Classic Pop Icons

Legendary lyricist Hal David died this morning (September 1) in Los Angeles of complications from a stroke. He was 91.

David will be most remembered for his many timeless hits penned with songwriting partner Burt Bacharach.

Harold Lane David was born in Manhattan, New York, on May 25, 1921. He was inspired to become a songwriter by his brother Mack, who wrote songs for the likes of Patti Page and Ella Fitzgerald. After serving in the army during World War II, David began working for the New York Post, but he hadn’t given up on his songwriting ambitions. His earliest successes came writing for band leader Sammy Kaye, and Guy Lombardo. He also collaborated with Morty Nevins on songs for the movie “Two Guys and a Guy” in 1951.

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Gene Pitney died four years ago today in Cardiff, Wales at the age of 66. He was on a 23-date UK tour at the time and his last show had taken place the previous evening at St. David’s Hall, Cardiff.

Click here to read Classic Pop Icons’ recent Gene Pitney tribute

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Gene Pitney would have been 70 years old today. He died on April 5, 2006 at the age of 66 in a hotel in Cardiff, Wales, midway through a UK tour.

Gene Francis Alan Pitney was born in Hartford, Connecticut on February 17, 1940, but spent most of his youth in Rockville, Connecticut. He had musical ambitions from a young age and formed a band while a student at Rockville High School. His first singles were released as part of a duo called Jamie and Jane, with singer Ginny Arnell, and included the song “Classical Rock and Roll.” The singles were not hits and the duo was soon abandoned. Read more »