A constant presence in the pop top ten of the early 1960s, Gene Pitney was born in Hartford, CT on February 17, 1941. He grew up in nearby Rockville, CT, which earned him the nickname he has always hated, "The Rockville Rocket."
While in high school, Pitney had his own band, the Genials. His first recording session came in 1959, when Pitney waxed a duet with fellow Connecticut native Ginny Arnell. He also recorded for the Blaze label as Billy Ryan in 1960.
Pitney signed with Musicor Records in 1961 and quickly made the national top forty with his one-man recording, "(I Wanna) Love My Life Away." This began a string of hits that lasted through 1968 and included "Town Without Pity," "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance," "Only Love Can Break A Heart," "Half Heaven--Half Heartache," "Mecca," "True Love Never Runs Smooth," "24 Hours From Tulsa," "It Hurts To Be In Love," "I'm Gonna Be Strong," "I Must Be Seeing Things," "Last Chance To Turn Around,"* "Looking Through the Eyes of Love," "Princess In Rags," "Backstage," and "She's A Heartbreaker."
*a/k/a "Last Exit To Brooklyn"
Gene Pitney also wrote hits for other artists. From his pen emerged the top ten smashes "Rubber Ball" (Bobby Vee), "Hello Mary Lou" (Rick Nelson), and "He's A Rebel" (The Crystals). Ironically, the latter hit prevented Pitney's own recording of "Only Love Can Break A Heart" from reaching #1! :eyes:
Unlike most Connecticut-born musical stars, Pitney has never left his homestate. He now lives in Somers, CT, and is an active member of his community.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GENE!!! :toast::bounce::party::yourock:
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