Forced to Release UNFINISHED Demo After DJ Played it WITHOUT Consent…Shot to #1 | Professor of Rock

Coming up….this artist had dabbled in a lot of different styles to great effect but then he rolled out of bed one day with an awesome song idea… Tommy James and the Shondells would go through the ringer to get Crimson and Clover done. With some serious musical experimentation that regulated in a vocal that sounded like it was underwater. No one had heard anything like. it. He did the whole thing in a couple of hours merely putting his two favorite words together which people thought had a profound message even though it meant nothing. He had the artistic freedom to do this because the Mafia or Mob ran his label and let him do whatever he wanted! As he created layers of immaculate sounds and off the wall lyrics it all came together around cool guitar effect that’s grand result was a sound unlike anything of the radio ever. It was played without consent… without permission by a DJ that Tommy had showed a rough mix of the demo to privately. Well the DJ had recorded it, unbeknownst to Tommy and played it within minutes of tommy leaving the station. It went crazy, hitting #1 instantly. Tommy James tells the story of this incredible 60s #1 Psychedelic record.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. if you still cherish the memory of the very first album you bought with your own money you’ll dig this channel. Make sure to subscribe below right now and click the bell so that you never miss an episode . And for more content and behind the scenes footage check out our patreon. and take a look at our new vintage years collection merch right here:
It’s time for another edition of our show revelations where featured artists share rare stories behind their greatest songs and albums. Insight you won’t find anywhere else. Today we have the story of the all time Psychedelic #1 hit Crimson and Clover as told in my exclusive interview with Tommy James! of Tommy James and the Shondells. Crimson and Clover has been covered by everybody from Prince to Joan Jett and blew everyone’s mind when it was released in the late 60s There are so many cool stories behind this all time hit including a radio station playing the rough mix without the artist permission… What happened after that will surprise let’s get into it so Tommy can tell you As we go into this interview I want to thank our sponsor Zenni Eyewear the frames I always wear right now at Zenni.com you can choose from hundreds of styles for less that the price of vinyl record. Just put in your prescription and then have them shipped to your door. Check it out today at Zenni.com HEre’s Tommy James on Crimson and Clover.
Leave us a comment about this Psychedelic pop classic. What’s your favorite cover version? What are you memories of Tommy James and the rough mix that the station played. Let us know.. If you dig our content, make sure to subscribe below so you never miss out on our videos. Make sure to check us out on Patreon as well as our new Merch help us keep the music alive until next time thee chords and the truth my friends.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the hit song that was far ahead of it's time when you heard it?

[@jillwklausen]

Nights in White Satin, Moody Blues. The marriage of pop and the sound of an orchestra was unheard of in 1967 when it was first released, not to mention its recitation of poetry and its 7 1/2 minutes in length. A stunning masterpiece.

[@RBS_]

.....SAID this in a previous post, and I wanna give her some respect, also...Donna Summer's ***"I FEEL LOVE"*** , STILL resonates within ALL genres of Music, as a WHOLE...Giorgio clearly dug the Kraftwerk 'vibe', but Donna approached the tune with that wistful, light, airy Vocal, that sent it to the MOON.... (cont.) ...Bowie went NUTS, remember!? ..She was *THE QUEEN*, for a reason..... I feel lovvvvvveeeee... I feel LOOOOOOVE...... incredible tune....

[@terkish]

"Psycho Killer" by Talking Heads came out in 1977 if you can believe that.

[@martineldritch]

Radiohead's Karma Police (No. 1 in Iceland) was an ear opener when I first heard it on Radio Woodstock and bought OK computer for that song alone. The album was like a pulp travel-guide/instructions for the upcoming new millennium.

[@DC8091]

Crimson & Clover, 10538 Overture - ELO, anything by King Crimson, everything else by ELO, License To Ill album, She Drives Me Crazy -FYC to name a few 🤣

[@skiprockjr.6881]

Crimson and Clover, Draggin' A Line, and Crystal Blue Persuasion are all bangers.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Couldn't agree more Skip!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

All great songs.

[@drlock978]

Yes! Indeed.

[@chuckf3102]

Right with you, Crystal Blue Persuasion my fav.

[@donniebrookins6215]

He played every instrument on Draggin the Line according to the liner notes

[@jmfloyd23]

It’s about time Tommy James gets an interview! His music and his story are timeless!

