He Sold 100 Million Records…But Didn’t MAKE a DIME cuz the MOB STOLE His Royalties-Professor of Rock

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Tommy James was the leader of one of the most successful acts of the 60s, Tommy James and the Shondells. Together they had 14 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 from 1965 to 1970. But it all came crashing down for Tommy when, at what ended up as the band’s last performance, he collapsed backstage and was even pronounced dead! Tommy didn’t die, but when he regained consciousness he was a wreck. To recuperate, James moved to the country and convalesced for months, vowing to never record again…. After convalescing for a year, Tommy James got his mojo back, went back to the studio, and recorded his first solo album... Christian of the World, featuring Draggin' the Line, a song that was a surprise top 5 smash with one of the catchiest bass riffs of the Rock Era. It would later be ripped off by a major restaurant chain on a popular ad campaign. The story along with an interview with Tommy James is next on Professor of Rock.
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Tommy James and the Shondells released 9 platinum albums and 23 gold singles between 1965 and 1970. It was a whirlwind for Tommy. He was a naive 19-year-old kid from Dayton, Ohio, when he got sucked in by the Big Apple, and entered into a shaky handshake deal with Morris Levy, the infamous, pit bull record mogul who ran the mafia-funded Roulette Records.
Tommy & the Shondells were behind some of the most iconic pop songs of the 60s, that have transcended generations. “I Think We’re Alone Now” that went to #4 in ’67, “Mony Mony” that rose to #3, and Crystal Blue Persuasion that climbed to #2 in ’69, and their two number 1 hit records “Hanky Panky in ’66, and the psychedelic sensation, “Crimson & Clover” in ’68. In ’68, Tommy James & the Shondells actually sold more 45s than the Beatles in the U.S., that’s how big they were! But all good things must come to an end, especially when the leader of a massively popular group is overtaken by his dark side. That’s what happened to Tommy James.
After years of heavy amphetamines, fighting the notorious Levy for royalties, and fearing for his very life, Tommy literally imploded. It all went down after a sold-out gig in Birmingham, Alabama in March 1970. Tommy was strung out on Bennies throughout the performance but somehow finished the show. As Tommy was leaving the stage, he suddenly collapsed into unconsciousness. A medic that was rushed backstage told the shell-shocked band & promoters that Tommy was DEAD!! Seconds later, Tommy regained consciousness. He wasn’t dead after all, but that scary near-death incident effectively killed Tommy James and the Shondells as the world knew them.
Realizing he needed to make some drastic changes in his life, Tommy went cold turkey and quit the business. He moved to a farm in upstate New York.

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@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Poll: What is your pick for the COOLEST BASS LINE from a song released in the Rock era? Also, use my code PROFESSOROFROCK to get $5 off your delicious, high protein Magic Spoon cereal by clicking this link: sponsr.is/magicspoon_professorofrock_0524

@Code.Name.V 22 күн бұрын

Spacehog - In The Meantime

@catherine6653 22 күн бұрын

Come Together, The Beatles

@Lam_3-22-23 22 күн бұрын

Papa was a Rolling Stone Dreams

@sweet--richard.4981 22 күн бұрын

Roundabout the late great Chris Squire aka The Fish

@christineml1476 22 күн бұрын

Lou Reed "Walk on the Wild Side"

@alanarakelian5021 22 күн бұрын

IMO, Tommy James & The Shondells' "Crystal Blue Persuasion" could not be a more perfect song. Pure genius.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

I agree!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

A classic on a sunny day.

@Au60schild 21 күн бұрын

Yup.

@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398 21 күн бұрын

CBP is the song I know TJ by!

@odinsson204 21 күн бұрын

The wife’s and I favorite song is Draggin’ the Line.

@earllince5418 19 күн бұрын

Why is this man not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...he is a musical genuis and a great person...love his Sirius show..!

@user-no7lp5sv7k 14 күн бұрын

Being a great person and a God fearing man is why he isn't in the RRHOF.

@earllince5418 13 күн бұрын

@@user-no7lp5sv7k All that aside Tommy has made an incredible contribution to Rock and Roll. You look at some of the two hit bands that are in there and no Tommy James. They have no credibility...!

@itsajahthing 10 күн бұрын

Tommy James was definitely a 'Blue Persuasion'...

@sarah2.017 21 күн бұрын

I used to work with a man who said that Tommy James, who later became a Christian, spoke at his church. James said that later in life, he realized that he should be glad he didn't get that money, because he wasn't old enough to handle it and it would have ruined his life, if not outright killed him.

@sweet--richard.4981 22 күн бұрын

The Psychedelic ' Crimson and Clover ' had a profound impact on the neuro wiring of my young brain 🧠

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Very cool. Such a groovy song.

