Gene Pitney--I'm Gonna Be Strong, 1965 TV

Gene Pitney sings his hit "I'm Gonna Be Strong" in this 1965 TV appearance.

[@essessessesq]

amazing live performance....no tape, no computer, no auto-tune......my gosh, he could have sung opera as a tenor.

[@nicitec1173]

Nothing is „live“ in TV

[@margaretjiantonio939]

That last part was amazing. He did it all in one breath.

[@glp329]

Fantastic singer

[@unclephil3031]

Love Gene~!!...(but all TV performances were lip synched)...

[@aedlikM]

Others have tried, but no one can do that ending like Gene does. He is incredible. Love everything he does.

[@roywalker7512]

his version is certainly one of a kind, here is another good cover. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn23gX2aqbCDkLc.

[@frankclements1431]

@@roywalker7512 not even in the same ball park

[@jordoncarnegie1206]

Cyndi laupers version is the definitive version

[@ksk881]

No one sang like Gene Pitney. There were plenty of wonderful singers in the 50's and 60's, but no one could match Gene with his one-of-a-kind unique voice. I have always loved his music since I was a teenager MANY years ago, and I'm continuing to love his music well into my 60's !

[@jeffreyburley4033]

An extremely underrated singer of his time and of all time. He was a crooner unique with a voice unmatched. His octave reach was astounding and he had the very unique way to voice some of his words that would catch your ear but add to the magic of the music. He left us far too soon but I, like many more, appreciate the music he gave us.

[@bradmanchester7843]

Gene had a absolutely beautiful voice, taken far too soon from us but left a huge legacy of his hits ...one in a million...

[@bennyadler5882]

Ultra emotive, operatic-range lead singers in Pop/R&R history, Roy Orbison, Johnny Maestro, Jay Black and Gene Pitney. God broke the mold just after this man.

[@eurostarnamastar3128]

You got that right!!!!!!

[@JustJason1977]

I'm so happy that people are still listening to great singers!

[@GrowingForever]

Love that ending!

[@bufb]

Takes my breath away

[@margaretjiantonio939]

We were very proud of Gene in Connecticut.

[@bobmello1063]

One of the best singers ever ❤. No one can take his place. It was an honor and a pleasure to have experienced his fame.

[@hazzard8760]

The crescendo ending of this song has real power.. such an amazing vocal range

[@richardmichael8180]

Yes the ending and emotion is amazing, the only person from CT that is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame I think although Toto has brothers and maybe they should be in there.

[@davidlawuk1647]

@@richardmichael8180 An interesting bit of info. regarding this song that I read some years ago. When the recording was being made for the single, Gene had a cold and could not make the last note. A recording engineer stepped up and sung it for him! My current version backs out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/maqbZHV8dtOdZqM DL Staffordshire. P.S. the lady pictured is still Mrs L. Stay Safe.

[@studebaker914]

@@davidlawuk1647 That is an amazing tidbit, what a voice and he did make the Hall of Fame. I think the two things that helped him is he wrote "He's a Rebel, Red Rubber Ball, some his own hits but also he was incredibly popular in his latter years in Europe. For this song alone, was guy good sing like that, almost an opera voice range.

[@davidlawuk1647]

@@studebaker914 I did see him live in concert in Stoke on Trent, UK. Among others he had two number two hits here, the above and "Nobody Needs Your Love." He probably had the most distinctive male voice in popular music. Mine not so. nkzbin.info/www/bejne/maqbZHV8dtOdZqOj Roy Orbison also comes to mind and I've seen him too locally. An unforgettable experience that was. Stay Safe. Dave.

[@margaretjiantonio939]

Don't forget he was a great songwriter, too. My father and I were watching him on TV. Dad was really impressed with the ending of the song. What range he had.

[@billbrimmer1739]

Gene never held anything back when he performed. Terrific pipes!

[@MikeBlitzMag]

The absolute pinnacle of high drama. One of the most perfect records ever made.

