Gene Pitney, a name synonymous with the golden era of the 1960s music scene, was more than just a singer; he was a prolific singer-songwriter who left an indelible mark on popular music. Hailing from Rockville, Connecticut, his powerful vocals and emotionally charged songs resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Pitney’s career boasts an impressive 16 Top 40 hits in the US and an even more remarkable 22 chart entries in the UK, including 11 Top 10 singles. Beyond his own success, he penned hits for iconic groups like The Crystals and even shared studio space with The Rolling Stones, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in early rock and roll. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, Gene Pitney’s legacy continues to inspire and captivate. Join us as we delve into ten of his most exceptional songs, each a testament to his enduring talent and contribution to music history.
1. It Hurts to Be in Love
Gene Pitney performing "It Hurts to Be in Love" on stage, showcasing his passionate delivery and stage presence.
“It Hurts to Be in Love,” a classic example of Brill Building songwriting crafted by Howard Greenfield and Helen Miller, was initially penned with Neil Sedaka in mind. However, due to contractual complexities, this gem found its way to Gene Pitney in 1964, becoming a Top 10 hit for him. Interestingly, the released version still retains Sedaka’s backing vocals and piano, along with his signature female backing singers. Producers ingeniously replaced Sedaka’s lead vocals with Pitney’s, resulting in a unique collaboration. The song’s appeal extended beyond Pitney’s rendition, with covers by Bobby Vee, Dan Hartman, and others, but Pitney’s version remains the definitive take, highlighting his ability to infuse emotion into every note.
2. Blue Angel
Gene Pitney in a 1970s performance of "Blue Angel", reflecting his evolving musical style and enduring stage presence.
“Blue Angel,” penned by Roger Cook, marked a significant chart resurgence for Gene Pitney, particularly in Australia, where it soared to number 2 in 1974. This track is a vibrant blend of Pitney’s early rock and roll energy with a touch of the country-infused sound he explored later in his career. “Blue Angel” stands out as a testament to his adaptability and his knack for staying relevant in a changing music landscape. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody made it a favorite among fans, proving Pitney’s enduring appeal across different musical styles.
3. I’m Gonna Be Strong
Gene Pitney performing "I'm Gonna Be Strong" on a 1960s television show, emphasizing the song's emotional depth and his dynamic performance style.
“I’m Gonna Be Strong,” a Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill composition, has an interesting cover history. Cyndi Lauper’s band, also named Blue Angel, recorded a version in 1980, and Lauper revisited it as a solo artist in 1994. However, it was Gene Pitney who truly catapulted the song to fame. While Frankie Laine initially recorded it in 1962 with limited success, Pitney’s 1963 rendition reached number 9 in the US and number 2 in the UK. His powerful delivery and the song’s poignant lyrics about resilience after heartbreak resonated deeply with listeners, cementing its place as a Gene Pitney classic.
4. She’s A Rebel
Promotional image of Gene Pitney for "She's A Rebel", highlighting his 1960s pop star image and the song's rebellious theme.
While The Crystals’ version of “He’s A Rebel” is undeniably iconic, Gene Pitney’s gender-swapped rendition, “She’s a Rebel,” holds its own merit. This playful take on the original theme showcases Pitney’s versatility and willingness to experiment with established hits. Interestingly, “He’s A Rebel,” which Pitney wrote for The Crystals, prevented him from achieving a number one solo single himself. “She’s A Rebel” is a testament to his songwriting prowess and his ability to reinterpret a song while retaining its core appeal, offering a fresh perspective on the rebel narrative.
5. That Girl Belongs to Yesterday
Gene Pitney in a studio recording session for "That Girl Belongs to Yesterday", capturing the creative process behind his hit songs.