@humboldthammer 22 күн бұрын

Over and over i.e. practice makes perfect

@cannonball666 21 күн бұрын

I like the Joan Jett cover better. It's not as hippie dippy trippy.

@marktait2371 21 күн бұрын

@@cannonball666same concrete blonde also is on a charity comp.performed live club also

@annehenderson2434 21 күн бұрын

My older cousins had a “crash pad” in their parent’s basement, complete with black light posters & bean bag chairs. Crimson & Clover was the soundtrack of that room. The quintessential psychedelic song & experience.

@S2NAZ 22 күн бұрын

What a great interview with Tommy James 👍🏻 Being 70 years old, that was my youth. Thank so much ❤

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@josephblue4135 22 күн бұрын

Me too. I'm a 70-year-old too. I loved all his hits!

@Hwashburn 22 күн бұрын

Yet another 70- year-old here. I like "Draggin' the Line" well enough, but "Crystal Blue Persuasion" is on my personal Top 5 List as one of the greatest pop-rock songs of all time. And "Tighter and Tighter" ( or "Just a Little Bit Tighter") is on my personal Top 5 List as one of the most criminally underrated pop-rock songs of all time.

@Bigfield47 21 күн бұрын

Draggen the line works. People dance and sing along.

@raymondblanton9749 21 күн бұрын

As a sixty eight year old boomer I can honestly say Tommy and the Shondells were a really fun part of the backing track of my life. I so happy that in this short bit of the interview he seems happy and content. Take care all.

@juliusfrauenglass2411 19 күн бұрын

Me too , for all the great songs he did for us he deserves peace of mind.

@Digits-nf9fo 22 күн бұрын

In the early 80's at the Channel in Boston, I saw him, sought his autograph. I got my pen jostled from my hand while he was walking past me in the crowd. TJ stopped, pointed to the pen on the ground, and signed a promo poster for me. I got it to this day...tY TJ for being gracious all these years.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

So cool!

@monicamad1285 22 күн бұрын

Loved the Channel, battle of the bands with BCN 🔥

@Digits-nf9fo 22 күн бұрын

@@monicamad1285 been a while, but wbcn was 104.1, right?

@monicamad1285 22 күн бұрын

@@Digits-nf9fo yes!! They've been off the air for a while now. I said off the air 🤣🤣 I'm showing my age 😂

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

Such a nice man.

@MultiPetercool 22 күн бұрын

Tommy played a gig at my High School auditorium around ‘75. Screaming Jay Hawkins opened for him.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Wow! What a memory!

@MultiPetercool 22 күн бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock none of us had ever heard of Screaming Jay before. I was the only exception because my parents had a 45 of I put a spell on you.

@oldmaninshorts1 13 күн бұрын

Wow, that must have been something.

@ramosel 22 күн бұрын

As a kid with older siblings who were teens... I got to hear a lot of music in the 60s. Crimson and Clover was the first record (45) I ever bought with my own money. I still have it.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Very cool!

@kellymac1212 22 күн бұрын

Same! But, mine were cousins... I said my entire youth that I was the only kid in 1st grade that knew every word to every song by Tommy James and the Shondells. Literally picked THIS band as my example! I did! To their music, and sooooo many others. Such a lucky girl 🥰

@marktait2371 21 күн бұрын

i found the 45 roulette at neighbors moving sale think.draggin is the a side surpised record is g.c. same friends older bros. were 7 and 9 years older than us had the killer 8 tracks and vinlys 60d 70s

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

Awesome!

@edryba4867 20 күн бұрын

The retreaded “Draggin’ The Line” is a GREAT record, and so is this video! I was happy to find it. And that “baby back ribs” jingle is ABSOLUTELY A RIPOFF OF DRAGGIN’ THE LINE!

@huntingadventures1172 22 күн бұрын

How could you have lived through the late sixties and seventies and not remember Tommy. man I’m talking great songs that just brings the good times back

@tomdulle1707 21 күн бұрын

"Draggin' the line" is such a good song I still remember hearing it on the radio, as far back as 1972, I believe.

@vanatic22 17 күн бұрын

Being a 62 y.o. boomer, Tommy James & The Shondells didn't come across my music radar until later in life. I was too young to pay attention to them when they were in the spotlight and when I got older and discovered music it was Pink Floyd, Steve Miller, Rush, Fleetwood Mac, etc. As I've gotten older, I've enjoyed 'discovering new old music' from back then. Tommy James certainly wrote and performed some outstanding songs!

@michaelrochester48 22 күн бұрын

The interesting thing about Tommy James is that his moniker Tommy James and the Shondells sounds like a throwback to a 50s group. However, he was playing the most freak out psychedelic music of the late 60s.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Good point. What's your favorite song by him Michael?

