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Me, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James & The Shondells
Everyone knows the hits—“Hanky Panky,” “Mony Mony,” “I Think We’re Alone Now,” “Crimson and Clover,” “Crystal Blue Persuasion.” They are nuggets of rock and pop history. However, few know the unlikely story of how these hits came to be..
Tommy James was discovered in 1966 at the age of nineteen, and was pursued by every record mogul in New York until, inexplicably, every offer but one quickly disappeared. James soon found himself in the office of Morris Levy at Roulette Records, where he was handed a pen and ominously promised “one helluva ride.” Morris Levy, the legendary “godfather” of the music business, needed some hits and Tommy would provide them..
Me, the Mob, and the Music tells the intimate story of the relationship between the bright-eyed, sweet-faced blonde musician from the heartland and the big, bombastic, brutal bully from the Bronx, who hustled, cheated, and swindled his way to the top of the music industry. It is also the story of this swaggering, wildly creative era of rock ‘n’ roll when payola and the strong arm tactics of the mob were the norm, and the hits kept coming..
Tommy James was discovered in 1966 at the age of nineteen, and was pursued by every record mogul in New York until, inexplicably, every offer but one quickly disappeared. James soon found himself in the office of Morris Levy at Roulette Records, where he was handed a pen and ominously promised “one helluva ride.” Morris Levy, the legendary “godfather” of the music business, needed some hits and Tommy would provide them..
Me, the Mob, and the Music tells the intimate story of the relationship between the bright-eyed, sweet-faced blonde musician from the heartland and the big, bombastic, brutal bully from the Bronx, who hustled, cheated, and swindled his way to the top of the music industry. It is also the story of this swaggering, wildly creative era of rock ‘n’ roll when payola and the strong arm tactics of the mob were the norm, and the hits kept coming..
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 25, 2010
89 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
July 26, 2010
This is SO good I want you to stop what you’re doing right now, IMMEDIATELY, and go to the store and buy this book. Because this is the most authentic account of how it really was. And why it can never be this way ever again.
We were glued to the radio. When we saw acts on TV we wanted to be them. We combed our hair in front of the mirror for hours, struck poses, bought newfangled clothes. We wanted in. To a glamorous world based on the soundtrack of our lives, where a hit record made everything work.
Hell, he even talks about the kiddie records.
Did you have kiddie records? You remember, pressed in pink and yellow plastic, Disney songs, cartoon ditties? Those were my first singles. And thereafter I bought a Ruff & Reddy album. The record was how you brought a little of the magic home. That’s how you belonged, by owning the vinyl.
And we formed bands. Members flowing in and out, depending on their abilities, their girlfriends, the draft. The Vietnam war affected the culture more than anything. Not only did you ultimately rebel against it, you chose your course of behavior because of it. You stayed in school for the deferment. Dropping out could literally be a death sentence.
And the business was all regional. Clear Channel was not blasting the same uniform crap across the land. You might not know what was going on a hundred miles away, that was like a different country. You were living in a village. Everybody was a rube.
Except for those in New York City.
Billed as a book about Morris Levy, the famous mobster who ran Roulette Records, James’s book is really about coming of age, discovering not only music, but sex and the city. We were infatuated by the music, it sculpted our lives.
It’s all here. From Elvis to the record shops to the Beatles to “Where The Action Is”. Tommy describes the Capitol campaign for the Fab Four in December of ‘63, when almost no one had heard of the Liverpudlians. There was a series of teasing cut-outs adorning the countertop in the record store where Tommy worked, the Beatles didn’t face forward until “I Want To Hold Your Hand” was finally released. more…
——
Bob Lefsetz is the author of “The Lefsetz Letter.” Famous for being beholden to no one and speaking the truth, Lefsetz addresses the issues that are at the core of the music business: downloading, copy protection, pricing and the music itself.
We were glued to the radio. When we saw acts on TV we wanted to be them. We combed our hair in front of the mirror for hours, struck poses, bought newfangled clothes. We wanted in. To a glamorous world based on the soundtrack of our lives, where a hit record made everything work.
Hell, he even talks about the kiddie records.
Did you have kiddie records? You remember, pressed in pink and yellow plastic, Disney songs, cartoon ditties? Those were my first singles. And thereafter I bought a Ruff & Reddy album. The record was how you brought a little of the magic home. That’s how you belonged, by owning the vinyl.
And we formed bands. Members flowing in and out, depending on their abilities, their girlfriends, the draft. The Vietnam war affected the culture more than anything. Not only did you ultimately rebel against it, you chose your course of behavior because of it. You stayed in school for the deferment. Dropping out could literally be a death sentence.
And the business was all regional. Clear Channel was not blasting the same uniform crap across the land. You might not know what was going on a hundred miles away, that was like a different country. You were living in a village. Everybody was a rube.
Except for those in New York City.
Billed as a book about Morris Levy, the famous mobster who ran Roulette Records, James’s book is really about coming of age, discovering not only music, but sex and the city. We were infatuated by the music, it sculpted our lives.
