My Number 1 Hit Record and the Mob with Tommy James

[@fitzspike]

Great program!

[@TheDickBiondiFilm]

Thanks! Happy you enjoyed it.

[@nuwavedave]

Summer 2019: Sheryl and I enjoyrd Tommy James & The Shondells at Seaside Park in Ventura, CA. Sheryl insisted we bring Tommy's book with us, so she coud get it autographed. It took some doing, bu after the show, we found an unguarded gate. We shlubbed backstage like we belonged there, and quickly found a car with the Shondell's lead guitarist and a roadie hanging out. Tommy & the guys all live in and around Morristown, NJ. So Sheryl played my Jersey card. "My husband is from Morristown!" (which is where I grew up). BOOM, we were in! They directed us to a stairway leading underground to Tommy's dressing room and a refreshments and greeting area. We were the only fans to get back there. Sheryl found the band's manager. She played my Jersey card again. "My husband's from Morristown". He asked how he could help us. About then, The Shondell's bass player (Jonathan Ashe, who played the hot basslines on "Mony Mony") introduced himself. Sheryl played my Jersey card again, since it worked so well. "My husband's from Morristown!" Jonathan perked up. "I'm from Morristown, too - I went to Morristown High" with Pete Lucia (the Shondell's drummer on most of the hits). we chatted with Jonathan for15 minutes. He knew my neighborhood off Route 24! Eventually, Tommy emerged from his dressing room. His manager signalled us to hurry over. Tommy did the standard "Hey, how ya doin'?" Sheryl played it one more time, "Tommy, my husband's from Morristown". Then I played my Rock & Roll card."In the mid-'80s in LA I sang with JJ Jackson's band (his big hit was "But, It's Alright"). Tommy was now the one to perk up. "Really? I was good friends with JJ back in the '60s. He recorded for Calla Records (owned by Nate Calla - a mobster who was part of Morris Levy's Roulette Records' crime family). We joked around (Tommy has a great sense of humor), talked about Morristown, JJ Jackson, Tommy's book, and our mutual Christian faith. Tommy explained that some of his biggest hits were subtle tributes to Jesus ("Sweet Cherry Wine" was the shed blood of Jesus on the cross. Tommy autographed our book, as did bass player, Jonathan Ashe. If you haven't read it, by all means, pick up a copy of "Me, The Mob & The Music" on eBay or Amazon. It's a VERY cool read!

[@TheDickBiondiFilm]

Thanks for sharing a wonderful memory of Tommy James.

[@333ohmy]

Pam and Joe, great interview of Tommy James! I really enjoyed it!

[@TheDickBiondiFilm]

Thanks Ron! We enjoyed it too.

[@billschindler1381]

Only 2 comments?...... This is Tommy James

[@rmelin13231]

Reading his book now, and absolutely loving it! Great interview, and I recommend his book also. Thanks for sharing this peek at a very important part of musical history, from a lot of different aspects. I believe him to be an honest man, a good man, and a better musician than he might be given credit for.

[@TheDickBiondiFilm]

Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Roger. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview.

[@frankfacts6207]

Just a great run of brilliant songs and record performances! Ty.