Gene Pitney Book - His Climb To International Success - Biography

In "Gene Pitney", the biography; through photos and text, understand our singer songwriter's childhood: love of oldies at home, song in church, and music in school. Read the book to learn about Pitney's passion for rock music in high school and how he became a songwriter.

In March 1958, Pitney, as lead singer, formed the rock band, the Genials. The band played the rock music they heard on the radio, current hit songs of the time. Hit singer, Jeri Lynne Fraser and Gene often co-starred. After high school graduation, the band's piano player left so the Genials broke up.

Consequently Gene had to look to other sources to enhance his music; the 5 Bell Aires provided back-up harmony and the Rattletones provided instrumental back-up. In September 1958, Pitney used back-up harmony from Hartford's Embers to record the first Pitney compositions: the doo-wop songs "Runaway Lover", "So Tired", "Tremble", and "Victory". Gene showed skills as a songwriter. Unfortunately doo-wop music waned in 1959, so the great songs he penned were not released until 1990. The Rockville Sesquicentennial parade proved to be the last performance as the Genials. After the parade, Gene hoped to bring at least one band member, Dick Spurling, to New York for music, fame and fortune. Unfortunately, Dick chose education, not music.

Then, in 1959, manager Marty Kugell provided the chance for Gene to record four rock 45s. Of the eight songs, Gene was songwriter or co-songwriter for three songs. For one song , Pitney, the lead singer, convinced Dick to play the drums. All four 45s appeared on national labels but only hit the charts locally. Then, in New York City, Gene met Aaron Schroeder, songwriter for Elvis. Aaron started Music or Records and Gene starred as lead rock singer and helpful songwriter. Most professionals either liked the music or not. There was no middle ground.

At first working in New York as a singer, Gene decided to peddle the songs he wrote: "Rubber Ball" to Bobby Vee and "Hello Mary Lou" to Ricky Nelson. Gene had no idea he would become a great songwriter before he became a great singer. Next, Aaron Schroeder asked Gene to record songs for Music or Records. As songwriter of rock hit, "I Wanna Love My Life Away," Gene peaked the interest of leading songwriters, music directors, and music producers in New York. By far, the greatest triumph as a songwriter for our rock star proved to be the hit, "He's a Rebel."

The next forty-three years are history: Phil Spector rock 'n' roll producer uses the "wall of sound" to create Goffin/King hit "Every Breath I Take." Gene sings "Town Without Pity" a big hit Gene sings at the Academy Awards ; Gene sings a serious of Bacharach/David hits, clinching fame and recognition; Gene achieves recognition as a singing sensation in the US, UK, and around the world.

After meeting the Rolling Stones, Gene returns to US recording a hit song from the UK. Booked for tour after tour in the UK and Australia, the MC introduces Gene as, "now for Gene Pitney and his music." Finally, the eighth nomination of Gene to the hall of fame in 2001 gives Gene Pitney the recognition he so rightly deserves, hall of fame member. In 2002, Gene Pitney sings music on television to the US, UK and worldwide, as a member of the rock and roll hall of fame.

"Gene Pitney", the biography, is a hard cover book, 288 pages of photos, text, memorabilia, stories, and charts. Sixteen pages are in full color!!

• Gene Pitney is a member of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.


• Gene Pitney is the first rock singer who sings a hit song at the Academy Awards.


• 1964 - Gene sings Rolling Stones songs in the UK - leaves taking Jagger/ Richards song, "That Girl Belongs to Yesterday," a US hit.


• Gene & Marc Almond's song "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart"peaks at #1 hit for the UK.


• Gene Pitney, singer for the Queen Mother, sings at the UK Palladium.


• In Life Book's "Rock & Roll at 50" Gene list among the top 100 Rock & Rollers of all time.


• Gene Pitney joins Aaron Schroeder, songwriter for Elvis Presley, as singer for Musicor Records.


• Gene Pitney is songwriter for #1 hit, "He's a Rebel".


• Gene sings four successive Bacharach/ David top-twenty hits .


• Gene Pitney sings at San Remo, Italy, #2 hit singer, the highest position for any non-Italian.


• #1 hit song, "He's a Rebel", prevents #2 hit, "Only Love Can Break a Heart" from being a #1 hit.


• Gene, singer songwriter. headlines Carnegie Hall.


• Singer Gene Pitney sings on tour six months a year, 43 continuous years of singing to a full-house.


• Gene is a rock superstar in UK - twenty-two top-fifty hits: one #1, two #2, one #3, one #4, and two #5.

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