[@mimirudow8550]

Fortunate to visit his resting place at Somers Center Cemetery in CT just a few days ago. Meant representative from funeral home who was servicing another service nearby. Bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace” in distance simply breathtaking experience I will always treasure ❤️❤️❤️

[@christinebutcher-ee8xj]

What a voice ,wow, so handsome. Love everything about Gene .❤ 😢 x

[@richardnovak5893]

Gene has been. my go to voice since 1962.

[@nitwitt50]

Beautiful voice❤❤❤❤ Loved him when I was a kid, and still love listening to him now Aug 2024.

[@watgaz518]

Got the short straw of stardom this man. Excellent singer and songs and up there with Elvis, Orbison etc🥇👌👍

[@maxinegray1587]

I am and always will be a HUGE Gene Pitney fan.

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

Me too! I grew up watching and listening to him 👏🏻💫🎤🥰‼️

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

@@maxinegray1587 ... I don’t do Facebook any more. Haven’t for a while.

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

@@maxinegray1587 .... I’ve had my Facebook page deactivated for a while and I don’t miss it. I’ve never been much for social media anyways. I only go on KZbin these days. I love music, so it’s great!

[@lindajones2837]

As a 14 year old at the time, I used to play this song over and over again on my record player! I loved Gene and went (and screamed) to two of his concerts in Manchester UK.

[@tonithenightowl1836]

Please don't take this personally but you're going on my HATE list. Being you saw Gene TWICE...you're at the top of the list. There are two above you. One who was a backup singer for Gene ( she's lucky I even talk to her ) and another fan who actually met and spoke with Gene. You have no idea how I'd love to be at the top of my own HATE list. lol :o)

[@wesleysenior1473]

There will never be another like him.

[@lynnbucher6023]

This song had a personal component for me years ago. And every time I hear it, I cry. That man had one of the most beautiful voices ever. RIP Gene. One of the best vocalizations ever.

[@joebittman5039]

Component….like part of a music box

[@charliehall3202]

Absolutely stunning vocal by a great singer. This live version is better than the single.....

[@mspolarbear2239]

RIP Gene Pitney. What a magnificent singer he was and always will be.

[@waltkuss369]

I saw Gene Pitney at the New York State Fair in the 1990's. He was absolutely fantastic!!!!!

[@coraframent7687]

Its 2020 and my sisiter and 1 were also at that nys fair show. My sister had to work so i got there right after his first show and got seats down front and sat there the whole time til my sister got there just before his second show.

[@coraframent7687]

It was well worth the wait. My sister was the biggest gene pitney fan. Glad she got to see him in person. She passed away at 55 in 2001. Watching this brings back a lot of good memories. Thanks for posting it.

[@Tonithenightowl]

I've never seen this clip WOW !!!! This sounds like it was LIVE. Such a powerful song, such a powerful singer. Gene was in a league of his own with such a beautiful, distinctive voice. I miss him but his music lives on.:o)

[@jerrywithers8118]

It was live! On the Jimmy Dean Show, ABC-TV, 1965.

[@Tonithenightowl]

@@jerrywithers8118 I was 12 in '65 and I do remember the Jimmy Dean Show but not much of it lol Gene did do country music with George Jones but I think that happened bc of the British Invasion. Gene was trying a new venue. Then bc of his fame he went to Europe and they LOVED him. I don't know if you've ever seen his concert videos when in Italy but he blew me away. We were so used to seeing him singing serious love ballads. Here he was singing Italian hit songs, opera, his own songs in Italian... I thought to myself... how did he learn all the words? lol You could tell he was having one hell of a good time. He also loved the UK. We got the Beatles, they got Gene, our loss their gain. :o)

[@tonithenightowl1836]

@@davidvined.d.s.2216 The British Invasion was hard on many American solo artists. It changed the face of music as we knew it. Groups were now the big thing and solo artists had to reinvent themselves both in America and the UK. Many got lost in the shuffle. Gene managed to stay afloat longer than most. While I loved /love the British Invasion I'm still a big early rock and roll / R&B /doo wop, girl groups and crooner fan. Gene is my favorite solo artist of all time and we were blessed to have such a great talent. :o)

[@annewilson4404]

Brilliant the great Gene Pitney I saw him every year he came to England from the 60s until 3 nights before he died. Miss him so much, voice perfect hit all the high notes RIP Gene God bless

[@astari39]

Always loved his singing from a young age!!