It’s all here. From Elvis to the record shops to the Beatles to “Where The Action Is”. Tommy describes the Capitol campaign for the Fab Four in December of ‘63, when almost no one had heard of the Liverpudlians. There was a series of teasing cut-outs adorning the countertop in the record store where Tommy worked, the Beatles didn’t face forward until “I Want To Hold Your Hand” was finally released. more…
——
Bob Lefsetz is the author of “The Lefsetz Letter.” Famous for being beholden to no one and speaking the truth, Lefsetz addresses the issues that are at the core of the music business: downloading, copy protection, pricing and the music itself.
May 21, 2011
I enjoyed many of Tommy James songs growing up. But, what interested me about this book was as the title suggest, his relationship with Morris Levy and Roulette Records. I was somewhat familiar with Roulette label since my parents had many Ronnie Hawkins records when he was signed to the label. I also know of the story of how Morris Levy sued John Lennon for using a line or two from a Chuck Berry song that Levy owned the rights to. I'm also fascinated from stories around this era of music. But I have to say that Tommy comes across as kind of a jerk just worried about his own success when dealing with the song writers. It seems like every time someone had a song that they didn't want to give to Tommy because they really weren't getting paid, Tommy would run to Morris to get the hit instead of understanding that the songwriters were going through the same type of situation as himself. So, this read is not for everyone and Tommy is not an author, but it's a good read and I enjoyed it.
January 29, 2018
I really enjoyed this thoughtful, humble autobiography from Niles, Michigan rock teen to star briefly eclipsing The Beatles on the charts to redemption from pills and booze. Some of the most interesting parts were in a sense technical - a category of information difficult to make so interesting - including the mechanics of trade journal drive chart positions at the time (Billboard averaging orders and sales, etc.) and vintage studio techniques as heard in "Crimson and Clover" (varying voltage to affect speed). Interestingly, the oft heard single version of that song is from a radio station bootleg copy....
...and with all this you get baseball bat-wielding mafiosi, too!
...and with all this you get baseball bat-wielding mafiosi, too!
April 30, 2023
"Of course he paid for it with my money, but it's the thought that counts."
This really was one helluva ride. I couldn't put it down from page one.
This really was one helluva ride. I couldn't put it down from page one.
January 30, 2024
You don’t have to be a fan to enjoy this romp through 60s rock and roll. There was corruption in the music industry, and then there was Morris Levy, owner of Roulette Records and extortionist who took total control of his acts, and most of the royalties. His most reliable cash cow was Tommy James who had a long list of top 40 hits.
What I found most endearing about this book is that James has such a sense of humour about it all. I don’t detect any bitterness when he recounts how Levy took all of his money, or when he (James) made career decisions like declining a gig “at some pig farm in upstate NY”. He sounds pretty happy to have been along for the ride. Fun read.
What I found most endearing about this book is that James has such a sense of humour about it all. I don’t detect any bitterness when he recounts how Levy took all of his money, or when he (James) made career decisions like declining a gig “at some pig farm in upstate NY”. He sounds pretty happy to have been along for the ride. Fun read.
November 27, 2022
One of the most interesting autobiographies I have ever read.
Like most music Baby Boom bios, it has a lengthy “I first heard Elvis/the Beatles” section. That’s all standard and boring. Skip that.
The rest is like nothing I have ever read. An incredible glimpse of what might be called the underside of the music biz, except so many big players were involved, it wasn’t really the underside, was it?
Like most music Baby Boom bios, it has a lengthy “I first heard Elvis/the Beatles” section. That’s all standard and boring. Skip that.
The rest is like nothing I have ever read. An incredible glimpse of what might be called the underside of the music biz, except so many big players were involved, it wasn’t really the underside, was it?
September 9, 2017
This is a fun read, but as a musician I would have liked more info on how Morris Levy ran his business and his relationship with organized crime. There's a very interesting interview on YouTube of Tommy James promoting this book.
September 15, 2019
I always loved Tommy James and his music. Now I appreciate all he went through to make it. What a wild story! Music lovers of the Mony Mony, I Think We’re Alone Now, Crimson and Clover generation, read and enjoy!
February 24, 2020
A Review of the Audiobook
Published by Tantor Audio in 2010.
Read by David Colacci.
Duration: 7 hours, 51 minutes.
Unabridged.
I heard about this book in a memorable interview with Tommy James on the old Dennis Miller radio show when this book came out nearly 10 years ago. It was one of the best radio interviews I have ever heard and I am not even a giant Tommy James and the Shondells fan.
So, when I came across the audiobook I knew I had to listen to it - and I was not disappointed.
For those not familiar with Tommy James, he is responsible for the songs "Hanky Panky", "Mony Mony" and "I Think We're Alone Now". He had two #1 hits and 14 Top 40 hits overall.
He started his music career as a middle school kid in Niles, Michigan performing in bars and fraternity houses and pretending to be old enough to be in bars and fraternity houses. They did a lot of work in South Bend and Lake County in Indiana and eventually got regular work in Chicago. They even released the song "Hanky Panky" and got a local exposure.
And then it all dried up.
Tommy James almost took a job as a store manager but decided to give music one more try. It wasn't going well when James got a call from Pittsburgh saying that "Hanky Panky" was the hottest thing going in that market and he had to come out right away.
He did and went on to become one of the best-selling musicians of his time. The book's title refers to his time with Roulette Records in New York City. Roulette had national reach and extensive mafia connections and that's when things started to get weird...