@michaelrochester48 22 күн бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock ball of fire, and his solo hit, dragging the line

@dianewilliams1125 22 күн бұрын

I totally agree. I always wondered about that name,just didn't fit with the type of music they played. I was born in 1957 and TJ was a big part of my music history! ❤❤❤

@wilhelmhagberg4897 22 күн бұрын

Is it that psychedelic though? The music has a certain hypnotic, loopy quality, but it’s pretty far from the more far out crazy music of other acts in 67/68.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

It’s ironic and I love it!

@jamiepike6909 22 күн бұрын

If you lived in the 70’s but don’t remember any of it, you’ll love this channel😎

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Love it!

@Heene1028 22 күн бұрын

😂😂… What?😳

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

@@Heene1028 Ha ha!

@GringoLoco1 22 күн бұрын

Brilliant 👊🏻

@humboldthammer 22 күн бұрын

The thing about the 70's was that one had to work to find this much information. Never before RIGHT NOW -- not in the entire history of humanity -- have so many educated people lived so freely and so abundantly. And for just 18 years, we have been connected to this shared, worldwide experience with near-instant communication. It is GUARANTEED to Wake THIS Generation Up! Because the Father knows what you need, before you ask. Draggin' the line.

@007ElSenor 22 күн бұрын

My friends comment that I know a lot about music. I respond, “I listen to Professor of Rock.”

@badgerpa9 21 күн бұрын

I worked a few years as a telecom lineman and I dragged in a few lines, but never put the song with it. Climbing on a frozen pole will turn you against the job. Glad Tommy was able to get his farm and live there to recover. Glad he never had the mob actually attack him.

@beenaplumber8379 18 күн бұрын

My ex wife was a telecom engineer in TN when we met in the late 80s, and she said the people who dragged the lines were called jug hustlers. Does that sound right?

@therottenrandy 18 күн бұрын

I worked as a lineman in Alberta until I was 25. Never put this song to the job either. -25C at the top of a pole....same job at every pole, I was cold and bored. Decided I wanted an "inside that wasn't the same every day" job and went off to university to become a teacher.

@badgerpa9 17 күн бұрын

@@beenaplumber8379 Never heard that but I was not in Tennessee, everything had a different nick name for every different Bell and GTE territory. We often buried the last part and some that did that the most would be called digger. About the only tool I heard called the same was the nines, seemed it was almost always called the nines.

@FERNANDOGONZALEZ-pb6re 20 күн бұрын

When I was an O.T.R. truck driver,this song would amp me up every morning, every time I needed a boost to get my day started. Love the jam, love Tommy.

@denisearmbruster7478 22 күн бұрын

Great interview with Tommy! WOW! I was a teenager then and had no idea about the mob!! That blew me away!! Thank you and to Tommy....."still love ya dude!!!"

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@tammylewis2408 21 күн бұрын

Tommy released a book titled, Me, the Mob and the Music, which tells about Morris Levy, who headed Roulette Records, and his mob ties and how Tommy was caught in the middle. Get the book, great read.

@doncoyer7943 22 күн бұрын

My little sister used to squeal on me when I was a 12 year old if I Think we’re Alone Now came on. “Don’s listening to that song again!!” As if you could get away from it. She was afraid I’d impregnate the whole state or something. Even at age 12 and younger, without realizing what I was doing, I was studying the music around me. Not knowing why. I loved the bass or guitar sound. I didn’t play yet but I had to ponder why it sounded that way. The dynamics in that song profoundly impacted me. And it made me happy. Thanks, Tommy.

@lhart99 21 күн бұрын

IMHO, Tommy James is so underrated and overlooked. The 1960s was such a jam-packed decade decade for music. I feel people my age and younger often overlook Tommy James & The Shondell. As a teenager in the 1990s, I was fortunate enough to have 3 of the best friends I could ever hope for. We couldn't get enough of Tommy James & The Shondell and '60s music in general. My friends and I expanded our love of classic acts from the 1970s and beyond, but it all started with Tommy James & The Shondell.

@rejeandurette3471 21 күн бұрын

Underrated and overlooked? I don't think those words apply to an artist that sold over 100 million

@beenaplumber8379 18 күн бұрын

@@rejeandurette3471 Those words mean "I never realized he was so awesome." Nearly every time someone says that on You Tube I think that's what they really mean.

@christineml1476 22 күн бұрын

I'm not the biggest fan of covers, but R.E.M.'s version of "Draggin' the Line" really captures the Tommy James essence perfectly.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Agreed. I love them!

@marktait2371 21 күн бұрын

yes that was a bside of a singles comp.i had

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

That’s a damn good cover!

@mournblade1066 22 күн бұрын

Holy hell! Tommy Shondell had far more amazing songs than I ever knew! Great stuff!

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

He's a hitmaker for sure!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

Feels great to be a Shondell, huh?

@leonardshevlin7260 20 күн бұрын

His name is Jackson.