[@tomislav4896]

Gene Pitney put his heart, pain and soul ino every song he sang. ❤

[@tonithenightowl1836]

Just freaking kill me....this man was off the charts fantastic !!!

[@peterdnock]

i was born 57 grew up listening to my brother playing his records

[@steiny3353]

@peterdnock. I was born in 47, young fella 🤣and I listen to his stuff even today. I just love this song.

[@jokergame]

Superb! I thought the big finish was a recording studio tweak that he wouldn’t be able to achieve when singing live but it was phenomenal.

[@chuckland2009]

I don't believe it was a studio tweak. When talking about this song Gene said, "I have a three-octave range and I knew I had the ability to hit notes like that but I'd never had the opportunity with the songs that were presented to me..." www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/gene-pitney-6104462.html

[@wayne_twentyfive]

@@chuckland2009 It's not just the impressive height of the notes he sung in the ending on the record .. but also how he held them through one continuous breath .. Great technique !

[@brendakempf2869]

I never thought he got the credit he so deserved for having so many talents. I adored Gene Pitney. We lost him way too soon.

[@jenniferkay4038]

Great fan since 1960s and this was my all time favourite. Gene and Roy Orbison took me through the agonies of 1960s romantic failures, what a wonderful time to be heartbroken! Thank you SO much for posting this xxx

[@mrmajestic-e1z]

Gene actually sang that last note in one breath unbelievable! 🙂🙂🙂

[@46reno]

No one will ever do this better.

[@kathlinetaylor8526]

Awesome voice brilliant singer ever love you singing any thing 😃😃😍

[@fgrady1]

This has always been a favorite of mine, short as it is.

[@paulpinball9952]

Its duration, intentionally or not, was a masterstroke.

[@lynnbucher6023]

If this doesn't break your heart, nothing will.

[@BrianGillespie-g8u]

Went to his concert in Dublin 2 times what an amazing voice

[@dianeanderson6733]

Wow what a voice.

[@jennyholmes1633]

What a talent gene was amazing singer ❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏

[@johnderham2829]

A brilliant singer

[@MrWhitt1234]

magnificent

[@joesphgallo5534]

Amazing voice

[@victormarrotti2575]

What a great singer

[@claate]

Wow. Hard to find early live performances. What a voice and watching the close ups. I wonder if he studied the Arthur Lessac method of vocalization based on the way he forms his sounds with his mouth. Wonderful and my home state guy!

[@edfulginiti8798]

Dear Lord, what a voice, what a talent!!!!!!!!!

[@georginaallison9250]

This song, so much emotion, makes us remember all our pain, so smart, powerful 🎶 song

[@eileenoconnor8838]

Love it and all his music, brilliant entertainer! One of his best songs🇦🇺🌹🎶🎼🎵🇦🇺

[@debbiehampson3650]

That voice has been the marker of our lifetime for more than one generation.sheer beauty. Thanks forever gene

[@frankclements1431]

how can a mere mortal man hold that last note so long? Has anyone else done so?

[@ge484]

saw him fox theatre detroit, most powerful voice ive ever heard live...

[@clintprovance8047]

The other Roy Orbison, Gene Pitney blast this song out never saw this before truly a great singer. 2:16

[@stevemann3080]

No words .. Just tears 💙

[@robertgrimes691]

Fantastic! Gene actually singing LIVE!

[@philm.6113]

Presley and Orbison deserve all the praise they receive. However, Pitney needs to be recognized as another incredibly gifted singer. Plus, he wrote Hello, Mary Lou/He's A Rebel/Rubber Ball, plus many more. Very talented.

[@theoccupier1652]

Utterly Brillaint

[@johncooper9550]

The man was a musical genius a legend RIP

[@ThomasOutt]

Gene Pitney was a glorious singer.