[@cwize]

Adam has interviewed him before

[@smelltheglove2038]

Except he stole the song “Hanky Panky” from a man from Pittsburgh named Gene Taylor. I know this because he was my grandfather.

[@lamper2]

There are TONS of interviews with him! yes, his book is TERRIFIC!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Agreed!

[@jmfloyd23]

@@lamper2 The book is amazing! I heard one time a movie was going to be made about it.

[@johnbir7509]

I had never even seen his face before, let alone heard an interview. What a cool down to earth guy. I am glad you are giving exposure of all these classic artists to every generation.

[@violinmke]

He also had a solo Career including Christian song period. You'd like his autobiography then.

[@demn8042]

Yeah, dig the humility, really nice guy

[@dad4ever-c90]

As a kid, the Crimson and Clover single was the FIRST record I ever owned. I played it "over and over," just like the lyrics said. Every time the song began, my parents probably rolled their eyes out of reflex. I think they bought me the next couple of records just so they didn't have to hear the same song all day every day!

[@Paul_Wetor]

Pretty funny!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Playing it over and over is exactly what the song implies. I’d personally never get tired of it.

[@terryanheuser3989]

Same here, I asked for Joan Jett's version, but dad bought me the original. Said that if I I needed to understand where the music came from. Best thing he could have done.

[@samanthanickson6478]

@@terryanheuser3989 smart dad.

[@joelwexler]

Everything was noise. "Turn down that noise!" She (born 1919) thought The Band was hard rock.

[@Petrovftd]

In the 1980's, no fewer than THREE artists had top 10 hits with Tommy James covers - Billy Idol with Mony Mony, Tiffany with I Think We're Alone Now, and Joan Jett here. I love that little bit of trivia.

[@ProfessorofRock]

1987 was a BIG year for Tommy

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Back to back!!!

[@rustybeltway2373]

Songwriting. That's what that sez.

[@leahosteen354]

11 years old in 1968, listening to WLS on a transistor radio that my grandmother bought for me with Green Stamps, I heard Crimson and Clover for the first time. What memories this has awakened. How fortunate I was to have had such music to build my first musical language upon! Thanks, you have filled an old broad's heart today!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Hit #1 a little before my grandparents welcomed Mom into this world. They had two little girls and this song was ubiquitous on their radio.

[@johnnydingo8680]

The rawness of the rough mix is what stood out and made that song loved as soon as you heard it. I still remember when it came out, an instant attention grabber. 👍

[@stephenhanft1226]

Always enjoyed Tommy James and The Shondells music. They are one of my favorite artists that emerged during the mid to late 60's with great songs such as "Hanky Panky", "Mony Mony", "I Think We're Alone Now", Crystal Blue Persuasion" and today's featured song "Crimson and Clover". Great group.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So many great songs. Love Crystal Blue the best I think.

[@censorshipsucks9493]

Draggin' the Line.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

All great songs. Tommy and the Shondells are legends.

[@suprememusicmaster]

@@ProfessorofRock That ought to be your next story with Tommy, Adam...Don't forget "Draggin' The Line", "Mony Mony", "Hanky Panky", "Mirage" and the rest!

[@seanwhalen2665]

I appreciate the background and history of songs and artists. Thank you for what you do!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Sean!

[@MsThebeMoon]

My fav song of theirs is Crystal Blue Persuasion. I keep it it in my playlist. Another great interview, Professor.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Mine too. Thanks for watching!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Love Crystal Blue Persuasion.

[@williamwampler7742]

I just love how down to earth this interview was. It is so refreshing to see someone who’s had decades of recognition sound so grateful and “normal”! Fantastic.

[@briarpalek9254]

Been to a few of his concerts and he always puts a 110% effort in his shows not to mention his voice is STILL incredible!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s one of the best out there. So talented.

[@sambira]

I was at a concert of his in New Germany Minnesota. I have the bottle cap from a tube of brylcreem he used during the concert. He tossed the cap into the audience and I caught it. I still have it. It's one of the few things I've kept my entire life.

[@oldiesgeek454]

@@sambira Just curious, when did this happen? 😊

[@sambira]

@@oldiesgeek454 In early 1980's, if I remember correctly.

[@tomlacko606]

When I was a DJ in Pittsburgh in the late 70s and early 80s, Tommy's grandmother used to call us DJs all the time. She let us know that Tommy was on a new label at that time (Millennium) and had a new single coming out. Not long afterwards, we added "Three Times in Love" to our playlist. We were an AC station (WFFM) and that tune peaked at #1 on the AC chart and #19 on the pop charts. When she caught us playing it she'd often call and say thanks. Pretty cool.