@michaelrider4234 17 күн бұрын

I Love Tommy James and the Shondells. I listened to them when I was a kid and am now 66 years old and I love listening to them more than ever. thank you for the great presentation.

@dsanchez9703 22 күн бұрын

Congrats on the 1 million Subs Professor, you deserve it for your hard work brother.🙌👏🙏

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Thanks a million!

@dsanchez9703 22 күн бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock 😁, 💯!

@metalone2055 20 күн бұрын

Went to see Tommy James and The Shondells at their show at the Medina Entertainment Center, Medina, MN. Great show!!!! Vocals and Instruments were spot on Perfect!!!! Draggin the Line is one of my all-time favorite tunes. Tommy, Thank you for the come back tour!!!!

@keithosterberg 21 күн бұрын

Here’s a story you probably haven’t heard. Tommy lived in the same NYC apartment building as the Cowsills. When their father Bud was on one of his violent tirades, the Cowsills would often go hide and hangout in Tommy’s place.

@ogam5 21 күн бұрын

Yep - an EXCELLENT interview it WAS they did with him last (?) year; made ME feel like part of THEIR family, Keith (and I swear Susan looks 30 years younger than she actually is now!) - as my father & I stayed at his favorite hotel in NYC, the Taft - up until our LAST visit, summer of '76.....

@aceautonewportky 18 күн бұрын

So glad to see Tommy, and that he is still alive and well. I have always been a fan of Tommy James and the Shondells. At 63 I grew up on all the great music of that era, later massively dug the alternative/punk rock era. I was so very lucky, the rich education of so much great music.

@danielmarmer679 22 күн бұрын

I saw Tommy James perform last year in Royal Oak, MI. Incredible!

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

What did he open and close with? Just curious!

@danielmarmer679 22 күн бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock He opened with "Draggin' The Line". His encore was "Mirage" with a "Mony Mony" reprise.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

@@danielmarmer679 Awesome!

@AnnaTrail-xp8pr 22 күн бұрын

Thank God these artists are still touring, but they are getting up there in age and unfortunately not much out there to replace them. Glad to enjoy it!

@barrywinslow9798 21 күн бұрын

I've known Tommy for decades. We did our first tour with him, and Sam the Sham back in 67. We both cut in Allegro Studio's in NY....and man can I relate to getting the "dry shaft" from Laurie Records and our producer. Anyway, Tommy is an awesome talent and all around good guy. He's doing much better now with the book and gigis. Love the guy. Thanks for doing a story on him. God bless ya

@chrisvickers7928 21 күн бұрын

You guys made some good quirky music I enjoyed as a teenager.

@kcash6359 21 күн бұрын

The Red Baron showed compassion to Snoopy at Christmas. Combining warmth with cool ain't easy, but you did it. "Snoopy Let's Wait". Thanks for posting...and everything else from my youth.

@cheryal2809 21 күн бұрын

@@kcash6359 wow! I had that 45, Snoopy and the Red Baron at Christmas. 🎼 "And good willlll to maa aaa aaa aaaaaaann."🎵🎶

@barrywinslow9798 21 күн бұрын

@@cheryal2809 Thanks for all the kind words folks.....it's appreciated deeply. Yep, still love that dog. God bless ya'll

@walterchappel180 22 күн бұрын

“Tommy James and the Shondells released nine platinum albums and 23 gold singles between 1965 and 1970”. WHAT??? That’s INSANE. And how have I never known that before???

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

A lot of people forget! He was a hit making machine!

@SuperMrsbowen 22 күн бұрын

I still don't understand how 9 platinum albums and 23 gold singles adds up to 110 million records though

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

@@SuperMrsbowen I saw the same number in the GUARDIAN.

@hamdude2109 22 күн бұрын

Heavy drug use? Just guessing.

@SuperMrsbowen 22 күн бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock I know - I think that's just what Tommy says though :)

@georgeford6439 10 күн бұрын

Child of the 70s here (born in 63). So I remember "dragging the line." And of course, during the 80s, I rediscovered his earlier hits/remakes from Billy Idol, Bananarama, and even reluctantly Tiffany, etc. Just wow, on the baby back ribs, I thought that was going to be the jingle just before ya mentioned it!!! The record industry is so corrupt, and it's amazing how many artists still have not been fully paid for their royalties......

@jimcatalfamo8034 8 күн бұрын

I have the honor of talking with Tommy backstage in Saratoga. Then again in Albany. It was nice to see Tommy, his wife and manager praying they're giving thanks to God before the concert in Saratoga. And then when he came out and met me he asked me how the crowd was. Even in his later part of his career he paced with excitement and nervousness to put on a good show. What a great performance he gave. Thank you Tommy

@francisseidel8014 22 күн бұрын

My first three cassette tapes were Deep Purple - Machine Head, Yes - Fragile, and Tommy James and the Shondells - Greatest Hits! Tommy was an unbelievable talent.

