Gene Pitney Found Dead In Cardiff Hotel Room

Legendary American singer Gene Pitney has been found dead in his room at a Cardiff hotel.

Pitney, 65, most famous for the song ‘Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa’ was halfway through a UK tour and had previously shown no signs of illness.

He was taken ill at 10am this morning according to the BBC and was found dead in his bed by his tour manager.

Mark Howes of his management company In Touch Music said that they were shocked by his death and that he had seemed fine the night before.

"He did a good show last night at St David's Hall and it was wonderful," said Howes. "I've seen him quite a few times on this tour and he was fit and well. He said it was the best tour he had done for quite a few years."

Pitney’s tracks were recorded by some of the world’s biggest names including Roy Orbison and Bobby Vee who had a huge hit with the song ‘Rubber Ball’.

He is also credited with helping the Rolling Stones break the American market. He leaves a wife, Lynne, and three sons who all live in his native state of Connecticut.