The Unlikely Story of Gene Pitney's Impact on Rock Royalty
The Unsung Hero of Rock's Greatest Partnership
Imagine a time before the legendary Rolling Stones, when Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were just teenage blues enthusiasts. It's hard to believe, right? Well, get ready for a journey through the early days of rock 'n' roll, where we uncover the story of Gene Pitney, the man who played a pivotal role in shaping the iconic band we know today.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, unexpected. The clean-cut, buttoned-up Gene Pitney, with his Connecticut charm, seems an unlikely ally for the hedonistic, rebellious Rolling Stones. Yet, their paths crossed in a way that would change music history.
In the early days of the Stones, led by Brian Jones, the band's repertoire consisted solely of American blues and R&B covers. However, the music industry was evolving, and original material was becoming the key to success. Inspired by the Lennon-McCartney partnership, the Stones' manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, had a vision: he wanted Jagger and Richards to create their own songs.
Oldham's decision proved to be a masterstroke, leading to some of the most iconic rock anthems ever written. But it wasn't an overnight success. The first song to emerge from this collaboration was 'As Tears Go By,' an emotional departure for the duo. However, this song was given to Jagger's girlfriend, Marianne Faithfull, who turned it into a top-ten hit in 1964.
While 'As Tears Go By' was their first official collaboration, it wasn't the song that broke them into the UK singles chart. That honor goes to 'That Girl Belongs To Yesterday,' a song the pair never intended for the Rolling Stones.
And this is the part most people miss... 'That Girl Belongs To Yesterday' was originally written for Decca's George Bean, with the title 'My Only Girl,' a Motown-inspired tune. It was Gene Pitney who rearranged and recorded it, giving it a new life and a new name.
Pitney's version became a UK top-ten hit in 1964, reaching number seven. Ironically, it charted just below the Rolling Stones' cover of Buddy Holly's 'Not Fade Away.' This was the moment when Jagger and Richards' songwriting partnership truly took off, and they became a force to be reckoned with.
As time passed, 'That Girl Belongs To Yesterday' might not have been considered their best work, but it was a crucial step in their journey. Within a year, the Rolling Stones had their first original number-one hit, 'The Last Time,' credited to the Jagger-Richards partnership. This song, however, was heavily influenced by traditional gospel music.
For Gene Pitney, this 1964 hit was just another addition to his impressive chart record. But for Jagger and Richards, it was the beginning of a legendary songwriting career. Without Pitney's intervention, the world might never have heard the revolutionary sound of the Rolling Stones.
From the rebellious 'Satisfaction' to the countercultural 'Street Fighting Man,' the Rolling Stones' journey began with an unlikely partnership. So, let's raise a toast to Gene Pitney, the unsung hero who opened the doors for one of rock's greatest partnerships.
