all his wonderful hits. It was such a special day
for both of us, still best friends at the concert again. He brought
back so many memories of jr. high and high school. We never thought
we would see him perform live again and enjoyed every minute. Mary and Ann 84 I'm deeply saddened by the loss of a great artist. Kathey 83 I'm aged 44, I was only a love sick lad of 15 when
I came across Gene Pitney. The difference between the songs of his day
was emotion. Deep seated, heart breaking emotion. Seldom do we hear
such songs sung with emotion these days. mac. (U.K.) 82 I'm listening to Half Heaven Half Heartache right now
and I am terribly saddened by the news. I have loved Gene's music since
the beginning. I will not stop now or ever being amazed and uplifted
by his beautiful work. 81 My wife Karen and I would like to express our deepest
sympathies. We saw Mr. Pitney's recent concert in Las Vegas and enjoyed
his performance. He's one of a kind. 80 My memories of Gene, I attended the first of many concerts when he was the warm up for (I'm not sure who it was) in 1966 in Melbourne. He got such a welcome and the crowd where not interested in the main act just wanted Gene back. I still attend his concerts whenever he came to Melbourne and would look forward to the next tour. To his family my sincere sympathy, and gratitude that you shared him with the world. Thank You Gene xxxxxx Pat Morrow 79 Thank you Gene for your music. I grew up listening
to your music. 78 What a loss to the entertainment world. I am so saddened today at his passing Marie in Brisbane 77 I was deeply saddened to learn of Gene Pitney's passing.
He brought joy to many people with his beautiful and unique voice, and
he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. 76 So sad!!!! Gene Pitney and Roy Orbison were the two
best singing voices in the world. A terrible loss for the music world 75 I have been a great fan of Gene and I feel so sad at hearing Gene had died, first saw Gene Pitney in the 60`s when he came to Australia and have been a great fan of his ever since and have many of his records, even though he is gone, his music will live on for ever, going to miss you Gene. kennmac 74 Gene Pitney seemed like such a nice, genuine person
and his very unique talent will be greatly missed. Kevin 73 I am so sorry to hear of the passing of one of america's
greatest singers of all time. Mr. Pitney was mr. Rock and roll.. thank you, michael b. Shields 72 My mind and heart go back, as they have done often lately, to 1965 when I first began to love Gene's music. I met a girl in my high school English class and finally worked up enough nerve to ask her out in April of that year. We double-dated with my big brother and his young wife at a drive-in theater. I don't remember the film we saw but I do remember how my date told me that her favorite singer was Gene Pitney. "Town Without Pity" had a special meaning for her. In 1967 I married that girl and we were together until this last December 21st when she died. We had recently listened to Gene's old songs on a Greatest Hits album I have on iTunes and were flooded with fond memories. We were together through thick and thin and raised 5 kids. I just want to convey to someone through my tears how much his music meant to us and how very sorry I am to hear of his death. I know there are thousands and thousands of folks out here who feel the same way. My heart goes out to his wife and sons and their families. I can feel their pain and wish them the best. Thank you. Patrick Del Rio 71 P.J.Proby was a close friend of Gene and wishes to send a personal condolence to his wife. P.J.Proby is currently on tour in the UK. We are all saddened by the news today. Are you able to let us have the address in USA so that P.J. can send a letter direct. Kind regards 70 Gene Pitney was one of the greatest singers I've ever heard and was a true gentleman. I saw him perform in Terre Haute, IN in the 70's and was amazed at how fantastic he was. We hung around outside the arena and after the crowd had thinned, Gene came out and graciously signed autographs. I'll never forget...he was smoking a cigarette when he signed mine..someone else asked for an autograph and he asked if he could borrow my pen. When handing it to him, he burned my hand (slightly) with a cigarette, but immediately apologized and made sure I was alright. That is an experience I'll never forget. He will be sadly missed and thought of always as a "true entertainer and gentleman." Patty from Terre Haute, IN 69 Just woke up to the news that Gene had passed away
in Cardiff, I feel he Jane Fisher, 68 My first meeting with Gene was in February 1966 in
Glasgow Odeon. I presented a programme for the old 'pirate' station
Radio Scotland and had a phone call from a guy from EMI who asked if
I would like to interview Gene. I took along my tape recorder and my
little West Highland Terrier puppy called Jock who was the radio station's
mascot. Gene was on the floor playing with the puppy and I don't know
who was having the most fun. 67 DinoDebbie 66 RDLulu 65 Can I cry a little bit, 64 I was shocked when my mom called and told me Gene died.