[@terrywilliamson825]

Grandmothers are our angels on earth. I hope Tommy's grandmother knew how loved he has been through all these years, and what a blessing his talents have been to those of us who have been touched by this amazing and humble man.

[@adamtparker6515]

Millenium - A MiNnesota classic! True independence and fun!!

[@waynerowlinson6177]

Tommy James is a brilliant musician and still sounds great today. Crimson and Clover is one of the first songs I remember truly loving and practically wore out the 8 track I had. Tommy sounds like a very humble man. Great interview!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Don’t blame you there!

[@theclearsounds3911]

Don't reply to @PROFFESSOR5, it's a scam.

[@Fiona2254]

Im so glad you interviewed him. It’s amazing how some songs simply write themselves and they just become timeless, taking us back in time.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I always enjoy these stories of timeless classics.

[@driver4011]

t. james songs were covered, n made famous for future generations. great songs, n very good covers. timeless, n ahead of their time when originally released.

[@michaelrochester48]

I met the guy, great guy, and you also should listen to his later hits like ball of fire, Crystal blue persuasion, and of course his solo hit dragging the line. He had the knack for earworm that people will love singing back.

[@RC32Smiths01]

The fact that a song that technically wasn't even at it's full potential still becoming a timeless classic tells you how good of a musician he is! Nice!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching RC32!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s such a great story from a great guy.

[@redarmysoja]

Tommy James is criminally under-rated.

[@coinraker6497]

Well maybe it would have made it worse to be technically at it's full potential, never know.

[@derueoloughlin8672]

So true!

[@jackcurtis4906]

60s preteen, walking around with my transistor radio up to my ear- listening to Crimson & Clover...still one of my all time favorites!

[@rustybeltway2373]

60 years later, we've come full circle listening on cell phones!

[@trinaq]

It's funny how in 1987, both Tiffany and Billy Idol had hits with covers of Tommy James and the Shondells tunes. Tiffany with "I think We're Alone Now", and Billy with "Mony Mony."

[@ProfessorofRock]

Isn't that cool?

[@SD9Driver]

Celebrating the 20th birthday of the originals 🎂

[@RBS_]

...OUI! ....don't forget JOAN, now! ...ha-HAAA!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I know, right? It’s amazing! Back to back!

[@Bacchus69]

I sent this to my mother ( as she is a huge fan of Tommy James and the Shindells), and she absolutely loved the interview. "Draggin' the Line" is my favorite song by them.

[@nadinerogers5653]

I love Draggin' the Line, too!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great song.

[@cyndifoore7743]

I’m convinced I grew up in the best decade of music, the 60’s. And if we had had the ability to watch your fantastic channel and see our heroes being interviewed, it would have been completely over the moon!!! I love this song and so many more from that time. Wish I could go back!

[@jodeanesullens6588]

Dang straight Skippy. The 60's ruled.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The 60s was filled with talent and really exciting music in general. And those outfits!!!

[@coinraker6497]

I'm convinced this is the best time because you can stream any era of music you want whenever you want.

[@danielfox3003]

70’s

[@laurietanigawa7373]

To me Tommy's version is the best, I've always loved this song as well as all the others on this album. ❤️

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It is a great record.

[@terrywilliamson825]

I agree!

[@crafty1096]

I Like the “Jimmy Eat World” song “A Praise Chorus” which is not a cover but does a cool shout out of a couple lines in the song. Essentially they give “Praise” to the song but don’t actually do a cover. I am pretty picky about covers and I love Joan Jett and Prince, but I don’t feel their covers that much.

[@chathamcrescent]

It’s a crime that Tommy James and the Shondells are not in the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame!

[@terrywilliamson825]

Absolutely!

[@joshuajtm7202]

Truth straight up robbery

[@shotgunrebels]

Tommy has but out a ton of great hits….as well as albums of killer material. Totally under-rated. Love his stuff.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

For sure!

[@brianamback578]

Adam you need to get more artists to go " into the weeds". Very insightful information into the production/recording of said songs. The little tidbits you gleened from him were just amazing.

[@5150-for-music]

Great song! Also like the hit "Crystal Blue Persuasion". Thanks for the video Professor.

