Good story, cat. I'm sure you're familiar with Vee's first single release, "Suzy Baby." He does a rather haunting Buddy Holly, especially considering their sad link in music history.
"Town Without Pity" was a favorite in my squadron at Clark AB in the Philippines. We spent a lot of time in "Town," Angeles, and there wasn't a whole lot of Pity there.
I'm a bit surprised m'self at the reaction here to Gene Pitney's passing. I would have thought he was completely forgotten and more like a secret guilty pleasure for some, like, say, the fabulous Fleetwoods, or, hey, even Bobby Vee hisself! Over the years, I think, I never ever saw Gene Pitney's name referenced in any pop music stories or reviews.