Tommy James
“The Soul of the Sixties” by Eileen Shapiro
“The thing The 60s did was to show us the possibilities and their responsibility that we all had. It wasn’t the answer. It just gave us a glimpse of the possibility.”.....John Lennon Tommy James not only defied music sensibility but defined it at the same time. The 60’s was a time filled with sophisticated anarchy and revolution. The music was the key to identifying the time portal and as destiny would dictate Tommy James and The Shondells illuminated the soul of the industry, and has withstood the test of time. A walk of wisdom collected through the years, Tommy James (and The Shondells) were the first faction to feature the Moog Synthesizer. They were among the first band to produce music videos 13 years before MTV presented their first. During the years 68’ and 69’ they sold more singles than The Beatles or any artist on the planet for that matter and more than 300 artists covered their songs including Billy Idol, Tiffany, the Boston Pops, Neil Diamond, Joan Jett, The Monkees, and Billie Joe Armstrong. Recognized for a cascade of hits including: “I Think We’re Alone Now”, “Mony, Mony”, “Crimson and Clover”, “Crystal Blue Persuasion”, “Hanky Panky”, “Sweet Cherry Wine”, “Draggin’ The Line”, “Mirage”, “Gone, Gone, Gone”, and about 20 others. His songs have appeared in numerous films exampling: “Heaven and Earth”, “Pontiac Moon”, “Forrest Gump”, and a host of others. Aside from being a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, James is also the author of his best-selling autobiography “Me, the Mob, and the Music”, the story of his true to life wild ride, and stay tuned for the film which will also be an exciting adventure. Currently while the planet continues in isolation and people continue to cry for the moon Tommy James can be heard on his own radio show called “Gettin’ Together With Tommy James” on SiriusXM every Sunday 5-8 PM on ‘60s on 6. It features Tommy playing his own hits as well as other artists from the 60’s. I had a long and electrifying conversation with Tommy James regarding his career, his autobiography, and his galvanizing journey through life and the music industry......I found him to be one of the most courageous, coolest, and kindest man on the planet....and a master story-teller as well! Mostly he genuinely loves his fans.....
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