[@Gizathecat2]

I remember hearing it on KJR in Seattle when I was a kid. I enjoyed all of the Tommy James songs back in the dark ages!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such great times.

[@fredupstairs8234]

Thank you once again Professor. Crimson and Clover is one of my top 5 favorite songs of all time. I had the pleasure to say hi and shake Tommy James' hand after a show in a smaller venue in the 70's. Those 10 seconds or so have remained a treasured memory for all these years.

[@andrewkaiser7203]

Sometimes it's hard to replicate something from the past. But the look on Tommy's face when he describes the moment he heard the rough mix being played...I think he actually did replicate the look on his face at that moment!

[@DC8091]

This song is YEARS ahead of its time & one of the best songs ever, also Joan Jett does one of the GOAT covers of it. Great job getting an interview with Tommy!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s such a magical, ethereal song.

[@DC8091]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 well said 🍻

[@LQOTW]

Professor, your videos are always so good! I love hearing the true stories from the mouths of the musicians themselves and learning the context behind the writing, recording, and touring of these great groups. TJ's story about 4 generations of rock and rollers playing Crimson and Clover for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony gave me goosebumps. That must have been a bit surreal to actually see the ripple effect of his work over all those decades.

[@tammykosiancic]

Great interview! Love his music and especially love his down-to-earth humbleness. Many with far less talent behave as if they’re superior human beings rather than being grateful for their blessings

[@terrywilliamson825]

Perfectly said!

[@tammykosiancic]

@@terrywilliamson825 👋😊 Thanks Terry 🦋

[@terrywilliamson825]

You're very welcome

[@blazerhawkdarren68]

I was born in 68 and there were a LOT of great songs that were made that year including Crimson and Clover. What a great year to start my life. Thanks mom and dad.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

1967-1969 was one of the best time periods for pop culture music history.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure. Thought i'm partial to 1966

[@terrywilliamson825]

I'm also a 68 baby. Such awesome music! We have been blessed.

[@paulvincenti2]

Tommy James is SO likeable in this interview. Love it!

[@ProfessorofRock]

HE's a great guy.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such a cool guy.

[@mrled8555]

I was just 12yrs old in 1968 and every lazy Sat.morning, or every morning in the summertime, as my older brothers and I would lay in our beds reading(no phones then!)my brother would play his Tommy James or 4Seasons records over and over. I grew to like 4Seasons but l loved Tommy James.Still do to this day as I am now 67. Crimson&Clover,Crystal Blue Persuasion,Hanky Panky ..I could go on.I love them all. Great interview Professor!

[@scottharnish]

As a kid I heard this song from my parents, and used to imitate the tremolo vocals, not knowing it was an effect. Years later after learning guitar, a friend showed me his old Sears guitar amp with built in tremolo. Mystery solved & mind blown!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. Great memories!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It makes the song sound eerie.

[@univibe23]

One of the all-time great pop songs! Tommy is such a good soul! So humble!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

For sure! So nice.

[@RobertSmith-bz5ug]

Loved Crimson n Clover but I'll still say Crystal Blue Persuasion is one of my all time favorite songs from that era..

[@eltronics]

Great song, great vocalist, great time in music. That was my early childhood. Tommy seems to be a solid guy, and not pretentious.

[@bostonvair]

I love your show! This was my first "favorite" song of my childhood and "The Best of Tommy James and the Shondells" was my first rock and roll album. I was 7 years old. I totally could not get enough of this song, and the tremolo vocal effect at the end was my favorite part. I have loved interviews with Tommy James... he's so down to earth and always has something interesting to say.

[@markketo6332]

The first song I can remember hearing as a child of three years older, so I was by Tommy James and the Shondells hanky-panky. My uncle put it on the record player and everyone started dancing. I really enjoy all his music. Thanks for this! Awesome!

[@joejoe3011]

I have a memory of singing it with my sister when it came on the radio. We would emulate the tremolo vocals by quickly covering and uncovering our mouths with our hands

[@chrisclermont456]

I absolutely adored Tommy James & the Shondells growing up!!! I was listening to "Crystal Blue Persuasion" just this morning. Fantastic interview. It mademy day!!

[@chriscarlson5248]

I used to listen as a kid in the late 80s early 90s to Tommy's greatest hits on my diskman. Like all of us, I thank my parents for introducing me to great music!!!!

