Further hits included "Sweet Cherry Wine", "Crystal Blue Persuasion", and "Ball of Fire", all from 1969. He has since retired and two of his children, Mike Vucish Jr. and Lori Albright, have been running the company. Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. Lead Guitar - Eddie Gray; Organ - Ronnie Rosman; Photography - Ron Meyers; Vocals - Tommy James; Tracklist is printed incorrectly on back cover. They always give the highest spot to the bass player, he joked. The year brought several hits for the group, including "Mirage," "I Like the Way," "Gettin' Together" and "Out of the Blue.". It was the second single released from the album. Sites: thecrystalblueband.com, stellarprecision.com In Groups: Crimson and Clover, was Tommy James And The Shondells second number one single. The song originally appeared on the Crimson & Clover LP. 4:01: A3: Mony, Mony. In a 1970 side project, James wrote and produced the No. The solo career of Tommy James post-Shondells is well worth investigating for those who focus only on the early material, but spending one-third of the set's running time on the mid-'80s and beyond smacks of hubris. Tommy James & The Shondells - The Best Of Tommy James & The Shondells. It was at a Raconteurs show at the Thunderbird Cafe in Greensburg that they were approached by James and Mack about becoming the new Shondells. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. More images. It also typified the album's embrace of psychedelic rock. When they realized the popularity and scope of Hanky Panky, they were all in. 4:01: A3: Mony, Mony. The Koachmen played a circuit of clubs in the Midwest through the summer and fall of 1965, but returned to Niles in February 1966, after the gigs dried up, to plot their next move. In 1966, TommyJames and the Shondellsreleased their first official album entitled Hanky Panky. During the 1980s, the group's songbook produced major hits for three other artists: Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' version of "Crimson and Clover" (No. It was part of a string of hits that followed Hanky Panky, including Mony Mony, Crimson and Clover, I Think Were Alone Now, Sweet Cherry Wine, and Sugar on Sunday., After a year or two, when we had all the hits and we were on The Ed Sullivan Show, the first guy in line to get tickets in New York City was my dad. In the mid-1980s, Tommy James began touring in oldies packages with other acts from the 1960s sometimes billed as Tommy James & the Shondells, although he is the group's only original member. Sorry, we couldnt resist. James had been summoned to Pittsburgh from his hometown of Niles, Mich., to promote and perform the song. What time does normal church end on Sunday? There were times when the families of the Mafia would end up in Mafia wars, said Vale. Is Brooke shields related to willow shields? and the Mysterians), 50; Neal Schon (Journey, Santana, Bad English), 46; Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden), 43; Johnny Van Zant (Lynyrd Skynyrd), 41; Paul Humphreys (OMD), 40; Mike Cross (Sponge), 35; Ewen Vernal (Deacon Blue), 35; Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas (TLC), 29; Roderick Demon "Pooh" Clark (Hi-Five), 27; and Bobby Wilson (Mista), 20. However, James was labeled as a bubblegum pop artist, which he hated. He had a problem: It had taken Hanky Panky so long to finally break that the original Shondells had broken up and gone their separate ways. Tommy James And The Shondells would never have the success again that they did with the Crimson and Clover album. As the band embraced the sounds of psychedelia, they were invited to perform at Woodstock, but declined. 95.7fm WELT is a non-commercial, listener-sponsored, member-controlled community radio station licensed by the FCC to broadcast within Allen County. In 2008 "I'm Alive" was covered by Tom Jones and released on his "24 Hours" album. [4] In Canada, the song spent one week at number one. If we wanted to continue our music careers, we would have to form a new group.. The band toured the eastern Midwest, but no other market took to the song. You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing? We took a long ride, and it was very successful, said Vale. 2003. As they would discover later in their time with James, touring was their only income, as their label Roulette was owned by the mob and kept nearly all the money for itself. They had a #3 smash with the rocking "Mony Mony," which James named after a sign bearing the financial institution Mutual of New York's initials. 