I had always heard that he was somewhat reclusive. You never heard much about him even when he was in his prime. Of course, you could have said the same thing about similar contemporaries like Roy Orbison or Del Shannon. As for "It Hurts To Be In Love," that off-key organ always stands out in my mind!
One of the greatest talents of the 60s. Roy Orbison and Del Shannon too. Those three were singer/songwriters before the term had even been coined.
Has anyone ever heard Gene's medley of Orbison's and Jimmie Rodger's It's Over/It's Over? He combined those two songs beautifully. The vocals just blow you away! I'm only 30 and Gene Pitney has been one of my favorites since I was a teen.