Tommy James (and the Shondells) on his Life, his Music and their Mob
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Want to know what '60s megastar Tommy James is doing today? Can you name Tommy James and the Shondells biggest hit? Would you like to know Tommy's life story?
Tune in here because few stars had a better run on the pop charts in the '60s than Tommy James. As the leader of his group the Shondells, Tommy had a way with upbeat pop tunes that packied a solid rock & roll punch.
The creator of songs like "Hanky Panky," "I Think We're Alone Now," "It's Only Love," and "Mony Mony" - the soundtrack to a generation.
As the decade changed so did Tommy writing and recording hits like "Crimson and Clover" and "Crystal Blue Persuasion."
As a solo artist in the early '70s, Tommy adopted a more mature and soulful (but still radio-friendly) style with "Draggin' the Line" and "I'm Comin' Home." and he's still doing it today - embracing contemporary pop styles, with electronic instruments and elements of dance-pop and hip-hop.
Tommy's journey began in Niles, Michigan, where he formed his first band, The Echoes, at the age of 12. His early passion for music set the stage for his future success. The Shondells, initially formed as The Tornadoes, evolved with his vision, and their innovative fusion of rock, pop, and psychedelia set them apart.
Following the success of "Hanky Panky," Tommy James and the Shondells produced a series of chart-toppers. Then, as a solo artist he did it again.
Tommy's autobiography, "Me, the Mob, and the Music," revealed his tumultuous relationship with Morris Levy of Roulette Records, adding depth to his legacy and offering a glimpse into the darker side of the music industry.
Tommy James was a pioneer in studio experimentation, using cutting-edge effects to create unique sounds that influenced future generations of musicians. His music captured the spirit of the '60s.
With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Tommy James' enduring legacy is a testament to his impact on rock and pop music history. His ongoing contributions to music and his influence on artists like Billy Idol, who famously covered "Mony Mony," underscore his lasting impact. From his early days in Michigan to his rise as a music icon, Tommy James' story is one of resilience, creativity, and enduring appeal.
I know you're going to love hearing Tommy tell his story. To learn more about him head for his website www.tommyjames.com/
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Amazing song writer
Sandy Kaye has one of the best classic rock podcast on the Internet. Too often podcasts will focus on the same small group of mega stars from the 60s and 70s. I mean is there anything else about Bob Dylan? I need to know? And then other podcast interview people we’ve never heard of. Sandy, find this terrific balance of bringing in STARZ and people who supported those stars one hit wonders. It really gives you a great sense of what was going on with all that we love. With regard to Tommy James. I always loved his music. And then when CDs became a thing, it was his greatest hits. That was the first CD I ever bought although I already had a massive LP collection. I’ve often wondered why he still not a huge draw the way some other classic rock artist are since he had so many hits . The one thing I don’t like about this conversation, which I found very disappointing. Was the way he glamorized and the discussion and Gen glamorized the New York mob Starting with music alone and the payola involved, which clearly Tommy benefited from is a horrible way for music listeners to receive the best music. And which is why so much of our generations musical taste was stunted by lot of the crap payola put on the radio. More important there is nothing glamorous of the mob. These people are responsible for the death, murder, victimization, oppression, and poverty of so many communities. And discussing the mob should never be anything but serious with an underlying tone of disgust. Not lighthearted fun.
Crimson and Clover I first heard it at Roller Skateing Ring in Pittsburgh Kansas summer of 1969 wow it was awesome