1 singles in the U.S., "Hanky Panky" (July 1966) and "Crimson and Clover" (February 1969), and also charted twelve other top 40 hits, including five in the hot 100's top ten: "I Think We're Alone Now", "Mirage", "Mony Mony", "Sweet Cherry Wine", and "Crystal Blue Persuasion". He said, I want to play a song for you thats going to be No. That leaves Rhino's excellent single-disc Anthology as the best Tommy James for the money, with 40 Years: The Complete Singles Collection (1966-2006) being content to open up the career of these hitmakers beyond their '60s prime. The song was released as the third single from the album. The band has released an album titled Legacy, a collection of the Tommy James & the Shondells songs as performed sans James. In February 1964 the band recorded the Jeff BarryEllie Greenwich song "Hanky Panky" (originally a B-side by the Raindrops[6]). The album and single were both released in 1967. More images. That group disbanded in 2022. Label: Roulette - SRLP 4: . 1 song in the United States. 1 hit in July 1966. He soon disbanded the group, though Gray and the others kept touring and recorded one LP under the name Hog Heaven. It was ne of three singles released from the I Think Were Alone Now album. A4 credits Tommy James, Mike Vale & Bob King on cover vs. Tommy James-Mike Vale-Jeff Katz-Jerry Kasenetz-Ritchie Cordell on label A5 is titled Talkin' & Signifyin' on cover vs. Talkin' And Signifyin' on label B1 credits Eddie Grey on cover vs. Ed J. [4], The band The Echoes formed in 1959 in Niles, Michigan, then evolved into Tom and the Tornadoes, with 12-year-old Tommy James (then known as Tommy Jackson) as lead singer. Written-By - Ed Gray*, Mike Vale, Tommy James. [3] The album "Crimson & Clover", was released in December 1968 [4] and reached a peak of #8 on the Billboard 200 . And were thinking What are we getting into? The impact of the late 1960s psychedelic and progressive rock movements seemed to inspire the modest . The song is also featured in the movie The Expendables 2 (2012), while Barney (Sylvester Stallone) is flying his plane. Once we spent time with Morris at the offices in New York and saw who was coming in and out and saw weapons being handled, we started to realize the world we were getting into. The band The Echoes formed in 1959 in Niles, Michigan, then evolved into Tom and the Tornadoes, . 4 Connect with Mike Vale on Facebook Log In or Create new account With four children at home, Vale decided to come back home to the Pittsburgh area and pick up where he had left off before going to New York. When you listen to our songs you will hear the voices and instruments of Pete, Eddie, Ron and myself. The renown Texas songwriter has been at it for 40 years, with tales to tell about The Flatlanders and The Clash - that's Joe's Tex-Mex on "Should I Stay or Should I Go?". Want to spend the night on the Gettysburg Battlefield? In 2012, "Crystal Blue Persuasion" was used in the eighth episode of the fifth season of Breaking Bad, "Gliding Over All", during a montage depicting the process involved to bring main character Walter White's methamphetamine operation and its signature blue crystal meth to an international level. Bubblegum is generally traced to the success of the 1968 Fruitgum Company hit "Simon Says". 2 [Realm], Entertainment Weekly: The Greatest Hits 1969, A Shot in the Dark: Tennessee Jive 1945-1955, The Best of Tommy James & the Shondells [K-Tel], 50 Years of Swing: 50 Great Years & Tracks, The Best of Tommy James & the Shondells [Rhino], The Very Best of Tommy James & the Shondells, Billboard Top Rock 'n' Roll Hits: 1968-1972, The Best of Tommy James & the Shondells [Roulette], A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum [Original London Cast], A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum [Original Broadway Cast], Party Tyme Karaoke: Instrumentals, Vol. James had recorded the tune two years earlier with the short-lived original Shondells lineup. Its gotten to the point now where its not as easy to just, on the spur of the moment, say lets take this job, lets take that job because you never know where youre going to be in a month or six months relative to your ability to do it, he said. We just wanted to do it long enough to create a tie to our legacy in the eyes of our younger family members. The following year, "Hanky Panky" received national distribution and topped the Billboard Hot 100. It would be tough to argue against Crystal Blue Persuasion, standing as one of the most wonderful 1960s songs ever released. "Crystal Blue Persuasion" has appeared in the films A Walk on the Moon (1999), The Secret Life of Girls (1999), Zodiac (2007), The Nanny Diaries (2007), and the TV show How to Make it in America (2010). In March 2011 the Tommy James song "I'm Alive" (co-written with Peter Lucia) became a top 20 hit in the Netherlands for UK singer Don Fardon after his version had been used in a Vodafone commercial. Tommy James & the Shondells weren't considered very hip in their heyday, but they remain one of the best-remembered acts of the era. 45 years have past since Mike Vale, Ron Rosman and Eddie Gray, original members of the group have shared a concert stage. In early 1966, a rock n' roll song called "Hanky Panky" went to the top of the charts in Pittsburgh after a Steel City dance promoter and DJ named Bob Mack gave it a spin. Gettin