Gene Pitney has died aged 65. The singer was found dead in his bed at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff yesterday. The cause of death is not known, as Pitney had showed no signs of illness whilst on his UK tour. Mark Howes of management company In Touch Music told reporters yesterday: "He did a good show last night at St David's Hall and it was wonderful. I've seen him quite a few times on this tour and he was fit and well. He said it was the best tour he had done for quite a few years."
Pitney rose to fame in the sixties, of course, experiencing something of a revival back in 1989 when he duetted with Marc Almond on chart topping single 'Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart.' His songs were covered by artists such as Rick Nelson and Blue Angel, and he is credited with helping the Rolling Stones break America due to his endorsement of the group.
Pitney, who has continually toured over the course of his forty year career, received a standing ovation at his final concert, and a glowing review from a local paper. He had nine dates remaining of a 23 date tour.
He is survived by his wife Lynne, and three sons.