@davidme9698 19 күн бұрын

Wow mine were not cassettes but 8 tracks.

@francisseidel8014 19 күн бұрын

@davidme9698 - I had records before this, but I got these three after receiving a cassette player for my birthday.

@pjmurphy920 22 күн бұрын

Being in high school at the time of his hits, I liked them all but "I Think We're Alone Now" and "Crimson and Clover" are awesome and fun songs and my favorites. Tommy seems like a super nice guy. Thanks for the interesting show, again, Prof!!

@jjglick5777 16 күн бұрын

In 1975 I was the soundman/roadie for a local Long Island band. We used to rent our Hammond organ and PA to Tommy when he played out on Long Island. I was doing the sound for our band when a guy comes up to me and asks if I can put the tremelo into the monitors. It was Tommy. He had a big bushy head of hair. I didn't recognize him.

@beeonthyme5760 19 күн бұрын

I remember his songs were EVERYWHERE. I loved them and have never tired of hearing them. He looks absolutely great!! So glad to see he's still alive and kicking! Blessings to you.

@FreddyKurganNimmo 22 күн бұрын

Growing up in the '80s, my Mom introduced me to A LOT of artists from the '50s & '60s. For about the first 15 years of hearing it, I thought he was singing "Lemon Meringue"🤔😆

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Ha ha ha!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

Ha!

@nageeb96 22 күн бұрын

you can never give up. like the great Randy Meisner said. when there is nothing left to believe in put me on a highway and show me a sign and take it to the limit one more time. keep on trying and never lose the dream.wow RIP.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

For sure!

@slipperyslope2669 21 күн бұрын

You always ask what our memory of hearing a song for the first time. I heard this song for the first time yesterday driving around listening to a 60s station because of Professor of Rock. I caught the tree hugging line and wondered if it was the first use of the saying. You are keeping the exploration of music alive. Thank you!

@franneep 8 күн бұрын

I was in the audience of that Birmingham Shower of Stars concert and what i remember about Tommy James was that his blue eyes could be seen from 10th row back. I didn't know about his NDE until much much later. He was a great performer to my young teenaged mind! Great story.

@digitaldreamer5481 20 күн бұрын

Chili’s should just admit they stole the riff and cords of Dragging The Line and just pay da man! 😮

@DeliRevv 19 күн бұрын

The line “My dog Sam eats purple flowers” always stuck with me as a kid. Still my favorite line in the song.

@mneugent7658 22 күн бұрын

I haven't even watched the video yet but I KNOW this is about Tommy James and his dealings with Morris "Hesh Rabkin" Levy. I read his book. Had to go to the folks who printed the paper record labels to figure out how many were shipped. TJ is a legend.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Hope you enjoy it. YOu're were right on the money!

@oldiesgeek454 22 күн бұрын

I saw him perform in Utah in 2019. Afterwards, he signed both his book and my original album cover of the Shondells greatest hits. I could tell he was a bit surprised to see an original 1970 cover, and not just a reissue. 😊

@LaManteca76 22 күн бұрын

Lol, sometimes when I've had a hard day, I say "Yabba Dabba Doo!" when I clock out to go home. 😁

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Ha ha! Very cool!

@humboldthammer 22 күн бұрын

Sometimes, I say, "Hey kids, What time is it?" It's Howdy Doody Time

@LaManteca76 22 күн бұрын

@@humboldthammer 🤣Awesome! I'm going to start saying that as well. 😂

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

I still like to sing the Flintstones theme to myself sometimes.

@catherine6653 22 күн бұрын

I love Tommy James and the Shondells! I drove to work today with Mony Mony cover by Billy Idol 😊 I hope the Magic Spoon Cereal has prizes in the box.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

They are so great!

@marktait2371 22 күн бұрын

tuesday in the car flipping channels same

@phillipmarlowe0525 21 күн бұрын

It is Mony Mony not money money.

@catherine6653 21 күн бұрын

@@phillipmarlowe0525 I will edit. It was the spell check.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

I am really intrigued about the Magic Spoon Cereal as well. Like, will it give me luck?

@truck9moon100 21 күн бұрын

Tommy hooked me with "Hanky Panky" been a life long fan ever since. Great show, thanks a bunch.💗

@2AChef-n-BBQ 22 күн бұрын

Tommy was one of my heroes. He lived in Niles Michigan, a short jaunt from here. Great guy and did it on his own. Incredible song writer, listen to him often

@80sbrunnette 22 күн бұрын

This gave me goosebumps…. My dad just showed me one of their songs yesterday 😭 Crimson and Clover and I’ve never heard of them until yesterday

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Go check him out!

