Tommy James is one of those performers who touches your life. I first heard the music of Tommy and the Shondells when I was growing up in Baltimore and I can remember discovering the 45 of "Crystal Blue Persuasion" in my aunt's basement. Hearing this song changed my life. It immediately struck a spiritual chord in me and I felt as if I had known Tommy all of my life. It was my dream to meet him. My wish came true in 1977 when Tommy was making an appearance at the Baltimore Civic Center during of all things, a CB Jamboree. I was immediately awestruck by his kindness and dedication to the fans. Tommy was on the road all night just coming in from New York and he gave his heart and soul to the performance. Tommy was one of the performers who inspired me to enter the broadcasting business and to live my own dream.
When I heard his book "Me, the Mob and the Music" was coming out, I knew it was a must have. I read the entire book in two days because you simply cannot put it down. Tommy shares with deep honesty about his love of performing and the personal price that comes with it. I truly urge any up and coming artists and even established performers to read about Tommy's dealings with Morris Levy and the brutal mob connection that was behind the Roulette record label. Tommy and the Shondells were young and talented musicians who were placed on an emotional roller coaster having to juggle the demands of touring, promotion, performing and in turn being cheated by Morris Levy who had a reputation for being just as corrupt as his mob buddies. Parts of the book made me cry when I read of Tommy's personal struggles to survive in the chaos while still creating gems like "Crimson and Clover", "Sweet Cherry Wine" and the songs that we loved on the radio. Tommy found the courage to make the positive changes in his life and is here today sharing the music that has touched a generation and continues to influence even the young fans. The book will also make you laugh as Tommy shares some great stories about the road and living out of a suitcase. Let me also mention that Mike Vale of the Shondells (who now fronts the group "Hog Heaven") is a wonderful, heartfelt and talented performer too. "Me, the Mob and the Music" earns five stars easily.
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