Pitney to sing on Vegas stage

Crooner-songwriter makes four-night engagement

By BARBARA SCHERZER

LAS VEGAS -- After four decades in the music business, pop singer Gene Pitney is making his first appearance as a Sin City headliner. He is performing at the Stardust Resort this week for a four-night engagement through Saturday.

The singer-songwriter's first taste of fame as a composer came with the tune "Hello, Mary Lou," which he penned for Rick Nelson, followed by "He's a Rebel" for the Crystals and "Rubber Ball" for Bobby Vee.

His own top 40 hit --"I Wanna Love My Life Away" -- came in 1961. Other hits include motion picture themes for "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" and "Town Without Pity" as well as the Burt Bacharach/Hal David song "Only Love Can Break a Heart."

His popularity continues unabated overseas. He toured the British Isles for three weeks earlier this summer and is skedded for a 20-city tour of Australia after his Vegas gig. Last year, Pitney was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.