It's a fascinating look at the music scene of 50 years ago. I really enjoyed it. The reader, David Colacci, was fantastic.
I rate this audiobook 5 stars out of 5.
https://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2020...
Published by Tantor Audio in 2010.
Read by David Colacci.
Duration: 7 hours, 51 minutes.
Unabridged.
I heard about this book in a memorable interview with Tommy James on the old Dennis Miller radio show when this book came out nearly 10 years ago. It was one of the best radio interviews I have ever heard and I am not even a giant Tommy James and the Shondells fan.
So, when I came across the audiobook I knew I had to listen to it - and I was not disappointed.
For those not familiar with Tommy James, he is responsible for the songs "Hanky Panky", "Mony Mony" and "I Think We're Alone Now". He had two #1 hits and 14 Top 40 hits overall.
He started his music career as a middle school kid in Niles, Michigan performing in bars and fraternity houses and pretending to be old enough to be in bars and fraternity houses. They did a lot of work in South Bend and Lake County in Indiana and eventually got regular work in Chicago. They even released the song "Hanky Panky" and got a local exposure.
And then it all dried up.
Tommy James almost took a job as a store manager but decided to give music one more try. It wasn't going well when James got a call from Pittsburgh saying that "Hanky Panky" was the hottest thing going in that market and he had to come out right away.
He did and went on to become one of the best-selling musicians of his time. The book's title refers to his time with Roulette Records in New York City. Roulette had national reach and extensive mafia connections and that's when things started to get weird...
It's a fascinating look at the music scene of 50 years ago. I really enjoyed it. The reader, David Colacci, was fantastic.
I rate this audiobook 5 stars out of 5.
https://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2020...
October 7, 2021
Despite the nefarious title promising juicy blood feuds and racketeering, this is a great rags-to-riches memoir from an all-business, humble, and no-nonsense rock-n-roller.
Tommy Jackson knew he wanted to be a rock star once he saw Elvis on the sullivan show at the age of 9, and with great parental support, swapped his ukulele for a Fender, and was driven to make it happen for himself. Devoid of braggadocio, stage-named James doesn’t crow about his iconic pop voice, skilled musicianship, and/or ear for what sells-it’s all just presented as job skills. Instead, he relates how he did the work, made connections, and said yes when opportunities arose. So, despite the mob underpinnings and influence that also played part in his success, his sheer work ethic also makes this an interesting business book.
Rock history-wise, too, it covers great ground of music’s evolution from bubble gum single-oriented pop to album-oriented rock during the mid-to late 60s. (thanks, Beatles!) And it also has a generous amount of origin stories and techie details about the mixing and playing of some of TJ&Shondells’ biggest hits. Fun read; if this kind of thing is your jam, I promise you’ll love it!
Tommy Jackson knew he wanted to be a rock star once he saw Elvis on the sullivan show at the age of 9, and with great parental support, swapped his ukulele for a Fender, and was driven to make it happen for himself. Devoid of braggadocio, stage-named James doesn’t crow about his iconic pop voice, skilled musicianship, and/or ear for what sells-it’s all just presented as job skills. Instead, he relates how he did the work, made connections, and said yes when opportunities arose. So, despite the mob underpinnings and influence that also played part in his success, his sheer work ethic also makes this an interesting business book.
Rock history-wise, too, it covers great ground of music’s evolution from bubble gum single-oriented pop to album-oriented rock during the mid-to late 60s. (thanks, Beatles!) And it also has a generous amount of origin stories and techie details about the mixing and playing of some of TJ&Shondells’ biggest hits. Fun read; if this kind of thing is your jam, I promise you’ll love it!
March 29, 2020
From "Hanky Panky," to "I Think We're Alone Now," from "Mony Mony," to "Crimson & Clover," and "Crystal Blue Persuasion," Tommy James and The Shondells had some of the biggest hits of the 1960's and 70's. But many people don't know all his work as a producer and songwriter and his talent for spotting hit songs. Like many acts of that time period though, his success came at a high personal cost and had a darker side through his involvement with Morris Levy, the so-called Godfather Of The Music business (who the character Hersh in TV's The Sopranos was based on) and Roulette Records. This memoir delves into the whole story, the darkness and the light at the end of the tunnel. A fascinating read. - BH.
April 9, 2020
I had no ideas he was so YOUNG when he started going on the road. This is very slightly a warts and all memoir, with some of the “warts” conveniently going unexplained. Still a fun and kinda nutty read!
March 15, 2023
I heard Tommy James on an episode of Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast and was struck by his gorgeous rendition of "Crystal Blue Persuasion" and by his sense of humor. That show led me to read this book.
I grew up listening to James's music and was always shocked when people were surprised to learn that Tiffany covered "I Think We're Alone Now," that it wasn't original. This book offers insights into the writing of or the choosing of the songs that James made hits, the way he broke into the industry when a song he recorded with a former band made it big regionally and brought him to the attention to big record labels, and how Roulette records claimed him, and because of their mob ties got no pushback from the competition. James credits the unconventional way the label was run for his longevity as a musician because he was given more flexibility to be creative. He is not painted as a hero. He struggled as a husband, abused amphetamines, and had a longtime and mostly positive association with a mobster. However, his analysis of his life and his enthusiasm for his work is wonderful. This is an entertaining and informative memoir.