[@robertweldon7909]

Tommy James is one of the bands that are part of the transition from AM top 40 rock into what would become much of what would become ther greatest rock music era ever, about 15 years. It is sometimes kind of cool to hear the back story on a tune, this one is way past cool, because of the importance of where it fits fits into rock history.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Agreed. They really made the difference.

[@williambenner701]

Some songs come to you straight from your subconscious mind. This song is one of those I believe. Nobody knows what it means, not even the person who wrote it it doesn't matter; it still becomes a hit. I always loved this song! Joan's cover is my favorite.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I do not really care about the lyrics! All I care about is how great this song is and the legacy it has left behind.

[@driver4011]

joan jett cover of "crimson n clover" rocks.

[@littlecatfeet9064]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 lyrics are as important as melody to me, but I like the vagueness of the lyrics here. Either way, fantastic song.

[@CrAck-MoNey]

This one song I remember hearing when I was little and i stopped whatever I was doing and was glued to listening to it. Now knowing he hadn't finished it yet, and the happy accident with the effects. Just astonishing. I'm glad to hear that it all worked out.

[@edwardwood3622]

Joan Jett’s version brings back amazing memories of high school.

[@konglives4453]

Same here ! Love me some Joan Jett !

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song. Love her cover!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@RBS_]

...JUST wrote I only knew of Joan' version, but I caught up QUICK, then! ...ha-HAA!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such a cool cover.

[@konglives4453]

I always learn something new about each song you cover in your videos. I love how in-depth you go into these songs and the artists who made them. Keep up the great work !

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks! Will do !

[@ntvtexan5015]

Wow...always LOVED this song as a 6 year old in 1968 ! BEAT THAT for a childhood memory !!! THANKS Tommy James and the Shondells, always loved you guys here in Texas !

[@04beni04]

Great interview! For me, Joan Jett's version is always going to be my go-to version. It's such a mood.

[@judithgoulding8046]

Rough tape or not that was one unique song and sound. It's opening unmistakable. So glad I saw you guys in concert back in the 70's outside @ a small local airport in the field no less. Such an awesome band!! Thank you Professor!!👌

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a haunting one for sure.

[@b5maddog]

Tommy James is so cool. Thank you for Crimson and Clover. I believe Joan Jett’s cover was the BEST!

[@lolacorinne5384]

This song always puts a smile on my face because of the memories it brings up. I love it. Thank you.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of my favorite songs of all time. I was talking to a teacher yesterday at school. He’s a very cool guy. We talked about songs that were popular when he was born, including Crimson and Clover, which was #1 on his birthday, and also Everyday People by Sly and the Family Stone. No, we could not escape the moon landing or Woodstock in our conversation! What an amazing year, 1969. My mom was born in the late spring/early summer of that pivotal year to another song you should cover someday, Get Back by the Fab Four.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So impressed with your thirst for knowledge! You should show him this video!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@ProfessorofRock I will! Gonna tell him about this later this week!

[@tnrodgers]

A Key note of the interview early was the changing of the music styles from AM pop to FM guitar edge bands. The industry was still pirating and tapes. Hits were made and stars were born instantly. Great stuff Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Tim!

[@pokeysd3886]

I never heard "Christmas is Over" but I heard this song a lot! I'm sure it was a staple on the 45 stack in my sisters' room. Also a constant on every radio station well into the 70s. I will always love the Shondells version the best. Musical genius flowed through the late 60s/early 70s. Artists like Tommy James laid the foundation for everyone who came after. Thanks for sharing this interview! He is such a down-to-earth guy! I bought the book, I guess it's time to read it!

[@pokeysd3886]

Adding - we used to love trying to imitate the tremolo voice! Still do!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same with me!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love both the original and Joan Jett’s awesome cover!

[@kmjr2400]

The first time I heard the song was in neighbors shed, I was 11, he had a black light on with the walls covered in black light posters and glow paint. A strobe light. Incense burning. I went out the. Next day and bought tthe album. Still one of my all time favorite songs!!

[@rudolphalfaro7337]

I’ll never forget the first time I heard that song I was in seventh grade about to go into the eighth grade and hearing that song it really stands out in a persons life like Elton John‘s crocodile rock Rod Stewart Maggie May and of course Don Mclean I count myself as one of those fortunate enough to have grown up in a time Where you had Eric Burdon Monterey Bob Dylan just to name a few stand out in your life and also help that I had an eighth grade teacher by the name of Mr. Basehor and he used to bring in lyrics from different war protest songs and we go over the lyrics with us and how it applied to the current day events And that helped bring the music more to life for us. Professor I love your channel and I look forward to more episodes coming out and if you get a chance could you maybe touch on Tiny Tim I’m kind of curious how he came to be.

