Gene Pitney

Gene Pitney

Gene Pitney was cool. He had to be cool. He sang the title song to one of our favorite movies. "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". Lee Marvin was Liberty, Jimmy Stewart was the lawyer who had to put his law books down and John Wayne was the silent hero. 


Hell of a movie. Hell of a song. I can't think of anyone else whose voice was so unique as to put his signature on this synopsis song. He did it so well that here it is almost fifty years later and I can still hear his distinct sound describing what happened in the movie.

Gene Pitney

In my research I learned I was wrong about this song and it's relationship with the movie. I thought the song was in the movie. It wasn't. This song was a heck of a hit. The movie was a huge hit. I don't know if either of them would have done near as well without the other. Don't get me wrong, they were both excellent products individually. However, when coupled I think it increased sales for both exponentially. Just guessing.... it's a hunch. 

Gene Pitney

The funny part is the song written by Bacharach and David was not used in the movie as planned. It was released separately due to legal wrangling between the song writers and the movie folks.


Gene had one hit and then really "broke through" by singing movie themes. His first was "Town without Pity" starring Kirk Douglas. To be followed by "Liberty". Meanwhile he was climbing the charts with singles separate from the movies.

Gene Pitney

Gene Pitney was a favorite among the teenage market. As mentioned, his voice was unique and set him apart from the group of "Bobby's". His songs were refreshing and typically carried a nice story. The movie gigs gave him much more credibility and star power than his peers with more Top 40 credits. I think the movie angle gave Gene an edge to creating a career that would last longer than most.

Gene Pitney

Gene Pitney sold records. He was not only an excellent singer, he was a great writer, a multi instrument musician and top producer. He charted in the U.S. something like 31 times. But maybe the key to his financial success is his efforts in the U.K., Europe and Australian markets. He was hotter in Australia than the U.S. When his sales were down in one country they would be up in another. This Gene Pitney was not only a great artist he was a smart businessman.

Gene Pitney

Gene is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Hit Parade Hall of Fame and performed at Carnegie Hall. Gene died of a heart attack while on tour in the U.K. He was 66.










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