Tribute to a hit-maker

ONE of the heroes of the rock and roll era, Gene Pitney has been immortalised by the King of Cabaret Eddie Daniels in the Best of Gene Pitney Show.
Arriving on the rock scene in the late ’50s as a gifted songwriter, capable musician and incredible singer, Gene Pitney’s dramatic tenor voice, given to piercing climaxes, was among the more remarkable voices of the age.
Throughout his career he notched up a string of Top 40 hits in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Pitney’s earliest success came as a songwriter, having his compositions recorded by Roy Orbison, Bobby Vee and Ricky Nelson.
Convinced he could not only write hits but sing them as well, Pitney re-launched his career in 1961 with an ambitious recording of his “Love My Life Away” on which he multi-tracked vocals and overdubbed instruments in a pioneering feat of record production.
Pitney’s success had a resurgence in the ’80s when Marc Almond, formerly of Soft Cell, asked him to re-record an old song, “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” as a duet and the single topped the UK charts for four weeks.
On 5 April, 2006, Gene Pitney died of heart disease in Cardiff, Wales, while on a tour of the UK. He was only 66 years old but his unique sound and amazing harmonies have stood the test of time.The Best of Gene Pitney is a sensational reproduction of his greatest hits. The unmistakable voice of Pitney will be heard again through the talents of Eddie Daniels, vocally perfect and musically excellent.
Eddie has a vocal ability that most entertainers envy and an amazing ability to mimic legendary superstars. It’s no wonder that he is regarded in the industry as Australia’s foremost vocal impressionist.
It’s not just his three-octave range and inherent vocal ability that makes Eddie special but also his quick sense of humour, his instant likeable personality, endless enthusiasm and tireless professionalism that ensure his audience enjoys every minute he is on stage.
He was crowned the “King of Cabaret” and labelled as a “Master Performer” by the Sydney entertainment critics, a well-earned accolade from hard critics in a very competitive market.
You can catch the Best of Gene Pitney show for free at Tewantin Noosa RSL on Saturday 11 April, from 8pm.