Pitney Inducted Into Rock Hall

SOMERS, Conn. (AP) _ The Rockville Rocket is aimed at Cleveland. <br><br>Gene Pitney, who grew up in the Rockville section of Vernon, was inducted into the Cleveland-based Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for

Tuesday, December 18th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

SOMERS, Conn. (AP) _ The Rockville Rocket is aimed at Cleveland.

Gene Pitney, who grew up in the Rockville section of Vernon, was inducted into the Cleveland-based Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2002.

``Eight times I was nominated,'' the 60-year-old singer told The Hartford Courant. ``I was hoping I'd be alive when it finally happened.''

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation made the announcement last week. Also chosen were the Ramones, the Talking Heads, Isaac Hayes, Brenda Lee, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

The induction ceremony will be held March 18 in New York, and will be aired by VH1 two days later.

Pitney, a rock singer with country influences, has recorded hits such as ``Only Love Can Break a Heart'' and ``It Hurts to Be in Love.''