Gene was very special in my young years you see, he was best friends
with my dad, and I can remember him when I was a child at Crystal Lake
and he would sing to me to settle me down at bedtime. Dad and Skinner
and Gene and Rizzo and Miner, oh what a special time it was. No matter
what happened later, they are and were so special to me. Well I hope
Dad was there to meet him when he arrived in Heaven. 63 Gene,you are like one of the family and it hurts like hell. The news wont sink in but i am so grateful to have been able to see your concerts. I am holding a concert in my hometown of Kidderminster , Worcestershire , England on this saturday 8th april with Brotherhood of Man and Shel Macrae from the Fortunes. We will now pay a special tribute to you as a fitting mark of respect. Tickets were £10 but any of Gene's fans can get in for £7. We will play Gene's music before the show. Steve Jones 07834 - 519520 62 I grew up listening to Gene Pitney, I am now 60 and
still listening. I saw him in California in the 60s and last here in
Las Vegas last year. 61 How sad I was to hear of the untimely death of Gene Pitney I adored his music and one of my favorites had to be 'Backstage' I can remember seeing him at The Colston Hall in Bristol in the early 60's He was a fine and polished performer and will be sadly missed Goodnight Gene May you Rest in Peace 60 I have seen Gene on numerous occasions but the one
I will remember was when Denise 59 I love his Songs every time.He will be deeply missed. Berlin, bernd grabowski 58 I am deeply saddened to hear the sad news about Gene. Having had the privilage of seeing him many times, more recently at Dartford the first venue of his UK tour, it makes the loss even more sad. There can never be another Gene. My condolances to his wife and family, he will be missed by all his thousands of fans Kind Regards Rosemary Bidmead 57 As someone of Gene Pitney’s generation, I was stunned to learn of his death. His voice, songs and style captured the spirit of the sixties for those of us who went through that roller coaster of emotions as we embarked on our lives in a time of historic change. His dramatic ballads reflected the pain of lost loves, his upbeat songs we sang when new love came along. I still find myself trying to emulate those high notes without success, but I nonetheless enjoy singing his tunes to myself, even after all these years. Along with his deserved greatness as a singer he conducted his life in exemplary manner and always appeared a true gentleman in every stage show, interview or appearance I saw. I mourn his death and I thank him for having devoted his life to entertaining and enriching my life and the lives of a generation. He deserves every accolade he has ever had and will continue to have, for his music will live alongside the other greats from a great era and fans as yet unborn will continue the legend of Gene Pitney. My condolences to his family and friends, who can be proud indeed of Gene’s legacy. TonyHall 56 I saw him last year in Melbourne Australia and the year before. I had planned to see him again the next time he came over to OZ. But that will never be. What a sad day for his family and fans. He was the ultimate true gentleman. Carol Evans Cranbourne Australia 55 Hi, Thanks for keeping such a wonderful website about such a great guy. 54 I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the family Sincerely, KR
53 Gene was a great artist. I remember "Only love
can break a heart" in 1962 as one of my all-time favorite songs.
He had a great vocal style unlike any other. Because of him and several
other artists of that era, I was inspired to become a musician and went
on to make a career of music. My regards to his family. 52 Hi, i met gene pitney on a couple of ocassions and
he was such a gentleman, i had fallen over and had a black eye and he
saw me in the crowd and came over to me to asked what had happened.
His concern was so genuine , i then met him along with my young daughter
a few years later , and his lovely personality came shining through.
I think he was one of the most loveliest stars we have ever had. His
music, charisma, and kindness were evident the whole time, i am truly
very very sad at this devastating news and send my sincere condolences
to his lovely family. 51 Gene meant so much to so many people for over 40 years.