Together was the only single released from the album. Collections; Project #ShowUs; . Tommy James And The Shondells song Get Out Now, was the lead off single from their legendary Mony Mony album. Were at an age now where the last thing we want to do is be running around the country for our own enjoyment and run into something thats going to take us away from the families that were trying to be more involved with.. 6, Party Tyme Karaoke: Billboard Top 40 Karaoke, Vol. CREATIVE. (Photo by Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) Embed PURCHASE A LICENSE Standard editorial rights Custom rights How can I use this image? In 2015, he and former Shondells members Ron Rosman and Eddie Gray, along with Mike Wilps, formed the Crystal Blue Band and released an album called Legacy. Who makes the plaid blue coat Jesse stone wears in Sea Change? Eddie Gray / Tommy James / Mike Vale. Guitarist Eddie Gray and drummer Peter Lucia of American band Tommy James and the Shondells in a recording studio, circa 1968. Co-written by James, Cordell, Cordell's writing partner Bo Gentry, and Bobby Bloom, "Mony Mony" reached No. And now, 56 years and a few incarnations later, the 82-year-old Vales Crystal Blue Band is bowing out with one final concert at Saturdays Banana Split Celebration on the Robindale Main Stage (320 Main Street) in Latrobe. J. More images. Ed Gray, in addition to performing, owns and operates a recording studio in the Pittsburgh area in which he has recorded and produced a variety of successful acts.When asked why The Shondells chose to begin performing again now and, why without James, Vale said, "As I mentioned before, Tommy is off doing his own thing and we're happy for him. Sugar On Sunday, was never released as a single but its one of the sweetest songs that Tommy James And The Shondells ever released. Label: Roulette - CLVLXR 453: Series: . Their first appearance as a band was on Clark Races television variety show. They had two number one singles in the U.S. "Hanky Panky" (1966) and "Crimson and Clover" (1968) but also released five other top ten hits, including "I Think We're Alone Now", " Mony Mony ," and "Crystal Blue Persuasion". 4 hit "I Think We're Alone Now" and the No. The Tommy James And The Shondells song Its Only Love, was the only single released from the bands second album entitled Its Only Love. 4.5K views 4 years ago After the release of "Hanky Panky", Tommy James had to find a new group to be called The Shondells. He completed his engineering studies and started his own company called Stellar Precision Components in Jeannette, which services the nuclear and aerospace industries. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Ad. Ad. The song "Sweet Cherry Wine," was a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number seven. Read Full Biography Overview Biography Discography Songs Credits Awards Related Share on facebook twitter tumblr Album Discography full condensed blue highlight denotes album pick James' version of "Hanky Panky" sold respectably in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, but Snap Records, the label under which "Hanky Panky" was originally released, had no national distribution. The song was written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich. MTV, EMA and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Bop Shop: Songs From Thundercat And Tame Impala, Aiza, Honey Revenge, And More, Jessie Ware Understands That Dancing Is Freedom, On her new album 'That! According to members Mike Vale and Ron Rosman, the band used bar gigs as their way of paying for schooling at St. Vincent College. Tommy James & The Shondells - Crimson And Clover (LIVE) 4:41; Tommy James and The Shondells - Crimson and Clover. 1 singles in the U.S. "Hanky Panky" (July 1966, their only RIAA Certified Gold record) and "Crimson and Clover" (February 1969) and also charted twelve other top 40 hits, including five in the Hot 100's top ten: "I Think We're Alone Now", "Mirage", "Mony Mony", "Sweet Cherry Wine" and "Crystal Blue Persuasion". So, on occasion, we spent some time out of town. 282 Tommy James And The Shondells Premium High Res Photos Browse 282 tommy james and the shondells photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. It was incredibly successful from both an artistic and commercial point of view. Mike Vale, Ron Rosman and Eddie Gray, former original members of Tommy James And The Shondells, will be rockin' the Parade this year when they perform "Mony Mony" and more! 40 Years: The Complete Singles Collection (1966-2006) surveys that great career, hitting every major peak -- from "Hanky Panky" to "Mony Mony" to "I Think We're Alone Now," "Crystal Blue Persuasion" to "Ball and Chain" to "Draggin' the Line" -- with a two-disc set that may end up being close to the most Tommy James & the Shondells ever offered in one package (not that they don't deserve the full box treatment). They had two number 1 hits in the United States and even more Top 40 hits. Free shipping for many products! Ad. "We have been asked countless times over the years by friends and fans, when are you guys going get out and play together again", Mike Vale, Bass Player and songwriter with the group said. A music video was made which showed various scenes of late 1960s political and cultural unrest and imagery of "love and peace".