4:01: A3: Mony, Mony. "Crystal Blue Persuasion" has been used in numerous media and entertainment properties, both onscreen and off. The group still gets together from time to time for special video/TV events and nostalgia shows. There were times when the families of the Mafia would end up in Mafia wars, said Vale. By 1970, James was in such bad mental and physical health that he started missing shows and the band would sometimes have to perform without him, which didnt go over well with the audience. ", The band Simple Minds took their name from the line "He's so simple minded he can't drive his module" in David Bowie's "The Jean Genie.". A year went by and James wasnt ready to start working again. The band followed the Mony Mony album with the most successful record of their career. Eddie Gray, the guitarist of the band Tommy James and the Shondells, during a recording session for their track 'Crimson and Clover', 30th October 1968. The catchy tune was suddenly getting on Pittsburgh radio, and it was on its way to becoming the No. Ad. Gettin Together was released on the bands album of the same name entitled Gettin Together. [Chorus] I think we're alone now There doesn't seem to be anyone around I think we're alone now The beating of our hearts is the only sound [Outro] I think we're alone now There doesn't seem to be . It was part of a string of hits that followed Hanky Panky, including Mony Mony, Crimson and Clover, I Think Were Alone Now, Sweet Cherry Wine, and Sugar on Sunday., After a year or two, when we had all the hits and we were on The Ed Sullivan Show, the first guy in line to get tickets in New York City was my dad. He has since retired and two of his children, Mike Vucish Jr. and Lori Albright, have been running the company. MTV, EMA and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Bop Shop: Songs From Thundercat And Tame Impala, Aiza, Honey Revenge, And More, Jessie Ware Understands That Dancing Is Freedom, On her new album 'That! You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing? Composer. Label: Roulette - SR 42040, Roulette - RSD-554: Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation, Stereo, UNIPAK. wpxi.com The Shondells Mike Vale, Ron Rosman and Eddie Gray Former original members of Tommy James And The Shondells will be rockin' the Parade this year when they perform "Mony Mony" and more! The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.Crystal Blue Persuasion,was written by Eddie Gray, Tommy James, Mike Vale. More images. Ad. The following year, the Shondells toughened their shimmering, jaunty, light-pop sound considerably. A4 credits Tommy James, Mike Vale & Bob King on cover vs. Tommy James-Mike Vale-Jeff Katz-Jerry Kasenetz-Ritchie Cordell on label A5 is titled Talkin' & Signifyin' on cover vs. Talkin' And Signifyin' on label B1 credits Eddie Grey on cover vs. Ed J. It was incredibly successful from both an artistic and commercial point of view. [9] In early 1967 songwriter Ritchie Cordell gave them the No. Crimson and Clover: A Tribute to Tommy James and the Shondells. Tommy James & the Shondells on their 2010 tour, The Best of Tommy James and The Shondells, "Hanky Panky: The Raindrops | Listen, Appearances, Song Review", "Me, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James & The Shondells", "Tommy James & the Shondells Official Website", "Tommy James & The Shondells 'Crimson & Clover' - Classic Tracks", "Tighter, Tighter - Alive 'N Kickin' | Listen, Appearances, Song Review", "Tommy James & the Shondells: Live! I picked up a guitar which I couldnt play at all because Im a bass man, chuckled Vale. ", In 1967 the Shondells had a top-five smash with "I Think We're Alone Now," which teen pop queen Tiffany later turned into a hit in the '80s. Tommy James & The Shondells. The Crystal Blue Band, Vale and Rosmans current project, is a response to their erasure from the Shondells historical narrative. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press. Our Top 10 Tommy James And The Shondells songs list takes a look at the bands 1960s period when they were a mainstay on the music charts and one of the most loved bands in the world. These guys were all music majors (at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe) and I was no slouch myself. In 2012, "Crystal Blue Persuasion" was used in the eighth episode of the fifth season of Breaking Bad, "Gliding Over All", during a montage depicting the process involved to bring main character Walter White's methamphetamine operation and its signature blue crystal meth to an international level. Also, it's a strict singles compilation, which means that many great songs are bypassed simply because they weren't judged worthy of a single -- and the Shondells pumped out some excellent B-sides. Guitarist Eddie Gray (left) and drummer Peter Lucia of American band Tommy James and the Shondells in a recording . And now, 56 years and a few incarnations later, the 82-year-old Vales Crystal Blue Band is bowing out with one final concert at Saturdays Banana Split Celebration on the Robindale Main Stage (320 Main Street) in Latrobe. It was the second single released from the album. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. That group disbanded in 2022. In 2012 "Crystal Blue Persuasion" was used in the eighth episode of Season 5 of Breaking Bad, "Gliding Over All", during a montage depicting the process involved to bring main character Walter White's methamphetamine operation and its signature blue crystal meth to an international level. Feels Good!,' the British disco artist revels in liberation, MTV Announces The 2023 Movie & TV Awards Presenters And It's A Long List, Plus, the nominees for Best Musical Moment are revealed, Taylor Swift Hates Mercury Retrograde As Much As The Rest Of Us, The singer jokingly blamed a hand injury on the astrological event. The title was inspired by a flashing sign for Mutual Of New York visible from James's apartment balcony in New York. In a 1970 side project, James wrote and produced the No. The solo career of Tommy James post-Shondells is well worth investigating for those who focus only on the early material, but spending one-third of the set's running time on the mid-'80s and beyond smacks of hubris. Gray, Ed. Top, left to right: Eddie Gray, Ron Rosman and Peter Lucia. 4.5K views 4 years ago After the release of "Hanky Panky", Tommy James had to find a new group to be called The Shondells. The impact of the late 1960s psychedelic and progressive rock movements seemed to inspire the modest musical shift that was apparent on the Cellophane Symphony album. The song is also featured in the movie The Expendables 2 (2012), while Barney (Sylvester Stallone) is flying his plane. Seiten: The tune went to No. Many hit songs later, one year turned into six. (Photo by Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) Embed PURCHASE A LICENSE Standard editorial rights Custom rights How can I use this image? 282 Tommy James And The Shondells Premium High Res Photos Browse 282 tommy james and the shondells photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Lead Guitar - Eddie Gray; Organ - Ronnie Rosman; Photography - Ron Meyers; Vocals - Tommy James; Tracklist is printed incorrectly on back cover. The Shondells then issued their first LP, named after their hit single, and had two more top-40 hits with "What I Am" and "It's Only Love. Bottom: Mike Vale and Tommy James. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Eddie Gray The Guitarist Tommy James And The Shondells 1968 OLD MUSIC PHOTO 1 at the best online prices at eBay! We took a long ride, and it was very successful, said Vale. 4:01: A3: Mony, Mony. In Britain, the tracks had similar success. In 2008 "I'm Alive" was covered by Tom Jones and released on his "24 Hours" album. The song originally appeared on the Crimson & Clover LP. Subscribe now to never miss an update: https://ume.lnk.to/EdSulli. Paul Guggenheimer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. However, James was labeled as a bubblegum pop artist, which he hated. The band had not yet practiced, so the entire performance, music and vocally, was lip synced. The record was released in 1969. Once we spent time with Morris at the offices in New York and saw who was coming in and out and saw weapons being handled, we started to realize the world we were getting into. You can contact Paul at pguggenheimer@triblive.com. Do Eric benet and Lisa bonet have a child together? Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images. Tommy James . The American rock and roll band "Tommy James and the Shondells" was formed in 1959. As the band embraced the sounds of psychedelia, they were invited to perform at Woodstock, but declined. James had recorded the tune two years earlier with the short-lived original Shondells lineup. Continuing with our top 10 Tommy James And The Shondells songs list we turn to their Cellophane Symphony album. Real Name: Edward James Zgorecki Aliases: Edward James Zgorecki In Groups: Hog Heaven, The Crystal Blue Band, Tommy James & The Shondells Variations: Viewing All | Eddie Gray E Gram, E. Gray, E. M. Gray, E.Gray, Ed Gray, Ed Grey, Ed J. For single release, the Shondells shortened the title cut to their 1969 album. Guitarist Eddie Gray and drummer Peter Lucia of American band Tommy James and the Shondells in a recording studio, circa 1968. 2004. 2003. 4:01: A3: Mony, Mony. [10] From late 1968, the group began writing their own songs, with James and Lucia penning the psychedelic-tinged classic "Crimson and Clover", which was recorded and mixed by Bruce Staple, with James tackling vocal duties and playing many of the instruments himself, and featured the creative use of studio effects such as delay and tremolo.