[@edwardpeterson1634]

Gene has an amazing voice.

[@lesreed9269]

So handsome & talented - both as a singer & songwriter!

[@gwenfluker3436]

Very handsome!

[@lauraanderson2429]

My favorite song by him. The ending is outstanding!

[@williamoxendine6121]

What a voice

[@dimitramortopoulou5786]

So beautiful voice, so beautiful song 🎶🎤 and so beautiful❤young man!! 👍💯

[@suerte196]

An incredibly good performance, Live! Such a rare talent for sure.

[@Tonithenightowl]

Came back to visit Gene.... this is my favorite video of Gene doing I'm Gonna Be Strong. Thank you so much, Alan A rare gem.:o)

[@jefferygoodman9928]

There were three legendary male singers from the 60’s-Gene, Del, Roy. All continued to have success in the UK after the British Invasion came to dominate the American charts. Incredible voices from all but all, tragically, passed away too young.

[@user-bj2lu9qt3o]

@@jefferygoodman9928 I guess Roy Orbison, but who do you mean by Del?

[@Petemonster62]

@@user-bj2lu9qt3o - I think Jeffery means Del Shannon.

[@robertkolesnik3982]

Wow!

[@willemenliefkenicolay9318]

I Always Love his Voice and songs ,.❣

[@rainiedwards2342]

Awesome, brilliant! performance first time hearing this gentleman thanks for the upload.

[@Claire-fg2rf]

This just made me cry. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for posting 😢

[@susanrussell3001]

A great voice not like any other please if your not that familiar with his songs look some of them up you'll be surprised how many you know and if not you'll be pleased at what you will find songs like only love can break a heart,true love never runs smooth,meca

[@deidreharrell5377]

Saw him live. Great song!

[@cynthia6637]

No Has ever covered Gene Pitney Songs.... Beautiful live performance from 1965

[@jimrehm8875]

greatest song he ever made

[@NancyDYork]

Beautiful song. I read that David Cassidy sang that song in a 1991 concert. I would love to hear that version.

[@marilynpringle2925]

So handsome fabulous voice amazing and truly missed by many a fan

[@lesleycooke649]

What a superb voice Gene had. Many wonderful song

[@danielc.8875]

Saw him at the Big E a few years back. Hw was as good as ever. The pride of Rockville Ct.

[@pishquet]

Wonderful video .... Precious memories . ♥

[@chriswilliamson1206]

Wonderful Voice RIP 😅🙏🦋

[@shanenichols1052]

Goodness, look at that technique.

[@studebaker914]

One of Connecticut's gift to rock and roll.

[@johncorner9295]

Fantastic.g.p.r.i.p.

[@Blacky474]

Very good.

[@melvynmachin9499]

Taken from us far to young but we will remember gene rip 🙏🙏🙏

[@williamoxendine6121]

No words a great song and voice

[@dianeaaronson9789]

He was great! He made wonderful songs.

[@danielc.8875]

so sad when it ends.

[@paulsmith8572]

Such an amazing talent im really appreciating as i get older

[@donnawyatt-smith6586]

Love this song, used to perform it when I sang in Jack Armstrong Band ll ❤️❤️

[@justinslomski4790]

Absolutely unreal....

[@philanthropist1241]

Absolutely brilliant, loved Gene,and the song. It later transpired that the crescendo ending was dubbed with another singing the high parts. Still a great performance by Gene though

[@dianewilson1966]

I've always love Gene Pitney❤

[@larrysmith1568]

4 octaves. Wow!!

[@vlogsnstufflikethat]

and that, ladies and gentlemen, is how it's done

[@eloisamontana3949]

Favoloso Gene...bello e bravo.

[@denchYS]

Great piece of video, thanks for posting it.

[@jennyholmes1633]

Wow what a voice genes so talented ❤️❤️👏👏

[@maryanngdula8915]

I hope you’re in a better place, if there is such a thing, because you deserve it and left us too soo.😔

[@giuseppinafederico812]

Wonderful forever!!!