Our lives won't be the same without him. 50 Devestated, i heard the news at 11:55am today (5/4/06). 49 I grew up with Gene and hearing his songs always take me back to that sweet time of my young teen years. What a unique talent. Jan Cawley 48 Very sad to hear of the sad loss of Gene. I have grown
up listening to him as the sixties was my time. My wife and I went to
see him on our engagement.At Batley Variety in Yorkshire, England.It
was a GREAT night.We last saw him last year in Bradford,Yorkshire, Again
it was a GREAT night. 47 What can be said....I am still in shock at the unprecedented loss of such a truly great man...Gene has left us a legacy of great music, I first saw him perform at the London Palladium in the sixties and his voice was just amazing and blew me away with 'i'm gonna be strong"...Gene remained a star to the end.."God Bless Him"..and his dear family.. Barry Aberdeen Scotland.... 46 Very saddened by the sudden death of Gene Pitney - we had been to see him in concert at Fairfield Halls,Croydon UK and were left with the most magical memories of a truly talented man- we have been playing his songs since that concert in fact last Saturday we had a Gene Pitney evening and sang and danced all night to all his wonderful music - what a very sad loss to the music world. Our thoughts are with his dear family and friends. Jennie and Roach Ritchie, UK 45 My husband and I danced and romanced to the music of Gene Pitney in the 1960's. We had the privilege of celebrating our 39th wedding anniversary at Gene's concert in Connecticut. carol nadolny 44 Another part of my youth gone…bye-bye Gene. Thanks you for the music. Willy Sijbrandij 43 I am sending my condolences to Gene's family, and friends. Mez MKCAPS 42 So saddened to hear Gene has died - I have loved all his music over the years & he will be much missed. To his wife & sons & family we can only send our thoughts & prayers & hope they will be comforted by the warmth we send out to them Diana 41 My husband and I danced and romanced to the music of Gene Pitney in the 1960's. We celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary at Gene's concert in Connecticut where he wished us a Happy Anniversary from the stage. Our condolences to his family. Carol and Julian Nadolny Kensington, Ct. 40 Gene was a music legend in every sense of the word.
He pioneered multi-tracking before it became common practice. He also
was a brilliant somgwriter-not just for himself but for other artists
as well. He'll always be remembered by fan's of pop music. 39 I'm deeply sadened bout todays events he was a good singer and artist he will be deeply missed god bless. pahgh5@aol.com 38 Roy Orbison, Del Shannon now Gene Pitney. I grew up
crying at their songs, now I cry at their passing. 37 I heard Gene on stage in 1965 and 66 in Dublin. He sounded exactly the same on stage as on the recordings. A fine, original talent. HB Eire 36 I was jolted today at the one o'clock news on radio 2 which announced the death of Gene Pitney as the main item. I became an instant fan around 1961 when I first heard the record Town Without Pity from the film of the same name, and it remains my favourite of his still to this day. Such atmosphere and such a distinctive voice. Throughout the sixties he was one of my very favourite singers and I finally got to see him on stage about ten years ago, here at the Winter Gardens in Margate. Very sad at his passing. Tony. 35 34 33 I fell in love with Gene when I heard him singing I wanna love my life away in 1961. I wrote him a fan letter and still have the reply that his mother wrote to me. Since then I have seen all his UK concerts when he has been in the NE of England. I even added pitney to my email address as I told my husband it was the only way I would be able to have Gene's name !!!! What a star, what a voice and what a gentleman. My prayers and condolences to his wife and sons. Helen 32 He is a person I not only enjoyed hearing immensely, but also I admired for his work ethic and business acumen. I had the pleasure of attending a performance over 20 years ago in an old Detroit theatre. I still recall that he performed with 24 pieces of the Detroit Philharmonic and started the show with "24 Hours from Tulsa". I still listen to the original, scratchy albums I own from the 60's. My condolences to his family. He was one of a kind. Tim 31 30 From devoted fans Danny and Margaret Kelly from Oldham Greater Manchester 29 It wasn't that many years ago I saw Gene Pitney in Atlantic City. I grew up with his music and when I saw him live - I couldn't believe what a good singer he was live and in person. I knew he was good, but not that good. The music world has lost a piece of musical magic.
