On the South Side

I was introduced to Gene Pitney when Annette's brother Joe was getting married in Denver many years ago. I forget exactly how the multi-talented Pingel family figured I was the best one for the job, but nonetheless, I was asked to sing and play at Joe's wedding. So, the song Joe and his lovely wife-to-be picked out? True Love Never Runs Smooth by Gene Pitney. Gene who? I asked. I'd never heard of him. I know, I know, you're aghast at the thought. Just remember, I was raised on Alice Cooper and Ted Nugent. Anyway, I still remember Annette telling me to stop trying to sing like Gene Pitney; it wasn't working for me. I didn't care though, I had to try in order to get the feel of the song. She still gets me on that. Whenever I go to learn a song I sing like the artist that I'm copying. She tells me to cut it out 'cuz I cant' do it, I say I know, leave me alone, and usually by the time I have to sing it, I've figured a way to sing it normal-like. Wi