@rogerdeahl9629 22 күн бұрын

❤🎉 Had a friend see Tommy James over 25 times. Great songs from his catalog. Shame he had to deal with the mob. Music is a funny business. 🤷 Thanks Professor! And yes I do remember Hanna-Barbera. I think.

@sweet--richard.4981 22 күн бұрын

Hendrix and Eric Burdon also affected by the same mob tactics

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Roger! Love it. Have you seen him live?

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

@@sweet--richard.4981 True.

@rogerdeahl9629 22 күн бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock Sadly no. But I heard he still does a great show.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

The music business is cruel sometimes.

@daves3819 22 күн бұрын

As a kid growing up in small town Sask I always loved his music. But as the years went by I slowly forgot about them until you played bits and pieces today. Thanks for the memory and thanks to Tommy James!!

@scottthompson2785 21 күн бұрын

Anyone else distracted by Adam's Smiths shirt? - when it droops it makes Elvis look like Frankenstein. Thats it.

@dranet47 22 күн бұрын

I had no idea what he went through. Wow.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Amazing eh?

@fredgroenke2586 22 күн бұрын

I never understood those lyrics. Never woulda guessed that My dog Sam eats purple flowers was what he was saying.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Ha ha. Pretty funny. Well, we got it straight from him!

@LaManteca76 22 күн бұрын

I never realised he was saying that. I really need to look up lyrics. I always find I'm singing the wrong words, lol.

@fredgroenke2586 22 күн бұрын

That’s why I love this channel!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

Sounds so silly!

@jean-philippeperetti8463 22 күн бұрын

As much as Dragging The Line is a great song, when I think about Tommy James & The Shondells, it's Crimson & Clover that comes to mind. It sounds so cool, so different, so brilliant! That being said, it saddens me to no end when I hear about artists who become victims of the music executives, management teams or even their bandmates. What happened to Tommy James, John Fogerty, Mark Farner, and many others, is terrible. How can Human beings do this to other Human beings!!!

@sgs1313 21 күн бұрын

Adam, are you somehow peeking at my setlist? That's so cool, we just added draggin the line a couple months ago, that's the third song this week you have featured....thanks for the insight into Tommy James, your perspective is very much appreciated

@MyName-pl7zn 22 күн бұрын

A movie about Tommy would be amazing, the story of this fantastic song writer and music creator and the craziness behind the scenes could be a great film. Hug a tree is a culture iconic phrase I never knew it was Tommy's too. To think he mixed this by himself after people liked it. One of the greatest creators of music in my life time. Thanks for this episode, my favorite song by him, great episode

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

My understanding is it was in pre production. Not sure what's going on.

@MyName-pl7zn 22 күн бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock really! I would love it!

@AnnaTrail-xp8pr 22 күн бұрын

We grew up in such an amazing time of talent and blessings they can still perform. Once they are gone not a lot out there to replace them unfortunately. My husband and I were talking about it a few days ago. Great movie indeed.

@MyName-pl7zn 22 күн бұрын

@@AnnaTrail-xp8pr best era in music!!

@AnnaTrail-xp8pr 22 күн бұрын

@@MyName-pl7zn Absolutely and glad we got to experience it.

@colleencarr3470 22 күн бұрын

Of course his single was divinely inspired just like every single idea anyone has. When I was younger I usually went for the melody & the beat of a song. I did not pay attention to lyrics & even the creators names. I never connected Dragging the Line w/ Tommy James. Thank you for the lesson.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@michaelreid5912 21 күн бұрын

Crystal Blue Persuasion is on the ‘bucket 10’ list that has been placed in my wife’s hands if and when a celebration of life service is needed. I’ve surfed on 3 different continents and that song captures the magic of early morning waves and at dusk..simply beautiful….thank you for show casing TJ.

@shamancarmichael5305 21 күн бұрын

So many great hits that have survived the test of time! Can't stop a well crafted, well performed song!

@brentcox7772 22 күн бұрын

Such a great story Professor!! Need to go back and listen to some Tommy today!🤘🔥

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Please do! He's the man! Thanks Brent. Favorite song?

@brentcox7772 22 күн бұрын

“Dragging the Line”!!🤘🔥

@DC8091 22 күн бұрын

damn they were AWESOME!! There’s no such thing as listin ta too much Tommy James “over & over”

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Amen!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

Yup!

@populargsquad9449 17 күн бұрын

We loved his concert with Peter Noone (Herman’s Hermits) in San Antonio, Texas a few years ago. My son was the only child at the show. Tommy later wrote a quick note for my son on his Facebook page that he should continue playing guitar. My son was about 12 years old at the time. My son now occasionally leads for the worship band at our church. He still remembers Tommy’s encouraging words and is one of his favorite artists (and on his way to having his own guitar collection).