I grew up listening to James's music and was always shocked when people were surprised to learn that Tiffany covered "I Think We're Alone Now," that it wasn't original. This book offers insights into the writing of or the choosing of the songs that James made hits, the way he broke into the industry when a song he recorded with a former band made it big regionally and brought him to the attention to big record labels, and how Roulette records claimed him, and because of their mob ties got no pushback from the competition. James credits the unconventional way the label was run for his longevity as a musician because he was given more flexibility to be creative. He is not painted as a hero. He struggled as a husband, abused amphetamines, and had a longtime and mostly positive association with a mobster. However, his analysis of his life and his enthusiasm for his work is wonderful. This is an entertaining and informative memoir.
September 3, 2013
I was familiar with a different aspect of this story, just not the part where Tommy James was one of those affected by the mob and their hold on the music industry. I went to school with him (7th grade) and remember his passion for music. I had a very big crush on him! Then I moved away and heard after a few years he had a record out (Hanky Panky) which suddenly appeared on all the radio stations a year or so after it had been produced. It was grabbed up by Morris Levy of Roulette Records. I had no idea what crazyness Tommy's life became after this.
Many, many years later I came across someone where I lived out West who had been a victim (literally) of the mob's involvement with MCA and laundering money. I helped take care of his dog....
I heard his story and read a book about him "Stiffed: a True Story of MCA, the music business and the Mafia."....
then came across this book recently which Tommy was finally able to publish. Strangely enough.. . they were connected. Its crazy how things come around! If you are interested in the music business, former rock stars, or ever watched the Sopranos (losely based on the mob family in this book) .... this is a fascinating story. When you finish it you should read "Stiffed: a True Story of MCA, the music business and the Mafia." Don't read it for its literary quality.... just read it for a fascinating story.
Many, many years later I came across someone where I lived out West who had been a victim (literally) of the mob's involvement with MCA and laundering money. I helped take care of his dog....
I heard his story and read a book about him "Stiffed: a True Story of MCA, the music business and the Mafia."....
then came across this book recently which Tommy was finally able to publish. Strangely enough.. . they were connected. Its crazy how things come around! If you are interested in the music business, former rock stars, or ever watched the Sopranos (losely based on the mob family in this book) .... this is a fascinating story. When you finish it you should read "Stiffed: a True Story of MCA, the music business and the Mafia." Don't read it for its literary quality.... just read it for a fascinating story.
February 5, 2014
I have loved Tommy James' music since I first began listening to the radio, around 1969. With my parents' help, I searched record shops until I had compiled quite a collection of his albums. I think he has probably the best voice in music, and while I love all the big hit records he has done, many of my favorites are obscure album cuts. So when the book came out, I had to buy a copy. Quickly. I love it, and have read it several times. It's not just your typical autobiography (which I'm sure I would have liked anyway); it is a fascinating account of what went on in the record industry, particularly Roulette, in the 60's. I thought I knew a lot about Tommy James, but this was an eye opener and VERY interesting. I also thought it was extremely well-written, and I, unlike some of the other reviewers, enjoyed the (sometimes subtle) humor. This is a very talented man with a very interesting story to tell.
November 13, 2017
I've always liked his music and heard an interview with him that sounded interesting. On one hand this guy rode the normal rock star trajectory, but when he signed to a mob-run label things got interesting. Kudos for being openly confessional even when it's not all flattering (women, drugs). As much as he admitted to mingling with mobsters, I wonder if anything got omitted.
Real easy read and written well enough to stay interesting. He's still out there rocking and I'd love to catch him. Fun fact: not only did he not write "Hanky Panky", but nobody's really sure who did.
Real easy read and written well enough to stay interesting. He's still out there rocking and I'd love to catch him. Fun fact: not only did he not write "Hanky Panky", but nobody's really sure who did.
September 10, 2017
Very Interesting
I was a big fan of Tommy James music growing up. Little did I know of his connection to Morris Levy and the mob who owned Roulette Records, the company which owned all of the Shondell's music. An interesting behind the scenes look at the mafia/music world of the sixties and seventies and a fun, quick read.
I was a big fan of Tommy James music growing up. Little did I know of his connection to Morris Levy and the mob who owned Roulette Records, the company which owned all of the Shondell's music. An interesting behind the scenes look at the mafia/music world of the sixties and seventies and a fun, quick read.
October 7, 2010
I picked this up because I am a big fan of Tommy James's music. I enjoyed bits and parts of the story, but other parts were difficult to read. I enjoyed learning about how the mob was involved in pop music.
January 20, 2014
Very readable. The book just invites you in. It's about mobster/music executive Morris Levy almost as much as it's about James, but that's okay. James seemed fascinated by him, and it's a side of the music scene I've never read about before. I'm glad I gave this a try.
March 12, 2011
A walk through the life of a bubblegum star never read so easy. it's length, 215 pages or so, is perfect - it's brief but effective and full of anecdotes, the milk of the memoir -
November 2, 2020
Straight forward delivery of some fascinating insights into Roulette records and Tommy James’ career.
There is a movie in this book waiting to be made.
There is a movie in this book waiting to be made.