[11]. We had our own connotations of what the word Mafia meant and all of a sudden it became real. in 1968. Billy Idol covered it in the 80s and had a big hit with it also. We would hear guys say to Morris Hey, I took care of that guy, I broke his legs and stuff like that. Vale, who grew up in the coal mining town of Salemville, was studying to be a mechanical engineer. [13] His four bandmates carried on for a short while under the name Hog Heaven, recording two albums (one "self-titled" on Roulette Records in March 1971 and the second recorded in 1971, but unreleased until 2008), and landing one Hot 100 hit, "Happy," at number 98, but disbanded soon afterwards. When released as a single in June 1969, "Crystal Blue Persuasion" became one of the biggest hits for the group, peaking at number two on the Billboard pop singles chart for three weeks behind Zager and Evans's single "In the Year 2525". Who makes the plaid blue coat Jesse stone wears in Sea Change? He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. Celebration: The Complete Roulette Recordings 1966-1973, El Barrio: The Ultimate Collection of Latin Boogaloo, Disco, Funk & Soul, Crystal Blues Symphonies: The Psychedelic Years, El Barrio: Sounds from the Spanish Harlem Streets, 40 Years: The Complete Singles Collection (1966-2006), The Greatest Groovy 60's Hits of All Time, Rhino Hi-Five: Tommy James & The Shondells, Greatest Hits of Tommy James & the Shondells, Crimson and Clover: A Tribute to Tommy James and the Shondells, The Best of Tommy James & the Shondells [Intercontinental], Here Comes the Groom/The Name Above the Title, Hits of Tommy James & The Shondells, Vol. The question should not be why now but, what took you so long? www.tommyjames.com/tours.php. Written-By - Ed Gray*, Mike Vale, Tommy James. The song has been included in many television shows and motion pictures. The Pittsburgh Steelers provided quarterback Kenny Pickett with some needed protection, trading up to acquire offensive tackle Broderick Jones of Georgia with the 14th pick in the NFL draft. It featured a number one single with the albums title track Hanky Panky. It would be the first of the bands two number one singles that they enjoyed throughout their entire career. Ed Gray, in addition to performing, owns and operates a recording studio in the Pittsburgh area in which he has recorded and produced a variety of successful acts.When asked why The Shondells chose to begin performing again now and, why without James, Vale said, "As I mentioned before, Tommy is off doing his own thing and we're happy for him. In 1966, TommyJames and the Shondellsreleased their first official album entitled Hanky Panky. We close out our Top 10 Tommy James And The Shondells songs list with a song that is probably one of the most played songs in the history of classic rock. J. Tommy James listens to us, and he called me aside later on and said Ive got something going on, and I wonder if youd be interested? . The song Sweet Cherry Wine, was a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number seven. 2023 Cox Media Group. When one looks at the songwriting credits on both our hits and album cuts you will see the names of the original Shondells on many of them. He soon disbanded the group, though Gray and the others kept touring and recorded one LP under the name Hog Heaven. 1 in the country, and he plays Hanky Panky., I made a U-turn in the middle of a four-lane highway and went back home and called all the guys in The Raconteurs and told them, This is a window of opportunity, and we should jump through it. . The Breaking Bad montage was again parodied in Bordertown season 1, episode 2, "Borderwall" during a montage featuring Bud Buckwald and Steve Hernandez (Bud's boss at the Border Patrol station) running an illegal smuggling tunnel. Produced by James himself, it's authoritative and includes great remastering as well as the original mono single versions of each early hit. You might be able to very soon. You may find their concert tour at In 1979, music writer Dave Marsh described it as "a transparent allegory about James' involvement with amphetamines."[3]. We would have to be hidden.. Tommy James & The Shondells - The Best Of Tommy James & The Shondells. It was frightening at times, said Vale. In 1987 the U.S. and UK pop charts had something of a Shondells renaissance: Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now" was bumped off the top of the Billboard Hot 100 by Billy Idol's take on "Mony Mony." Written-By - Ed Gray*, Mike Vale, Tommy James. They continue to tour. What are the duties of a sanitary prefect in a school? 2 [Realm], Entertainment Weekly: The Greatest Hits 1969, A Shot in the Dark: Tennessee Jive 1945-1955, The Best of Tommy James & the Shondells [K-Tel], 50 Years of Swing: 50 Great Years & Tracks, The Best of Tommy James & the Shondells [Rhino], The Very Best of Tommy James & the Shondells, Billboard Top Rock 'n' Roll Hits: 1968-1972, The Best of Tommy James & the Shondells [Roulette], A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum [Original London Cast], A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum [Original Broadway Cast], Party Tyme Karaoke: Instrumentals, Vol. The Heptones. View credits, reviews, tracks and shop for the Vinyl release of "The Best Of Tommy James & The Shondells" on Discogs. So, on occasion, we spent some time out of town. That quite frankly (ticked) us off to the extent that we decided it was over between us and thats what broke up the group, said Vale. To pick up the slack, Pete Lucia was brought in on drums, and Eddie Gray on guitar making Tommy James and The Shondells a five-piece guitar-oriented band. The companys co-founder and owner Morris Levy worked for New Yorks Genovese crime family. He completed his engineering studies and started his own company called Stellar Precision Components in Jeannette, which services the nuclear and