@stratcat9432 21 күн бұрын

Another amazing interview Professor!! Your ability to score these fantastic talks with such legends, and how eclectic in the music genres they've been,is simply astounding! Thank you for this one! Listen to how good of a vocalist Tommy was,and songwriting equally as good. I respect people like him from such a creative ,beautiful era of music. 😊❤

@fredgroenke2586 22 күн бұрын

Crystal Blue Persuasion pretty much exemplify the psychedelic mood of the late 60’s and early 70’s. My personal favorite TJ song. Although Draggin’ and Crimson are great also.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

That's my favorite too!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

Yup, mine too.

@marksink1652 20 күн бұрын

The only time I ever traded vinyl records.. it was Draggin the Line for Crystal Blue Persuasion. Yep.

@whppnpost1 22 күн бұрын

I'm trying to think but only a few come to mind, where an artist had so many big hits that also became big hits for other artists

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Right! He had two #1 hits alone in 87, one replaced the other at #1!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

He made a big accomplishment.

@007ElSenor 22 күн бұрын

Thank you for interviewing Tommy, he’s an amazing artist. Your interviews are the best!

@kevinmartin1204 21 күн бұрын

Love this song for the first moment, I heard it and Professor. This is one of your best interviews and history lesson ever. Thank you so much.

@bobdennison207 22 күн бұрын

nice . I was 15yo in ' 68 . legend , ( Chrystal blue persuasion. )

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

It's a new sensation!

@philspear73 22 күн бұрын

Crazy to me that despite missing out on millions of royalties he still embraces Roulette. And yes they definitely stole that jingle!

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

They owe him some serious cash.

@sandrasanders706 22 күн бұрын

@@ProfessorofRockThis was a great video! Is there any way Tommy could get at least some of the money back?

@maryarnold1426 21 күн бұрын

Wow! I never knew any of that. The music business certainly chewed up and spit out these talented young people. I’m thankful to have had Tommy’s music to “decorate my life” as I was growing up. I didn’t realize how prolific he was until you did this episode. It must feel good for him to share his story with you, especially knowing that you have over one million people who will know the truth now. I’m thankful for your life, Professor.

@heidichristensen7919 21 күн бұрын

This is why I love your channel Adam. I was in elementary school in the late 60s, early 70s and loved Tommy and the Shondells but had no idea that Tommy had a solo career. But as each song came on, I said oh, yeah! and was able to sing every line lol.

@charlesandrews2360 21 күн бұрын

When I was about 7 years old, one day my father took me with him while he ran errands. We stopped at a mob bar in Cicero and the bartender poured me a kiddie cocktail and gave me a handful of dimes for the jukebox. I played Hanky Panky ten times in a row lol. True story although I didn't know it was a mob bar at the time.

@James_St._James 22 күн бұрын

Roulette Records put out some great hits.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Yes they did!

@fredgroenke2586 22 күн бұрын

Are you referring to music or murders?

@cliffordterry2133 22 күн бұрын

Just so that you may know, a 'dragline' is a shovel and 'dragging the line' is the work of shoveling something - dirt, asphalt, whatever.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Going off what was said in his biography

@cliffordterry2133 22 күн бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock Right, I understand and am not criticizing. I am just speaking from the knowledge of my own experiences from that very same time.

@kevinharms5158 22 күн бұрын

Dragging a line or dragging the line has different meanings in every business

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

Wow!

@depsny 21 күн бұрын

Back in the summer of 1989 I had a job as a pyrotechnition. Coolest job ever! Traveling the country setting up and blowing off fireworks for major events. We did a show in Denver at the Mile High Stadium and Tommy James and the Shondels were one of the acts. I was backstage and up close and they were awesome! Later in the evening I met him at the bar in the hotel and drank with him. He was super nice and he told me and my friends stories about touring. I'll never forget that.

@netmeg 22 күн бұрын

Draggin The Line was one of my all time favorites from the summer of 1971 and hearing it instantly takes me back. I was just a kid and that year was the first year I had my very own radio and it was truly a revelation.

@karamia1392 22 күн бұрын

Crimson and Clover is one of those songs that just spirits me away to the time I first heard it. Wonderful creative music … all Tommy’s tracks.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

For sure!

@marktait2371 22 күн бұрын

concrete blonde best cover one of the highlights club show

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

It’s otherworldly!

@musclecarmitch908 22 күн бұрын

Awesome episode Professor! Tommy James has always been one of my favorites! Awesome story! Things I never knew about him, and especially awesome you got to interview him!👍

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@bjdefilippo447 21 күн бұрын

As someone who has been described with it for most of my life, I love hearing about the possible origins of "tree hugger". Thanks, Adam!

@thetitleisours1 22 күн бұрын

I remember hearing this song on a radio as a kid and did like it a lot. Crystal Blue was my favorite of theirs though

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Same here. One of my favorites from the 60s

@thetitleisours1 22 күн бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock Amazing how something in music can reach you on different emotional levels

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

That’s mine too. A feel good song.

