Tommy James
PMP Network Presents
Tommy James reflects on his career, sharing insights into the origins of his hit songs. He also discusses the challenges and experiences he faced with organized crime figures during his early career. James delves into the stories behind his music and the broader context of the music industry at the time.
Singer
Tommy James
of
Tommy James
and The Shondells
About Tommy James
Tommy James, born Thomas Gregory Jackson in Dayton, Ohio, is an American rock singer-songwriter who fronted Tommy James and the Shondells. He achieved commercial success with hits including "Mony Mony," "Crimson and Clover," and "Crystal Blue Persuasion," accumulating 23 gold records and 9 platinum albums throughout his career. His memoir "Me, the Mob and the Music" was selected by Rolling Stone as one of the 25 Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Memoirs of all time.
In this interview
- Discusses his experiences with organized crime figures during his early music career
- Recalls feeling uncomfortable discussing mob connections until recent years after key figures died
- Talks about the origins of "Hanky Panky" and its connection to local bands
- Shares stories behind his hit songs and the music industry context
Since this interview
Tommy James performed "Crimson and Clover" with Joan Jett at her 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. He was inducted as a Modern Era Legend at the 2017 Pittsburgh Rock 'N Roll Legends awards and named Jukebox Artist of the Year in 2019. His last studio album "Alive" was released in 2019, reaching Top 20 Adult Contemporary.
