He has 23 gold singles, 9 platinum albums and over 100 million records sold worldwide. His career took off in 1966 when his group the Shondells released "Hanky Panky," which was followed by hits including "I Think We're Alone Now," "Out of the Blue," "Mony Mony" and "Crimson and Clover." James' autobiography, Me, the Mob, and the Music, released in 2010, documents his relationship with Morris Levy, head of Roulette Records and front for the Genovese crime family; the pressure to make hit records; and his battle with prescription drugs, alcohol and recovery. The release has earned Mr. James high praise from critics and industry insiders and is headed for Broadway and a major motion picture.
James is writing additional songs for the upcoming Broadway production. His current catalogue of great music is being distributed worldwide through Angel Air Records in the U.K. and he has generated another fan base through music seminars at colleges and universities around the country. He has recently spoken to students at New York University's Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, Rutgers University, and William-Patterson University. In between tour dates, writing songs, and speaking engagements, Tommy is also writing a comedy with music geared for television-this is one of several future projects for his company, Aura Entertainment.
James will join Valerie Smaldone in conversation at 92Y on June 28th, kicking off the 92Y's music series. For tickets or more information, visit http://92y.org/Uptown/Event/TommyJamesWithValerieSmaldone.aspx.
Tommy James will be selling and signing copies of his autobiography, Me, the Mob, and the Music, following the program.
