Like many others, I was sorry to hear of the death of singer Gene Pitney at age 65. Pitney was a true original who has unfairly been lumped in with other, less substantial “teen idol” singers of the early ’60s. Unlike all those Bobbys and Fabians, however, he was also a talented songwriter in his own right with great ear for other songwriters — be them known (best ever male interpreter of Bacharach-David) or unknown (also recorded early songs by Mick Jagger/Keith Richards and Randy Newman). He was also the kindest, most approachable famous person I know of. Back in the mid ’90s, Pitney was among the few celebrities to have an active part in his own AOL discussion group. People would constantly ask him questions, both stupid and interesting — and he would always answer each one cheerfully and with great insight into his unique career. I’ll miss him.