April 26, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS: “HERE SHE COMES NOW… SAYING –“MAFIA”-MAFIA”!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas Gregory Jackson born on April 29, 1947 in Dayton, Ohio… would morph as a teenager into rock star Tommy James who along with various incarnations of the Shondells would sell over TWENTY-MILLION-ALBUMS-AND SINGLES-IN-EIGHTEEN-MONTHS… and yet make almost no royalty money. The reason is because of his signing a contract with Morris Levy and Roulette Records. The crux of James’s story is that he tied his rock-and-roll dreams to a man who was “mobbed-up”. In fact it wasn’t Tommy’s ultimate goal to sign with Levy. Levy was just one of a number of record companies that Tommy met with in looking for national representation for his first soon to be mega-hit “HANKY PANKY”. Each company Tommy met with loved the record but by the time Tommy got back to his hotel Levy had told all the other companies to “BACK OFF” this guy’s mine! And when your business associates include *ANTHONY “FAT TONY” SALERNO* of the *GENOVESE FAMILY* (Tony Soprano was modeled after Salerno.)… *GAETANO “CORKY” VASTOLA* an underboss for the DeCavalcante family… *DOMINICK “QUIET DOM” CIRILLO* a future acting boss of the *GENOVESE FAMILY*… *THOMAS “TOMMY RYAN” EBOLI* a *GENOVESE CRIME FAMILY HEAD… and *VINCENT “THE CHIN” GIGANTE* a future *GENOVESE FAMILY HEAD* with the longest run in Genovese history… among others… as daily associates most people shakingly did as they were told. Later in James’s career which was marked by an amphetamine/upper addiction and heavy drinking… along with his fear of Levy and associates… he finally tried to confront Levy about his unpaid royalties... after having an audit taken. “THE NUMBERS WERE ASTONISHING. MORRIS OWED ME UPWARD OF FORTY MILLION DOLLARS. IT WAS JUST HORRENDOUS. EVEN WITH MY MISERABLE ROYALTY RATE HE OWED ME THAT MUCH.”
James takes you on a quick ride through his life that led him to this dangerous exhilarating conundrum. From his early love of music… to starting a teenage band… to working in a record store… to a high school pregnancy and marriage… to his string of all-time classic hits such as “I THINK WE’RE ALONE NOW”… “MONY MONY”… CRIMSON AND CLOVER”… “CRYSTAL BLUE PERSUASION”… “DRAGGIN’ THE LINE”… and many more. Along with the drug and alcohol abuse there’s the cheating on his first wife… cheating on his second wife (whose uncle happened to run a hotel in Florida that was connected with the Jewish Mob and “made-man” Santo Trafficante)… and his marriage to his third wife. The reader will be enlightened by how some of these “gold-records” were written… by whom… and the inspiration for some songs that became part of our everyday lexicon.
Many times during this rapid two-hundred-twenty-five-page book you might wonder how Tommy could have possibly put up with being so massively short changed on money due him and his band… but then Morris and an associate would grab baseball bats that were always available in the office and put someone in the hospital who either owed them money or tried to run a counterfeit scheme “on-the-counterfeiter’s”… and you will immediately begin to understand… and Tommy probably wished he had a new song entitled: “I WISH WE WERE ALONE NOW!”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas Gregory Jackson born on April 29, 1947 in Dayton, Ohio… would morph as a teenager into rock star Tommy James who along with various incarnations of the Shondells would sell over TWENTY-MILLION-ALBUMS-AND SINGLES-IN-EIGHTEEN-MONTHS… and yet make almost no royalty money. The reason is because of his signing a contract with Morris Levy and Roulette Records. The crux of James’s story is that he tied his rock-and-roll dreams to a man who was “mobbed-up”. In fact it wasn’t Tommy’s ultimate goal to sign with Levy. Levy was just one of a number of record companies that Tommy met with in looking for national representation for his first soon to be mega-hit “HANKY PANKY”. Each company Tommy met with loved the record but by the time Tommy got back to his hotel Levy had told all the other companies to “BACK OFF” this guy’s mine! And when your business associates include *ANTHONY “FAT TONY” SALERNO* of the *GENOVESE FAMILY* (Tony Soprano was modeled after Salerno.)… *GAETANO “CORKY” VASTOLA* an underboss for the DeCavalcante family… *DOMINICK “QUIET DOM” CIRILLO* a future acting boss of the *GENOVESE FAMILY*… *THOMAS “TOMMY RYAN” EBOLI* a *GENOVESE CRIME FAMILY HEAD… and *VINCENT “THE CHIN” GIGANTE* a future *GENOVESE FAMILY HEAD* with the longest run in Genovese history… among others… as daily associates most people shakingly did as they were told. Later in James’s career which was marked by an amphetamine/upper addiction and heavy drinking… along with his fear of Levy and associates… he finally tried to confront Levy about his unpaid royalties... after having an audit taken. “THE NUMBERS WERE ASTONISHING. MORRIS OWED ME UPWARD OF FORTY MILLION DOLLARS. IT WAS JUST HORRENDOUS. EVEN WITH MY MISERABLE ROYALTY RATE HE OWED ME THAT MUCH.”
