A MUSICIAN from Kent says singer Gene Pitney, who died suddenly during his recent British tour, was "one of the nicest men in the music business".

Guitarist Adrian Brown toured the world with the legendary American vocalist for four years from 1999,

Mr Brown, from Broadstairs, said: “The news of Gene’s death was a real shock. He was such a decent fellow and a truly great singer with a distinctive vocal style. You would recognise that sort of operatic way he sang anywhere.

“He was so fit and active, and always tried to work out in a gym daily when he was on tour.

“He did not drink or smoke, and always went back to his hotel room straight after the show. He was the epitome of a clean-living performer.

“He was a friendly chap and took a great interest in his touring musicians and even kept in touch when we were not on the road.”

Mr Brown now hopes that the singer’s British fan club will organise a memorial service for the singer’s UK fans.

He stressed: “Gene was far more popular in Europe and Australia than he was in America. He was a perfectionist and flew us out to his home town in Connecticut for a special video recording just for one day.

“I just loved his music," he said. "It was so varied. We toured with a good-sized orchestra and he was great, whether singing the big ballads that made him famous, reggae, rock’n’roll or country.”

Mr Brown last worked with Pitney in 2003, The singer, who was probably best known for the song 24 Hours From Tulsa, often performed in Kent during his long career. He was found dead in bed in his Cardiff hotel room. He was 65. The cause of death was not suspicious.

Pitney is survived by his widow, Lynne, and his three sons.

Kent-based music expert Alan Cackett, editor of one of Britain’s leading country music magazines, Maverick, said: “Gene Pitney possessed one of the most distinctive voices in all of pop music.

“He was a talented vocalist who was at home with country music, uptempo soul tunes, soft ballads and operatic pieces.”

“Down through the years I saw Gene in concert on numerous occasions, the last time at Dartford a couple of years ago.

“I also got to sit down and talk to him at length about his country connections. In his own right, he enjoyed several country hits and was very knowledgeable about country music and its history.”