I hate to bring this up ... but it would be a tribute to both of them if true! --
Was Gene Pitney the soul inheritor to Johnnie Ray??? They both were brave enough to sing in a completely non-charts/non-popular way ... Was Gene influenced in a big way by Johnnie's passionate delivery?
I just read that J. Ray only worked with hearing aids, childhood accident. ...
The best Bacharach interpreters have always been those who have precise pitch and rhythm, great discipline and a certain self-awareness in their singing.
Gene had all these in spades. Truly one of Burt's best interpreters.