I guess this must have been a bigger hit in Cincinnati than in the rest of the country because it got a fair amount of air play there and I always liked this song.
Gene's producer Bob Schwartz was looking for a "single that would bring him more into what was then the current style". He had heard another song by the writer, Ed Goldman, and asked for something in a similar style. Schwartz loved what Goldman came up with and got arranger Joe Scott to beef up the break and arrangement to create a big orchestral sound. The single was billed as an example of "symphonic rock".
I LOVE this song... I had it on a CD a few years ago... Although HE didn't like it, this song is quite good... It (like other songs he recorded) really shows his ability to sing in several octaves...
One of my favourite Gene Pitney songs. My sister had the album with this on and we both loved it. My sis is no longer with us and this reminds me of her.
What a voice! This song really shows what he can do with all the notes he has to hit. Is's unusual but I like it. He had a powerful voice and it never let him down! thanks Brent for posting it!!
I had heard of but never heard this song before until just now. I have two Gene Pitney hit collection CDs, but neither of them contains this song. It was released in 1968, after what I think was his last hit, "(She's a) Heartbreaker". Back then, I did see it listed in some trade publications, and I had noticed that the publisher was Jobete, which was Motown's inhouse publisher. I've since wondered if this was written by one of their writers and originally intended for one of their acts.
I like the song, but I really do not like the use of "Billy" It makes the song seem childish. I think I would have preferred a more generic hook such as "You were my friend". Instead of "Billy you're my friend."
Thanks Brent.Interesting song.Quite a departure from his earlier releases.I think it came out in late '68?Unfortunitely,I don't think it went too high on the charts.Heard of the title when it came out but never heard the song until now.Thanks again.
Great song have it on my Mp3, it was great back in the 60's My mate and loved it especially when I got drunk Thanks for the memories
tobyforu 3 months ago
Another one of my old favorites,
The1ranger2 7 months ago
I guess this must have been a bigger hit in Cincinnati than in the rest of the country because it got a fair amount of air play there and I always liked this song.
boonedavey23 7 months ago
I love this song. Very dramatic. I'm sure most can relate to it in their teen years. You know, when we didn't know much about how life really is lol
Tonithenightowl 10 months ago
Who thinks album covers are lyrics? Anyway, anyhow....thanks for uploading all my teen favorites. They are really rare to find now.
MacDinar 1 year ago
Gene's producer Bob Schwartz was looking for a "single that would bring him more into what was then the current style". He had heard another song by the writer, Ed Goldman, and asked for something in a similar style. Schwartz loved what Goldman came up with and got arranger Joe Scott to beef up the break and arrangement to create a big orchestral sound. The single was billed as an example of "symphonic rock".
fernald10 1 year ago
I LOVE this song... I had it on a CD a few years ago... Although HE didn't like it, this song is quite good... It (like other songs he recorded) really shows his ability to sing in several octaves...
shmuli9 1 year ago
It always reminds me of my friend Frankie,god rest his soul
backpackerp 1 year ago
One of my favourite Gene Pitney songs. My sister had the album with this on and we both loved it. My sis is no longer with us and this reminds me of her.
R.I.P Angie.
puppyfarmersgotohell 1 year ago
This has to be pretty obscure, never heard of it before.
gotch09 1 year ago
Thanks For posting this, I've been trying to find this song for 10yrs but to no avail,Can't even find it on any CD's..Great song.
TheJellybaby1988 1 year ago
@TheJellybaby1988 it's on nearly every Gene Pitney greatest hits cd
hulkster1012 1 year ago
@hulkster1012 It's not on the greatest hits i've got and i've got 2, I've even looked on different online record site's. Anyway thanks.
TheJellybaby1988 1 year ago
Always think this is something different, would have loved to hear Gene sing this Live on Stage - Just Brill..Music and memories live forever.
Sue genepitneyaussie/yahoogroups
suesinoz 1 year ago
What a voice! This song really shows what he can do with all the notes he has to hit. Is's unusual but I like it. He had a powerful voice and it never let him down! thanks Brent for posting it!!
upwards11 2 years ago 2
Gene was a friend. And we had a friend back in Rocckville ... Billy.
nelgnedsnar 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
This is a pretty good song, but NOT one of his best.
Boy.... could Gene sing!! What great power!
dowop4 3 years ago
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NOTE; Click on (more info) to see the LYRICS to this great song...Please let me know of any omissions or errors...Thank You...
Brent441 4 years ago
this has always been my fave.
gailtill 4 years ago 2
Had this on an old Gene Pitney Greatest Hits LP which I sold in a garage sale cause I thought it is on my Gene Pitney Hits CD.
davesharon5747 4 years ago
I had heard of but never heard this song before until just now. I have two Gene Pitney hit collection CDs, but neither of them contains this song. It was released in 1968, after what I think was his last hit, "(She's a) Heartbreaker". Back then, I did see it listed in some trade publications, and I had noticed that the publisher was Jobete, which was Motown's inhouse publisher. I've since wondered if this was written by one of their writers and originally intended for one of their acts.
rslitman 4 years ago
Oh my gosh i love shes a heartbreaker lol!!
LightWhisker 2 years ago
I like the song, but I really do not like the use of "Billy" It makes the song seem childish. I think I would have preferred a more generic hook such as "You were my friend". Instead of "Billy you're my friend."
-SF
sfrazeur 4 years ago
lol...you're right...
Tedsuzan 4 years ago
Great fan of Gene Pitney, but must admit first time
I have neverheard this song. Its very different as JSG said from his earlier songs but his voice is good
as ever. This song is very Broadway to me for some reason.
RIP Gene.
heartbeat3 4 years ago
Thanks Brent.Interesting song.Quite a departure from his earlier releases.I think it came out in late '68?Unfortunitely,I don't think it went too high on the charts.Heard of the title when it came out but never heard the song until now.Thanks again.
JSG1951 4 years ago
Thank You...It is quite different...But I really enjoy it...
Brent441 4 years ago