James takes you on a quick ride through his life that led him to this dangerous exhilarating conundrum. From his early love of music… to starting a teenage band… to working in a record store… to a high school pregnancy and marriage… to his string of all-time classic hits such as “I THINK WE’RE ALONE NOW”… “MONY MONY”… CRIMSON AND CLOVER”… “CRYSTAL BLUE PERSUASION”… “DRAGGIN’ THE LINE”… and many more. Along with the drug and alcohol abuse there’s the cheating on his first wife… cheating on his second wife (whose uncle happened to run a hotel in Florida that was connected with the Jewish Mob and “made-man” Santo Trafficante)… and his marriage to his third wife. The reader will be enlightened by how some of these “gold-records” were written… by whom… and the inspiration for some songs that became part of our everyday lexicon.
Many times during this rapid two-hundred-twenty-five-page book you might wonder how Tommy could have possibly put up with being so massively short changed on money due him and his band… but then Morris and an associate would grab baseball bats that were always available in the office and put someone in the hospital who either owed them money or tried to run a counterfeit scheme “on-the-counterfeiter’s”… and you will immediately begin to understand… and Tommy probably wished he had a new song entitled: “I WISH WE WERE ALONE NOW!”
December 4, 2017
Dedicated pop and rock music fans – and we’re talking about the serious that could consider themselves historians – know about many of the underhanded schemes that have marked the industry. From Alan Freed and payola to Beatles manager Brian Epstein undervaluing his “boys” for a recording contract and merchandising. Okay, maybe in the beginning no one truly realized the millions of dollars that were on the table, but by the time Tommy James came along the game was on and the big money players of the underworld wanted their piece of the action.
*
This is a fascinating inside look at a music industry basically controlled by the mob. The hucksters like Colonel Tom Parker (a brilliant scam just by calling himself a Colonel) and the upper class polite suits such as Epstein were replaced by sinister wise guys whose methods of negotiating were deals that couldn’t be refused and enforced by muscular assistants armed with baseball bats rather than legal documents.
*
Tommy James maintains his profile as a midwestern kid dedicated to making music his career. His memories of local musicians and venues, traveling, and playing one night stands while balancing his personal life will grab and hold the attention of any rock fan. When his success starts to happen readers will want to cheer him on, but then he falls into the dark side of the business.
*
James pulls back the curtain on his career achievements and the powers behind it. As a musician all his dreams come true, but as a trade off it’s these same powers that take advantage of his talents and naivety. His descriptions of people, places, meetings, dangers, concerts and the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle that was part of the 1960’s and early 70’s journey make this a very compelling and entertaining read. Tommy doesn’t come off as a complete angel. After all, in the music business those seem to be few and far between. But compared to the wise guys running the show, you’ll end up rooting for him and glad to know he’s still out there living his dream – and this time actually getting paid for it.
*
This is a fascinating inside look at a music industry basically controlled by the mob. The hucksters like Colonel Tom Parker (a brilliant scam just by calling himself a Colonel) and the upper class polite suits such as Epstein were replaced by sinister wise guys whose methods of negotiating were deals that couldn’t be refused and enforced by muscular assistants armed with baseball bats rather than legal documents.
*
Tommy James maintains his profile as a midwestern kid dedicated to making music his career. His memories of local musicians and venues, traveling, and playing one night stands while balancing his personal life will grab and hold the attention of any rock fan. When his success starts to happen readers will want to cheer him on, but then he falls into the dark side of the business.
*
James pulls back the curtain on his career achievements and the powers behind it. As a musician all his dreams come true, but as a trade off it’s these same powers that take advantage of his talents and naivety. His descriptions of people, places, meetings, dangers, concerts and the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle that was part of the 1960’s and early 70’s journey make this a very compelling and entertaining read. Tommy doesn’t come off as a complete angel. After all, in the music business those seem to be few and far between. But compared to the wise guys running the show, you’ll end up rooting for him and glad to know he’s still out there living his dream – and this time actually getting paid for it.
February 17, 2021
Tommy James and the Shondells turned out hit after hit in the 1960s. But James saw very little of the royalties generated by sales of his records. That money was controlled by crime boss Morris Levy, who signed a teenage James to a deal with his Roulette Records in 1966. The band went on to release two #1 records and a dozen Top 40 singles over the next 5 years.
But Levy was notorious for non-payment of debts including tens of millions of royalties owed to James. James was forced to earn his money through constant touring and profited very little off the sale of his records.
Despite this betrayal, James and Levy maintained a close relationship throughout much of their lives. Levy was excellent at promoting James's music and James enjoyed a great deal of artistic freedom as Roulette's biggest star. James's career also benefited from Levy's strong-arm tactics: He would often bully songwriters into saving their best work for his artists.
"Me, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James and the Shondells" is Tommy James's story of life in the spotlight. It contains the usual anecdotes about women and booze and drugs that seem to be part of every rocker's life. But these stories are secondary to his interactions with Roulette and Levy.
The story climaxes in a gang war that sees Levy fleeing the country and James fearing for his life.
One wonders why James continued his relationship with Levy when he was treated so unfairly. Did he feel it was unsafe for him to leave? Was he a victim of Stockholm Syndrome? Did the career advantages of associating with Roulette outweighed the financial disadvantages?
One wonders if the corruption at Roulette was a microcosm of the corruption in the entire music industry in the 1960s; and if that corruption continues today.
One wonders if Tommy James ever received all the royalties he was due.
Despite the unanswered questions, this book was an enjoyable read about an unlikely hitmaker and his adventures with the underbelly of the industry.