[@theragingdolphinsmaniac4696]

Prince’s cover is still my favorite. I wish Prince had done more rock songs because they were so exceptionally good…

[@festidious2644]

I loved Crimson & Clover, Sweet Cherry Wine and almost all of their music but the two that are very special for me are what I think was their two last hits. A classmate bought me Ball of Fire for Christmas in grade 8 and I bought She soon after. I thought those two were awesome.

[@tomchrisfield7348]

The absolute best interview I've ever heard on the Professor of Rock web page. Kudos to all involved.

[@Heartwing37]

Ha! Tommy James and the Shondells are one of my earliest music memories! My uncle had their albums and I loved them. Can still sing all of their songs from memory…50 years later!

[@chipdamutt108]

Tommy's autobiography "Me, the Mob, and the Music" was a great read. You need to do more interviews with him. I had a drum set when I was a little kid and spent many a day drumming along to their greatest hits album.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Good for you, practicing drums on this legend and his music!

[@paulseigeldorf9461]

These interviews are great!! Cutting Crew and Toto are such great episodes. Would love one on Three Dog Night.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s done a few on TDN already, I believe.

[@paulseigeldorf9461]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I didn’t know that. I’m going to look them up Thanka

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@paulseigeldorf9461 YW.

[@DutchCreekRanch1]

Thank you for covering this! I always loved it. TJ made my youth bearable.

[@TheMisterGriswold]

You cannot overstate how big a hit C&C was. Played at all the middle school parties.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

No kidding!

[@tigergreg8]

What a great story. Who would have thought this was ever a rough cut. I LOVE that song, and loved it from the first moment I heard it. I can't blame the DJ for playing it, anyone would have known that song was going to go somewhere good.

[@robster7316]

Great interview and an amazing story behind this tune! Could listen to Tommy all day long. He had the magic touch for radio and his vocals were always great! Tremelo became pretty popular back in that day-the ending chord on Cherish by the Association, for example. Besides reverb, it was about the only effect available on most amps, until fuzz and wah-wah pedals came into being in the late 60s.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great history Robster! you certainly know your stuff!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The tremolo was a pretty cool instrument. It put the magic touch in so many 60s classics.

[@WilliamHaisch]

I always thought that song sounded rough, unpolished. I assumed it was proto-punk rock or an artistic style choice, not a case of corporate piracy! Great story! Thank you for documenting these songs from these artists before they are no longer with us!

[@montysloungetv]

Should be in the hall of fame

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

For sure. Should have gotten in YEARS ago.

[@terrywilliamson825]

Yes!

[@allsoundmusicentertainment3736]

I love Joan Jett’s version. It’s just so good!!! But…from Prince it was a masterful recording. He gave us one last shot of his brilliance. This was one of my favorite stories thus far. Please please please. Keep ‘em coming

[@jasonw795]

So cool to hear the story I never knew! It really did influence the scene, didn't it? 🤘

[@Wynndell1]

This was my favorite slow dance song at house parties back in the seventies. Brings back a lot of memories...

[@davidburkett4005]

Thank you for this great interview!!! Never heard this story. The song was years ahead of its time and always one of my favorites. I was 13 at the time

[@gtrDan1963]

Adam... I was in kindergarten when "Crimson & Clover" came out and it was unlike anything this 5-year old had ever heard ! Years later, I became a musician myself and I do lots of home recording and with albums like "Revolver" "Pet Sounds" and this song, all of which showed inventiveness and technical progressions it has definitely influenced my recording techniques. 😃👍🎸Also, with the years passing and many of the classic artists with them, it's an absolute treat to see your present these tales from those who experienced them !

[@April-pw5ub]

Thank you for this interview! I’m glad to see the artists from that golden time get the recognition they deserve.

[@theclearsounds3911]

Don't reply to @PROFFESSOR5, it's a scam.

[@paulring4267]

Awesome 👏🏻 thank you for sharing. I’ll always remember this song. I was 10 years old and was hooked on Crimson and Clover!

