The writer of songs including “He’s a Rebel” and singer of hits including “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” has died after a concert in Cardiff, Wales.
My friend’s mum went to the concert – she’ll be gutted.
As for cause of death, infective endocarditis would be ironic.
What a shame. I loved “Town Without PIty” and “It Hurts to Be in Love” in my pre-adolescent days.
Looking over his discography, I saw he recorded “Just One Smile” by Randy Newman two years before Al Kooper and Blood Sweat and Tears did. Wow! That’s one of my favorite Newman tunes. I’ll be out looking for a Pitney anthology today.
RIP, Gene.
And now the world is truly a Town Without Pitney…
I remember listening to his music in the 1960’s. Despite rock and roll groups dominating that era, Gene was never considered to be “unhip”. He could really belt out a good tune. (Remember “I’m Gonna Be Strong”? Wow - it was like rock and roll’s first foray into opera.)
RIP Gene. You certainly were a siginificant chapter in the story of rock and roll.
Damn. I love “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.” …alot. I grew up with my dad listening to Gene all the time.
R.I.P. Gene.