But Levy was notorious for non-payment of debts including tens of millions of royalties owed to James. James was forced to earn his money through constant touring and profited very little off the sale of his records.
Despite this betrayal, James and Levy maintained a close relationship throughout much of their lives. Levy was excellent at promoting James's music and James enjoyed a great deal of artistic freedom as Roulette's biggest star. James's career also benefited from Levy's strong-arm tactics: He would often bully songwriters into saving their best work for his artists.
"Me, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James and the Shondells" is Tommy James's story of life in the spotlight. It contains the usual anecdotes about women and booze and drugs that seem to be part of every rocker's life. But these stories are secondary to his interactions with Roulette and Levy.
The story climaxes in a gang war that sees Levy fleeing the country and James fearing for his life.
One wonders why James continued his relationship with Levy when he was treated so unfairly. Did he feel it was unsafe for him to leave? Was he a victim of Stockholm Syndrome? Did the career advantages of associating with Roulette outweighed the financial disadvantages?
One wonders if the corruption at Roulette was a microcosm of the corruption in the entire music industry in the 1960s; and if that corruption continues today.
One wonders if Tommy James ever received all the royalties he was due.
Despite the unanswered questions, this book was an enjoyable read about an unlikely hitmaker and his adventures with the underbelly of the industry.
May 28, 2018
This was great. It was 5 stars for me but I cut my teeth on his singles. If you had no exposure to him except for maybe Tiffany and Billy Idol getting hits covering his music, or just hearing a song on a movie soundtrack, it would be a 3 probably.
It all started with his hit Hanky Panky in the early 60s while he was still in HS in Niles Michigan. He had a number more like Mony Mony, I think We're Alone Now, Crimson and Clover, Crystal Blue Persuasion and Draggin the Line.
He was signed by Morris Levy after Hanky Panky. Levy was a mobster and never gave him an accounting of sales. He would just give him money when he needed it and urge him to write another hit. James later had an accountant look into it and concluded Levy had ripped him off for around 40m in royalties. James left but didn't sue because he knew he wouldn't survive it. Levy was a true mobster who had killed for less.
James says he could not write the book until all the players at Levy's Roulette Records were dead, including Levy. Levy was part of the Genovese family. James started to get royalties after Levy died. His songs are still covered and in movies. He speaks fondly of the good times he had with Levy though.
James was a singles 45 rpm musician competing in a musical world that was changing to albums. Still, he had a good career (50 years) and made others a lot of money. He is still alive residing in Palm Springs I believe.
If you were around listening to Hanky Panky and like that era of music, I think it is a must read. It is only 225 pages. They are making a movie based on the book.
If that era of music does not interest you, then it is probably a pass.
James was one of the last of the 45 rpm kings. He even mentioned how 8 tracks, cassettes and boom boxes gutted the singles market.
It all started with his hit Hanky Panky in the early 60s while he was still in HS in Niles Michigan. He had a number more like Mony Mony, I think We're Alone Now, Crimson and Clover, Crystal Blue Persuasion and Draggin the Line.
He was signed by Morris Levy after Hanky Panky. Levy was a mobster and never gave him an accounting of sales. He would just give him money when he needed it and urge him to write another hit. James later had an accountant look into it and concluded Levy had ripped him off for around 40m in royalties. James left but didn't sue because he knew he wouldn't survive it. Levy was a true mobster who had killed for less.
James says he could not write the book until all the players at Levy's Roulette Records were dead, including Levy. Levy was part of the Genovese family. James started to get royalties after Levy died. His songs are still covered and in movies. He speaks fondly of the good times he had with Levy though.
James was a singles 45 rpm musician competing in a musical world that was changing to albums. Still, he had a good career (50 years) and made others a lot of money. He is still alive residing in Palm Springs I believe.
If you were around listening to Hanky Panky and like that era of music, I think it is a must read. It is only 225 pages. They are making a movie based on the book.
If that era of music does not interest you, then it is probably a pass.
James was one of the last of the 45 rpm kings. He even mentioned how 8 tracks, cassettes and boom boxes gutted the singles market.
September 19, 2025
I finally saw Tommy James and the Shondells this year after wanting to for... decades. At that concert, he mentioned this book, and the project (which I think is a movie, but might be a series) based on it, and he performed a version of "I Think We're Alone Now" from that, which was quite interesting (though I was glad that he also performed the original version as well). I had no idea prior to that that he had any sort of mob involvement (his record label was run by a mobster). This is a full biography, though, so roughly the first half takes place before he gets that record deal, and it's a good read. I am a tremendous fan, so that might enter into my estimation, but I read rock musician biographies fairly often, so I have a wide set of references. There are the usual formative musical experiences, and early band experiences leading up to some success, and then big success. Like others, there is some addiction, and getting clean later on, and a pattern of infidelity. He does mention his Christian beliefs, and how he feels more in keeping with them now that he is sober, but as a non-Christian myself, I appreciate that while he talks about it in one section, the whole book isn't about it. The mob parts add a unique spice as far as music biographies go. While he is aware of it happening around him, and has his music career alongside mobsters, he isn't really involved in it directly, and the book more or less is bookended by the death of the head of his record label, and his complicated feelings around it, with his recounting of the events to a reporter after that death being the literary device that defines the book. It's a surprisingly complex structure to suit a textured biography, and it was quite interesting to read.