“That Girl Belongs To Yesterday” holds a unique place in Rolling Stones history. It was the first song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards to break into the UK Top 10. While the Rolling Stones had UK hits prior, they were covers. Jagger and Richards achieved their first songwriting Top 10 success when Gene Pitney recorded “That Girl Belongs To Yesterday,” taking it to number 7 in the charts. Adding to the song’s allure, legend has it that Pitney and Phil Spector visited the Rolling Stones during the recording of “Little By Little,” contributing piano and maracas respectively, creating a fascinating intersection of musical talents.
6. Only Love Can Break a Heart
Album cover for Gene Pitney's "Only Love Can Break a Heart", showcasing the album title and his image as a leading vocalist of the era.
“Only Love Can Break a Heart,” the title track from his second album, is a product of the legendary songwriting partnership of Hal David and Burt Bacharach. This song played a crucial role in establishing Gene Pitney as a prominent performing artist in his own right, moving beyond his reputation as primarily a songwriter for other musicians. The song soared to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962, famously being kept from the top spot by his own composition, “He’s A Rebel,” performed by The Crystals. “Only Love Can Break a Heart” is a definitive Gene Pitney song, showcasing his vocal range and emotional depth within Bacharach and David’s sophisticated musical framework.
7. Town Without Pity
Gene Pitney performing "Town Without Pity" in a rare video appearance, highlighting the song's dramatic flair and his engaging stage presence.
“Town Without Pity” marked Gene Pitney’s breakthrough into the US Top 40 and was a song of significant stature from the outset. Written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington for the film of the same name, the song garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Song. Although it lost to “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, “Town Without Pity” remains a powerful and evocative song, synonymous with Gene Pitney’s early success. Its dramatic orchestration and Pitney’s passionate delivery perfectly captured the film’s somber themes, establishing him as a major voice in contemporary music.
8. (The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance
Gene Pitney in a promotional shot for "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance", evoking a Western theme in line with the song's narrative and title.
“(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance,” another collaboration with David and Bacharach, achieved significant chart success in the US, Canada, and Australia, despite not being released as a single in the UK. Interestingly, the song, written for the John Ford Western film of the same name, does not actually appear in the movie. Pitney later recounted that Paramount Pictures commissioned the song and studio session but then decided against its release, launching the film before he finished recording. Despite this, the song became a hit and was later covered by Jimmie Rodgers, who respected its classic Western sound.
9. Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa
Gene Pitney singing "Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa" in a live performance, emphasizing the song's storytelling aspect and his engaging performance style.
“Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa,” yet another Burt Bacharach and Hal David masterpiece, became a signature hit for Gene Pitney. The song tells a somewhat quirky tale of infidelity, with the protagonist just “twenty four hours from Tulsa” and his partner, but succumbing to temptation at a motel. Pitney’s 1963 recording brought this narrative to life with his characteristic emotional intensity. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in covers by artists like Dusty Springfield and French icon Claude François, who adapted it into “Maman chérie,” demonstrating its international resonance and timeless themes.
10. Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart
Gene Pitney in a 1960s recording session for "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart", reflecting the song's emotional depth and his powerful vocal delivery.
“Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” stands as one of Gene Pitney’s most storied and enduring hits. Written by Rogers (Greenaway and Cook), it was initially recorded by David and Jonathan (the stage name for songwriters Roger Greenaway and Roger Cook) in 1967 without much success. It was Gene Pitney’s rendition later that year, for his album Just One Smile, that transformed the song into a hit. It reached number 5 in the UK, becoming one of his biggest hits there, although it didn’t chart in the US initially.
Gene Pitney and Marc Almond performing "Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart" in 1989, showcasing the successful duet and the song's renewed popularity.
The song has seen countless covers, from Cilla Black to Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, but it was Marc Almond, formerly of Soft Cell, who revitalized it in a significant way. Almond recorded it for his 1988 album The Stars We Are, and upon its single release, Gene Pitney joined Almond for a duet. This unexpected collaboration across generations resulted in a number one single in 1989, staying at the top for four weeks and becoming Gene Pitney’s only chart-topping single, proving the timeless appeal of “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” and Gene Pitney’s enduring musical relevance.