[6]. Tommy James & the Shondells Follow Artist + 1960s hitmakers who infused bubblegum-style AM pop with rock & roll energy and clever songwriting. These guys were all music majors (at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe) and I was no slouch myself. The Crystal Blue Band draws its name from the 1968 hit Crystal Blue Persuasion, a song that Vale co-wrote. Mike Vale and I wrote the lyrics and it just came together, just kind of fell out of our face right there in the hotel . The Raconteurs, not to be confused with the modern Jack White-affiliated band, were a bar band from Latrobe, PA. While James had a briefly successful solo career in the early '70s, Hog Heaven floundered and split. View credits, reviews, tracks and shop for the 1970 Vinyl release of "The Best Of Tommy James & The Shondells" on Discogs. This montage was subsequently parodied as the opening scene in The Simpsons season 24, episode 17 "What Animated Women Want". The first being their very first single Hanky Panky. The song was written by Tommy James and Peter Lucia. 1 in 1968. in 1968. The Shondells [US1] Tommy James and The Shondells Tommy James & The Shondells Real name Thomas Gregory Jackson Born April 29, 1947 Country United States . The band followed the Mony Mony album with the most successful record of their career. From the spring of 1966 through 1970, while signed to New York based Roulette Records, Tommy James And The Shondells released 20 Singles, all of which charted nationally and 10 of which were certified gold. The following year, the Shondells toughened their shimmering, jaunty, light-pop sound considerably. When I first explained to my parents that I was going to quit school and quit working my job and go on the road with a rock n roll band, the look on my dads face he was really upset.. Tito Puente, Joe Bataan, The Heptones, Morcheeba, Concrete Blonde, Jack Wagner, and John Wesley Harding are among those who have covered the song. While attending Niles High School in Niles, Michigan, the group released its first single, "Long Pony Tail", in 1962.[5]. The song Sweet Cherry Wine, was a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number seven. The group still gets together from time to time for special video/TV events and nostalgia shows. ", In 1967 the Shondells had a top-five smash with "I Think We're Alone Now," which teen pop queen Tiffany later turned into a hit in the '80s. I was flattered but I said, Ive got to talk it over with the guys., The next morning, Im on my way to a day job that I had and I turned on the radio, and, sure enough, I put it on KQV, and Chuck Brinkman was the jock at the time. Read Full Biography Overview Biography Discography Songs Credits Awards Related All Songs (1-100 of 625) Highlights All Songs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next AllMusic Quiz Small $175.00 Medium $375.00 Large Those werent the stations we paid much attention to being the rhythm and blues act that we were, said Mack. Profile: Garage pop rock psychedelic band, formed in 1960 in Niles, Michigan, USA. A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional. The other part of that story is that a year before our first appearance (on the Sullivan Show) I was sitting at home watching the Rolling Stones on The Ed Sullivan Show and thinking to myself My God, I cant imagine what that feeling would be like. . Former Amazon exec wants to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., starting in New Kensington, Polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk's archives 'come home' to the University of Pittsburgh, Sto-Rox School District seeks public input on financial recovery plans, Its May 1 your last chance to register to vote in the Pennsylvania primary, Home gardeners prepare: the invasive spotted lanternflies are returning. Gray on label B1 credits add Bob King on label, who does not appear on cover credit In 1967 Kessler and Pietropaoli were forced to leave after a dispute when planned monies were not remitted to them by Roulette, a label closely associated with organized crime, and whose head, Morris Levy, was the inspiration for the Herman "Hesh" Rabkin character on The Sopranos. Written-By - Ed Gray*, Mike Vale, Tommy James. Eddie Gray, the guitarist of the band Tommy James and the Shondells, during a recording session for their track 'Crimson and Clover', 30th October 1968. The Heptones. The Crystal Blue Band, Vale and Rosmans current project, is a response to their erasure from the Shondells historical narrative.

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