November 29, 2023
This is a story that maybe Tommy James is the only one that could tell. It's about his life and music but more so it's a kind of tribute to Morris Levy, the man he loved and hated. Morris was a mob boss in the music world. He knew little about music, but he knew a hit when he heard it. He also knew a lot of tricks of the trade and the mafia world.
Tommy James was the only rock act that he represented. That was a boon to Tommy's luck driven career. Morris and his crew were able to focus all their energy on promoting Tommy. The thing that festered in Tommy was that Morris never paid him the royalties for all the records he made. It was a staggering amount purported to be 40 million.
But what recourse did Tommy have? He loved that the Morris crew took care of everything for him. No one else would dare touch him due to Morris Levy. Tommy loved his time at Roulette Records and many of the people he knew there. So for a long time, he just kept on keeping on.
This is the first audio book I've ever listened to and I enjoyed it. It went well. I miss being able to bookmark pages and passages though and look back for parts I want to reread or clarify. What took one star from my rating was that I was hoping for more about his songs, especially my favorite Crimson and Clover, which was actually never finished. I was a little disappointed that Tommy let drinking and drugs enter his life but it's a common problem in the entertainment business and elsewhere it seems. Luckily these later years of his life are being enjoyed and well lived. I'm happy for him and the changes he was able to make. I think he's been one charismatic and very lucky guy.
Tommy James was the only rock act that he represented. That was a boon to Tommy's luck driven career. Morris and his crew were able to focus all their energy on promoting Tommy. The thing that festered in Tommy was that Morris never paid him the royalties for all the records he made. It was a staggering amount purported to be 40 million.
But what recourse did Tommy have? He loved that the Morris crew took care of everything for him. No one else would dare touch him due to Morris Levy. Tommy loved his time at Roulette Records and many of the people he knew there. So for a long time, he just kept on keeping on.
This is the first audio book I've ever listened to and I enjoyed it. It went well. I miss being able to bookmark pages and passages though and look back for parts I want to reread or clarify. What took one star from my rating was that I was hoping for more about his songs, especially my favorite Crimson and Clover, which was actually never finished. I was a little disappointed that Tommy let drinking and drugs enter his life but it's a common problem in the entertainment business and elsewhere it seems. Luckily these later years of his life are being enjoyed and well lived. I'm happy for him and the changes he was able to make. I think he's been one charismatic and very lucky guy.
March 29, 2022
Upon finishing this memoir, one is struck by the fact that Tommy is not a deep or analytical thinker. This reads like another self-absorbed Pop idol trying his best to convince the world of his importance in music. I enjoyed a lot of his Pop songs over the years, but certainly never considered Tommy James anything close to cutting edge or culturally important. The most interesting aspect of this utilitarian paperback is the Morris Levy connection- that is fascinating and (in my case) sickening to realize the control the Mob had over rock music. If Punk wasn't pretty or particularly sonically pleasing, it at least destroyed the corporate(and apparently MOB) control over creativity and D.I.Y. aspect of raw rock rebellion. Tommy was coddled and nurtured and high. He got in bed with the Devil (Morris Levy) and had little drive or gumption to change it as long as his comforts were met.Many of the 'Hits' Tommy had came from Mob muscle and corruption. If you don't want to be disgusted by rock vapidity and pointless excess, don't read this. It will destroy any thought of (mythical)innocence and energy engendered by the music of the 60-70's.
Sacred Cows become charred Beef.
Sacred Cows become charred Beef.
May 21, 2020
This book is an honest portrayal of what the music business was like in the 50s and 60s. The storytelling is light and fun in spite of the, at times, heavy subject matter. It was great reading about Tommy's early life and career, his complicated relationship with Morris Levy, and the struggles he endured (Teenaged marriage and fatherhood, broken relationships, and struggles with drugs and alcohol stemming from stage fright and constant anxiety over being screwed out of money he rightfully earned and fear for his safety. Although, his exit from Roulette was nasty and ugly, he won his freedom, his sobriety, and his spiritual peace (He's a Christian.). It was really refreshing that he readily admits to his shortcomings: Being an absentee father, infidelity, and hypocricy (Saying you're a believer but behaving anything but!), in a way that is not preachy or judgemental. Reading the story of how some of the Shondells greatest hits came about was entertaining. This is a great quarantine read or something for a rainy day. The addition of pictures was an added bonus!!!!!
June 25, 2022
I read this book 12 years ago, but I remember it as an enjoyable chronicle of both James' career and the seedy power dynamics of the hitmaking world of the mid-60s. I'll always remember the mob boss listing himself as a co-writer of many successful hits despite not knowing anything about playing music. Tommy James tells the story from a privileged perch: he was the golden goose kept by the mob boss who ran the label. At times he seems like a little bitch happy to wield the power of his daddy. I remember one unflattering story about how he heard a song that the songwriter wanted to keep for himself or another artist he was close with, and Tommy James (who he might have been in a slight feud with?) demanded the song for himself. When the songwriter insisted that he really wanted the song to go to the artist he wrote it for, James turned to the mob boss record company owner and essentially pried the song from the songwriter's control. Still, credit to him for telling the story truthfully.
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