1964 Gene Pitney Handwritten and Signed Postcard to an Executive at Cashbox Magazine Discussing Concert Tour

This postcard was signed and handwritten by singer Gene Pitney. The postcard is postmarked “Jul 17 1964,” just as Pitney's single "It Hurts to Be in Love" was released--it reached the Top 10 that year. Pitney references the release of the single in the text of the postcard: “Hi, It's a long hectic one this time! So far it's been great on East Coast. We head West Monday. New single looks terriffic [sic], and this tour is a great promotion vehicle for it. Hello to Everyone, Gene Pitney.” The postcard is addressed to “Mr. Martin Ostrow / Cashbox Magazine.” Ostrow was the Editor of Cash Box in the 1960s, and he went on to work at Billboard and Rolling Stone. 

Pitney charted 16 top 40 hits in the United States, four in the top ten. In the United Kingdom, he had 22 top 40 hits, and 11 singles in the top ten. Among his other most famous hits are "Town Without Pity", "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance", "Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa" and "I'm Gonna Be Strong". He also wrote the early 1960s hits "Rubber Ball" recorded by Bobby Vee, "Hello Mary Lou" by Rick Nelson, and "He's a Rebel" by the Crystals. In 2002, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The postcard is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentic. The postcard measures 5 ½ x 3 ¼ inches and presents with heavy wear and fold lines. Excellent condition.