R.I.P. The Jive Five lead singer and founder Eugene Pitt

(June 29, 2018) Some groups are just so fun that you smile whenever you hear them. That’s always been the case with the classic soul and doo wop group, The Jive Five. We are sad today to report the death of the group’s visible leader, Eugene Pitt. The group announced the death today on their Facebook page:

It is with a heavy heart that I announce, on behalf of the Pitt family, the passing early this morning of the legendary lead singer of Eugene Pitt & The Jive Five, Mr. Eugene Pitt. Eugene had been ill for some time, but was in good spirits with love for his family, friends and fans. My heart breaks for his family and close friends. I ask for people to respect the family's privacy at this time. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. The best of the best has joined the heavenly choir. Rest In Peace, my friend. Godspeed and God Bless.~~~
Mary Garcelon

The Brooklyn, New York native founded the Jive Five in 1954, originally calling the group The Genies. They transitioned to the name for which they would become famous later that decade, and scored a major hit in 1961 with “My True Story,” a doo wop ballad that became their signature song. While there were some personnel changes, Pitt remained at the helm and as lead singer that decade and into the 70s through recordings such as “What Time Is It,” “I Want You To Be My Baby and “Shadow.”

The movie American Graffiti and the television show Happy Days, among other vehicles, created a renewed interest in the doo wop sound in the late 70s, and The Jive Five had a second spurt of popularity, and continued to perform around the world in multi-artist oldies shows for the nearly four more decades, with Pitt being the constant.

The President of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, Terry Stewart, once called Pitt “the most underrated soul singer in America.” But he wasn’t underrated by the millions of fans who followed him through an incredible six decade run. He will be missed.

By Chris Rizik