@constipatedinsincity4424 22 күн бұрын

Back in the Saddle Again Naturally

@0010Kev 21 күн бұрын

One of the great things about your channel is that you make us listen to songs from our past with new ears. I was a kid in the 60s and 70s so of course i knew of TJ and the S, and knew all the songs you just talked about. However, they were just kind of part of the soundtrack of those years to me. Thaanks to you i have now REA,LLY listened to them again and realized how great they are! Thank you!

@nohandle1028 21 күн бұрын

I fell in love with the music of Tommy James and the Shondells after being introduced to it through my older cousins! Although I never knew that REM did a cover of Dragging the Line, Billy Idol's version of Mony, Mony, and Tiffany's rendition of I Think We're Alone Now, were amazing!

@TerrickTerran 22 күн бұрын

Hard to pick Tommy's best song but I lean towards Mony Mony. I like I Think We're Alone Now but I prefer Tiffany's version.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Thanks!

@synthact 22 күн бұрын

Luuuuv the Shirt

@trh55 10 күн бұрын

I worked with a band member for nearly ten years- in an auto factory! I was told who he was after the plant closed and was quite astonished; it was confirmed when I dug out an old record album, and there he was!

@johnshelley7215 21 күн бұрын

The year that Chili’s commercial came out, there were a number of other commercial jingles ripping off other songs from that era. I distinctly remember hearing songs by the Association and the Cowsills being borrowed with altered lyrics. It’s hard to believe they got away with it.

@rossmurdock4590 22 күн бұрын

TJ did such great songs. They hold up today!.. Hey Professor, how about Paul Revere and the Raiders? They had almost as many hits as TJ&TS. Gotta interview Mark Lyndsay while he's still with us!!

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Sounds good. I covered Paul once here!

@mattfarahsmillionmilelexus 22 күн бұрын

When I was a kid, I always heard it as "End of the line". The story is very interesting, and somewhat terrifying.

@ProfessorofRock 22 күн бұрын

Right?

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 21 күн бұрын

Wow, that is dark.

@bjstover9523 21 күн бұрын

I was on the Flower Power cruise back in March and Tommy was our first band too see. He gets sea sick so they had to get him on and then off right away. He still sings great! Lot of great bands were there. I would love too see you on the 2026 Flower Power cruise! You would be great and very welcomed!

@Texeq 21 күн бұрын

In 1969 Crimson & Clover was part of a 'Now Sounds' in-flight program I was listening to on head phones in a DC-8. It blew my mind so I bought the single, and the album, and became a #1 Tommy James fan. From 1969 to 71 when Draggin The Line went up the Top 40 I probably listened to TJ albums more than I did the Beatles. Christian Of The World is still a favorite.

@jessedorsettii9988 21 күн бұрын

He's a freaking giant of giants in song standards! Almost every punk band covered one of his hits. Pop stars cover his songs. He is transcendent. A pure genius of catchy hooks. The kinks are also as prolific. The Davies brothers are legends. All these guys should be in the Hall of Fame if not already.

@1satisfiedmind 22 күн бұрын

Crimson and Clover was the first record (45) I ever bought. I would sing the chorus while flipping my finger over (and over) my lips as I sang the words, "Crimson and Clover, over and over..." to get the tremolo effect. Lol. Kids.

@davebaraniak5611 4 күн бұрын

I saw Tommy a few years back. He said he may walk around and shake hands. Right in the middle of his show he got off stage and walked through the crowd. Still mad that I didn't get VIP and shake his hand.

@thebsexpress6112 10 күн бұрын

In my mind, I went back to 1969, and the 14-year-old version of me was putting the orange checkerboard Roulette record on my player, listening to Crystal Blue Persuasion...Life was good...

@duaneperkins8329 21 күн бұрын

I will say that he is one of my favorite artists you have interviewed...love hearing him talk about everything.

@velvetbees 22 күн бұрын

I can't imagine rock without Tommy James. He opened up a wnole new interpretation on music.

@jeffraines414 21 күн бұрын

I literally played this song for my son yesterday for the first time talking about how cool the 70s music was😮

@okanagansummers2866 21 күн бұрын

Draggin the Line was on one of our K-tel albums in the early 70's and I remember it being one of the more creative tunes on the disc that also made me feel good and had me singing along from the first play - Tommy James is awesome - what a fabulous catalogue! Great to see and hear him - thanks Prof :)

@CowGirlKat8691 21 күн бұрын

This song is another that is a perfect song. It brings back memories of sitting in the dark by one of the speakers of the console stereo I actually won at the Blackfoot Fair!! I was in Elementary School & back then one could put your name in the box at any age & win prizes and coupons for dollars off of any product from a furniture store. The stereo had red cloth behind the speakers & was pretty!! Great show! 🤠