April 6, 2006 11:10

Marc Almond pays tribute to Gene Pitney Marc Almond Tickets

The late singer is honoured

Marc Almond has paid tribute to the late singer Gene Pitney, who was found dead in his bed yesterday (April 5).

Pitney scored his only UK Number One single in 1989 when he duetted with Almond on ‘Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart’.

“I am deeply saddened and shocked by the death of Gene Pitney," Almond said. “It was an honour to have worked with him."

Pitney had originally hit Number Five with ‘Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart’ in 1967.

Almond added: “He was a great, unique singer of great, unique songs. Today is a sad day."

During his long career, Pitney had 22 UK Top 40 hits kicking off with '(I Wanna) Love My Life Away' in 1961.

It was 28 years later before he hit the Number One spot with Almond.

Other massive hits included '24 Hours From Tulsa' and 'I'm Gonna Be Strong'.

Pitney, who was midway through a UK tour, was discovered dead in his bed at the Cardiff Hilton yesterday (April 5). The singer had played a show the night before (April 4) at Cardiff St Davids Hall.