aerospace industries. Listener response encouraged regular play and demand soared. Eddie Gray played guitar for me then, and he came up with that little riff. A gentle-tempoed groove, "Crystal Blue Persuasion" was built around a prominent organ part with an understated arrangement, more akin to The Rascals' sound at the time than to James's contemporary efforts with psychedelic rock. Ad. "We have been asked countless times over the years by friends and fans, when are you guys going get out and play together again", Mike Vale, Bass Player and songwriter with the group said. After first considering taking a job outside of music, James decided to form a new band, the Koachmen, with Shondells guitarist Larry Coverdale and members of a rival group called the Spinners (not the hit-making group from Detroit). He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. "Crystal Blue Persuasion" has appeared in the films A Walk on the Moon (1999), The Secret Life of Girls (1999), Zodiac (2007), The Nanny Diaries (2007), and the TV show How to Make it in America (2010). The year brought several hits for the group, including "Mirage," "I Like the Way," "Gettin' Together" and "Out of the Blue.". What time does normal church end on Sunday? "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" was written for Doris Day to sing in the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Man Who Knew Too Much. When I first explained to my parents that I was going to quit school and quit working my job and go on the road with a rock n roll band, the look on my dads face he was really upset.. 1 singles in the U.S., "Hanky Panky" (July 1966) and "Crimson and Clover" (February 1969), and also charted twelve other top 40 hits, including five in the hot 100's top ten: "I Think We're Alone Now . You could be feeling its effects, too, Bop Shop: Songs From Arlo Parks, Georgia, Rosala And Rauw Alejandro, And More, A superstar team-up is just the beginning, Jennifer Coolidge Is Officially A Comedic Genius At The 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards, The 'White Lotus' star will be the latest recipient of the Comic Genius Award. The song is also referenced in the title of the season 30 finale Crystal Blue-Haired Persuasion, in which a segment of the song is played. They may be right about the De-Evoloution thing. What happened to Eddie Grey of Tommy James and the shondells? In 2009 James and the surviving Shondells, Gray, Vale and Rosman, reunited to record music for a soundtrack of a proposed film based on James' autobiography, Me, the Mob, and the Music, released in February 2010. Its that one go to song when you need to get the party jumping. The record was released in 1969. (James) called us together one day and said he was sorry he had to do it but he was going to have to stop touring for a period of time, said Vale. When he told his parents he was moving to New York to work with a rock n roll band, they were not pleased. 1.2M views, 21K likes, 4.6K loves, 777 comments, 17K shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Colouring The Past: On this date in 1969, CRYSTAL BLUE PERSUASION. 1 singles in the U.S. "Hanky Panky" (July 1966, their only RIAA Certified Gold record) and "Crimson and Clover" (February 1969) and also charted twelve other top 40 hits, including five in the Hot 100's top ten: "I Think We're Alone Now", "Mirage", "Mony Mony", "Sweet Cherry Wine" and "Crystal Blue Persuasion". "Crystal Blue Persuasion" is a 1969 song originally recorded by Tommy James and the Shondells and composed by Eddie Gray, Tommy James and Mike Vale.A gentle-. Eddie Gray / Tommy James / Mike Vale. It was ne of three singles released from the I Think Were Alone Now album. They will be performing in DuBois on September 3 and at the Casino Theatre September 17 in Vandergrift. Tommy James And The Shondells would never have the success again that they did with the Crimson and Clover album. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai were two of Graham's co-writers for some '80s rock classics. While James had a briefly successful solo career in the early '70s, Hog Heaven floundered and split. And, at times, they found themselves involved in situations never before then imagined like touring the country with then Vice President, Hubert Humphrey in support of his 1968 Presidential CampaignSince the group initially disbanded in 1970, Mike Vale has written and recorded 7 albums both as a solo artist and for others. The song was released as the third single from the album. Gray, Ed. Ron Rosman has remained very active recording and performing Gospel Music including his latest album, "My Offering". $1 million Pennsylvania Lottery ticket sold at Allegheny County Giant Eagle, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to hold rare whiskey lottery, 3 juveniles charged after man assaulted, robbed in downtown Pittsburgh, 2 taken into custody after high-speed Pittsburgh police chase, Fire tears through Chilis Bar & Grill restaurant on McKnight Road, closing business indefinitely. Vales bandmates, guitarist Eddie Gray, keyboard player Ron Rosman and drummer Pete Lucia, were concerned because they were still in college, but they decided to take a year off