It was tragic news! 28 Gene Pitney was the best singer this world produced.
We say him everytime he came to Australia. He will be sadly missed. 27 Dee King, Suffolk, England. 26 "I'm gonna be strong." Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, Let perpetual light shine upon him May he rest in Peace. Amen.
25 I am so sad at hearing today of the sudden death of Gene, we saw him many times in Glasgow, usually around his birthday what a pro.his talent was immense,he will be sadly missed none more so than his wife and three sons. from Mr jJohn Land. Glasgow. 24 I was a fan member for 8 years
23 Apart from Gene's beautiful voice, he had a beautiful heart and selflessly stepped up to help others and brighten their day. Wwe DO mourn the singer, but we mourn the MAN ever so much more. We will always love you Gene and we will NEVER forget the light you brought into our lives not just through the music you shared with the world..but for YOU just being YOU ! Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gene's family and close friends for we cannot imagine the pain his wife and sons are feeling at this time. Alchameeeeeeeee! Forever Gene (you know what that means wherever you are !) Bless you. Love Always, The Coyte Family, Australia. 22 At only 17, i can't say i grew up with gene but my parents would always have his music playing in the house. At hearing about Gene's passing, i started crying and haven't stopped since, and i doubt i'll stop today at all. Gene is my idol and will always be an inspiration to me and whenever i see a gene album i dont have (very rare!) i will buy it. RIP Gene...you're a legend and always will be! Allana xxx 21 20 I am so sad at the passing of
Gene Pitney. He has been a favorite of mine since my high school days
(many years ago) when I saw Gene perform many times in Providence, RI
and many years later at the Warwick Music Theater in Warwick, RI. pegpru 19 18 I was just changing channels on my XM radio when I heard the news this morning. My sister who was 5 years older bought one of his album, and I just became obsessed with his music. I bought everything I could lay my hands on, and then completely wore out the music. To this day, whenever I hear his music, I turn it up and make every be quiet. To me, he was greater than the Beatles. I was fortunate enough to hear the the 60’s channel on XM was going to do the Anthology, and was able to hear it today – they played just about everything he sang in the 60’s and it genuinely touched me. ar My sincere condolences to the family. He brought so much pleasure to me while growing up, and I will never forget him. Deborah Lynch 17 So sad, my friend watched his
great performance in Cardiff last night. I can remember crying over
a lost love while listening to him singing' I'm gonna be strong on my
record player. 16 15 There aren't enough words to
express my sorrow in the passing of Gene Pitney. I grew up with his
music and his wonderful voice. All I can say is - he's in Rock and Roll
Heaven leading the group. 14 Mr. Louis Colli, 13 It was so sad to hear of Gene Pitney's passing. He was a great singer and artist. He will be missed. I'm emailing from Northern Ontario, Canada. I have some of his records and have enjoyed them this past few decades! Your website for him is a real tribute. You are a true fan. Sincerely; Emily. 12 Love, Suzi Borrup Morgenthaler 11 He will be sadly missed by all..
10 Poor Gene. We'll miss him. Steve Walsh 9 Just heard of the sudden death of a great star. I remember buying "24 Hours from Tulsa" when I was nine and have always been a fan of a superb singer and songwriter. His legacy will be a catalogue of great music which will be appreciated by music lovers for decades to come. Richard Gordon 8 A sad day. z. 7 Laura 6 5 God bless the music and the era and Gene pitney. So sad mike 4 Just found out that Gene has passed. Evidently he was over in Wales performing and died in his sleep. That is all I heard, news is quite new. Man, what a great voice and performer! I know whose oldies I will be playing tonight. Ronnie Salyer in Richmond, Virginia 3 2 My name is Joe Erwin. If you can please pass on my sorrow in Mr Pitney's passing. I've been a fane for years. Thank you Joseph Erwin jr 1 Terry
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