I heard this on the radio at lunchtime when I was out in the car. I saw him in concert about 15 years ago, he was great, a really good performer.

And in more ways than one too, apparently. Marianne Faithfull (Mick Jagger's ex-girlfriend) reckons he was the best lay she ever had.

he was the best lay she ever had.

that really is the headstone blurb you want.

Especially coming from Marianne Faithfull. She would know. How odd going from Mick Jagger to Gene Pitney, though. Her poor cooter must have been so confused.

jrossi, you are in rare form today.

"He was the bravest of them all."

I've had a soft spot for Gene since I was a kid and first heard "the Man Who Shot Liberty Vallance". The man knew how to take ownership of a song. If you don't already own a Gene Pitney collection, you should. But I'll be honest, I thought he died about 10 years ago.

Shit. Just the other day I aquired 'It Hurts To be In Love,' because it was one of my favorite oldies, and now he's dead. Damned shame, he was a talented and soulful singer.

.

My mother is a huge Pitney fan. It took me awhile to appreciate the overwrought glory of Town Without Pity.