[@gpb29]

If you haven't read his book, Me, The Mob, and the Music, do so. It's one of the most interesting books I've ever read. Very cool stuff and enlightening on the behind-the-scenes workings of the music industry (and the mob)!! Thanks Professor, this was a great interview. Thank you, Tommy James, for a lifetime of great music.

[@tony748748a]

Thank you for the hard work you put into your videos love your work.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I appreciate that!

[@dewdew34]

One of the coolest guys to play music. Tommy is a great dude.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A true rockstar.

[@DDKaraokeOutlaw]

I've seen him a couple of times. Once, in June 2005 and June 2011 (Lancaster, Oh.). Great shows. Got to shake his hand both times.

[@nadinerogers5653]

This guy wrote so many great songs. I love this one and Draggin' 'the Line the best.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

I am not surprised if so many legendary artists want to have their own version of this song...a must listen to for the new generation.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s such a reigning classic.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Fantastic interview!! I absolutely love one of the greatest innovations in popular music Mr. Tommy James! How crazy is that it was his rough mix that is so fantastic, maybe it was perfect to begin with. That song was the trippiest #1 single ever. Tommy influence can be felt for decades. Please tell me you got a chance to talk about dragging a line too

[@RBS_]

...'TIS true, on the fantsatic Interview....I watched the WHOLE thing before I could comment....I was goin' NUTZ, I had to BLAB! ...ha-HAA!

[@ProfessorofRock]

That I did!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. Many thanks my friend.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Tommy’s one of the greatest of his time. I couldn’t even believe that this MASTERPIECE was an unfinished demo. What an incredible song, one of my favorites ever.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@RBS_ your comments on this channel always make me laugh, you are definitely a one of a kind stylist on your comments, love it ..keep bringing it my friend

[@MadDogHux]

One of my all-time favorites.

[@freeminder23]

Always amazing to see those old musicians beeing so articulate, humble and thankful. Great interview...Thank you!

[@sgunnardpeterson]

Professor, you are fantastic at this! Always enjoy your work. What about your story? Everyone has one and I'm always interested in hearing them. Maybe you could do a video on that?

[@travisporco]

man you have got some great content

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Travis. Appreciate you watching.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

Tommy James is a great musician. Nice shirt too, Professor. Thanks again for a great backstory. 👍

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening!

[@doc1744]

One of my favorite Tommy James and the Shondells songs was Draggin The Line. I first heard it when I was a kid at the boardwalk in Myrtle Beach on a family vacation. I loved it then and still do now.

[@JimmyNotes]

"Crimson and Clover" is such a great song. I particularly love the album version with the extended guitar solos over the single version.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Me too. IT's so good!

[@amberlynn8762]

Just saw Tommy James and the Shondells on Friday night. Of course they did this one. TJ still sounds great! What an awesome show.

[@ChrisConnolly-Mr.C-Dives-In]

As a Chicago person who was a little kid when Larry Lujak was on WLS, this is a completely amazing episode.

[@counterpuncher01]

Tommy James and the Shondells, along with the Rascals are two of America's greatest bands, both on the unsung side from where they belong. Again thank you Professor.

[@DannyHustle]

This was the first album I ever bought. I still have it, with the Humphrey back cover. In High School my band used to cover this song and I sang it through an old Fender Bronco tube amp. The reverb on it sounded just like the record. How is Tommy James not in the R&R Hall of Fame? It blows my mind. So many other great hits too.

[@terrywilliamson825]

I had always assumed he was in the R&R Hall of Fame. You are 100% correct: he certainly deserves to be in there!

[@floatthecreek]

I'm going to binge listen to the long version the rest of the day. Thank You Professor.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Enjoy!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Please do!

[@darleneschneck]

This was GREAT. Crimson and Clover struck me like lightening when I first heard it as a 12 year old in 1968. I begged by parents for the album and couldn’t believe it when my frugal dad came home one day after work and handed me the album. I can still remember pulling it out of the bag. You can’t believe how utterly fantastic this record sounded with my 12 year old ears laying next to my parents’ stereo cabinet.

[@michaelrochester48]

When the song Venus by shocking blue came out in 1970, that to me was the heralding of, yup it’s this 1970s now, it was a completely new kind of pop record it had a more jarring guitar sound. And it had one of the most memorable vocals ever

[@edwardmorehouse1424]

My and my best friend met Tommy after a concert in New Jersey in 2010 or 11. He was very nice and he signed my copy of his book.