Me, The Mob, And The Music: One Helluva Ride With Tommy James & The Shondells (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
Tommy James' no-holds-barred story of how he was caught up in the intestines of the pop music industry from the mid-1960s through early 1970s is served with a side order of his perspective on the rest of the world from his smelly, churning vantage point. This is a first-person history through the wide eyes of a Midwestern kid who goes to New York to seek his fortune and who is almost immediately snatched into a recording syndicate with clear ties to the notorious Genovese underworld family; and then toward the end, through wiser eyes.The opening chapter or two are magically literary. Then, as certain as the progression from childhood to adolescence, the tone changes. As a privileged rock star whose chart-toppers would be the envy of most in the business, his vantage point is unique. He can count both mobsters and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, as benefactors. If you're a student of U.S. history, this is no textbook but it could be an enlightening side resource. If you're serious about the history of popular music, this is an important read. The list of artists whose lives were touched by the musical arm of the Genovese clan may surprise you. But this is not a "tell all" story a la Jose Canseco or Jim Bouton "outing" their peers. Tommy James comes off respectfully toward all.The secondary plot of James' story is his relationship with Morris Abel, the "Godfather" of the popular music business in New York from the 1950s through the 1970s. The love-hate dynamic between the two men is both compelling and repulsive. The book's lighter counterpoint: The backstory behind all the biggest hits, which fans of Tommy James and the Shondells will find delightful.James does not reveal much of his soul in this book. He does leaves us breadcrumbs that give us insight into his regrets over his failed marriages, his lost opportunities toward his son, and a connection to God that endured all the stereotypical excesses of the rock star lifestyle. His decision to not tell us more of his spiritual journey may be the book's biggest lost opportunity; but in fairness, that is not his intent. James wants to take us on "one hell of a ride" and in that, he has succeeded. Light but enjoyable bio of this master of 60s singles ("Hanky Panky," "Mony Mony," "I Think We're Alone Now," "Crimson and Clover," "Crystal Blue Persuasion," "Draggin' The Line," etc.). Born in Dayton, Ohio and raised in Niles, Michigan, he's surprisingly frank about his own bad behavior (drugs and drinking, cheating on his wives, firing loyal bandmates) and about the strong impact of the mob on his career (at one point, describes a sales meeting where his manager - a mobster - strong arms sales distributors into buying enough of one of his singles so that it ships platinum). Slightly disappointing (but predictable) when in a rush in the last few pages, he crashes and burns in the 80s, goes to rehab, finds God, and the love of a good woman.
What do You think about Me, The Mob, And The Music: One Helluva Ride With Tommy James & The Shondells (2010)?
I was surprised at how hits were made and saddened by how TJ was taken advantage of for so long.
—showtek4life
Not bad....different from other rock memoirs, as Tommy somehow got mixed up with the Mob.....
—Brookefay77
Seemed a little too sanitized...but would probably make a great film.
—shamika
