Where Are They Now?

     
Gene Pitney

Those of us who grew up in Tampa Bay remember Gene Pitney performing in the WLCY Super Star Spectaculars at Clearwater Auditorium in the early 60's. An incredible voice he packs. Many of us fell in love for the first time. Listening to Gene Pitney love songs on WLCY or WALT radio.

Gene brought us such hits as:

Half Heaven, Half Heartache
Backstage
I'm Gonna Be Strong
I'm Gonna Love My Life Away
Town Without Pity
It Hurts To Be In Love
Looking Through The Eyes of Love
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Twenty Fours From Tulsa
True Love Never Runs Smooth
Only Love Can Break A Heart

Gene, also a talented songwriter, wrote "Hello Mary Lou" for Ricky Nelson, "Red Rubber Ball" for Bobby Vee and "He's A Rebel" for The Crystals.

He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

Gene lived in his home town of Rockville, Connecticut, with his wife and sons, and owned a marina. He traveled to Europe and Australia on sellout tours every year.

Gene Pitney died in his sleep on April 5th 2006, after a brilliant sold out concert in Cardiff, Whales. He was 65.