and go to New York with Tommy James. This page was last edited on 29 April 2023, at 16:04. Three original members from Tommy James and the Shondells have gotten back together as The Crystal Blue Band.One member, Ron Rosman, was born and rais . They had two no. According to members Mike Vale and Ron Rosman, the band used bar gigs as their way of paying for schooling at St. Vincent College. The song was released twice with two different B sides. It also typified the album's embrace of psychedelic rock. Tommy James, Ed Gray, Mike Vale: Tommy James and The Shondells: May 1969: Covered by : Draggin' the Line: Tommy James, Bob King [CA1] Tommy James: December 1970: Label: Roulette - CLVLXR 453: Series: . [5] The single version differs from the album version of the song with horn overdubs added to the mix and a longer bongos overdub before the third verse. They were replaced by Eddie Gray (guitar) and Peter Lucia (drums); Magura departed as well.[7]. Discography Tommy James & the Shondells Follow Artist + 1960s hitmakers who infused bubblegum-style AM pop with rock & roll energy and clever songwriting. Also in 1968, the Shondells performed at rallies for many Democratic political candidates. Ed Gray found success as lead guitarist for the hitmaking '60s pop group Tommy James and the Shondells. 6, Party Tyme Karaoke: Billboard Top 40 Karaoke, Vol. More images. Aerosmith's farewell tour visits Pittsburgh in September, Luke Combs kicks off summer concert season at Acrisure Stadium, Lizzo, Blink-182 among top concerts to see around Pittsburgh in May, Summer concerts, movies coming to Hartwood Acres, South Park, TV Talk: Frank Nicotero hosts Very Local game show on the streets of Pittsburgh, Mountain climbers rappel down Mount Washington to clean up the hillside, 'Waste of time': Community college transfers derail students, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. 4:01: A3: Mony, Mony. Read Full Biography Overview Biography Discography Songs Credits Awards Related Share on facebook twitter tumblr Album Discography full condensed blue highlight denotes album pick In 1964 James renamed the band the Shondells because the name "sounded good" and in honor of nearby Fort Wayne's own Troy Shondell, famous for his 1961 release "This Time." Guitar - Eddie Gray; Keyboards - Ronnie Rosman; Vocals, Guitar - Tommy James; Barcode and Other Identifiers. The impact of the late 1960s psychedelic and progressive rock movements seemed to inspire the modest . I was flattered but I said, Ive got to talk it over with the guys., The next morning, Im on my way to a day job that I had and I turned on the radio, and, sure enough, I put it on KQV, and Chuck Brinkman was the jock at the time. Small $175.00 It happened as a result of Bo Gentry accidentally putting the tape of the song on backwards in the recording studio . With national promotion, the single became a No. Sorry, we couldnt resist. What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians. James first learned of all this activity in April 1966 after getting a telephone call from Pittsburgh disc jockey "Mad Mike" Metro(vich) asking him to come and perform the song. Gray on label B1 credits add Bob King on label, who does not appear on cover credit The Latrobe-natives soon found themselves on a busy tour schedule with the band. When Mack finally tracked down Tommy James in Niles, Michigan where the song was recorded, James told him The Shondells were no more. (Crystal blue persuasion, aah-aah) Writer/s: Eddie Morley Gray, Mike Vale, Tommy James Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind More songs from Tommy James & the Shondells More songs inspired by the Bible More songs with colors in the title More songs with biblical references View credits, reviews, tracks and shop for the 1969 Reel-To-Reel release of "The Best Of Tommy James & The Shondells" on Discogs. Every garage band, bar band, party band and on and on utilizes Mony Mony, in their set list. 1 singles in the U.S., "Hanky Panky" (July 1966) and "Crimson and Clover" (February 1969), and also charted twelve other top 40 hits, including five in the hot 100's top ten: "I Think We're Alone Now", "Mirage", "Mony Mony", "Sweet Cherry Wine", and "Crystal Blue Persuasion". At the time, neither Vale nor Rosman had any clue who James was or what the big deal was about his song Hanky Panky.. Meanwhile, in 1965, Pittsburgh dance promoter Bob Mack had unearthed the forgotten single "Hanky Panky", playing it at various dance parties, and radio stations there touted it as an "exclusive". 1, #21) from 1988. 1 in 1968. Mike Vale, Ron Rosman and Eddie Gray, former original members of Tommy James And The Shondells, will be rockin' the Parade this year when they perform "Mony Mony" and more! What is wrong with reporter Susan Raff's arm on WFSB news? They had a #3 smash with the rocking "Mony Mony," which James named after a sign bearing the financial institution Mutual of New York's initials. And were thinking What are we getting into? Otis Day And The Knights, the fictional band created to perform "Shout" in the movie Animal House, became a real band, performing the song at colleges and other venues.

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