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.
I'll bet something similar happens when Lou Christie cashes out. Which I hope doesn't happen for a long time.