Tommy James and the Shondells is an American rock band formed in Niles, Michigan, in 1964. The group achieved two U.S. number‑one singles: “Hanky Panky” (1966), their only RIAA‑certified Gold record, and “Crimson and Clover” (1968). They also scored twelve additional Top 40 hits, including five Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100: “I Think We’re Alone Now” (1967), “Mirage” (1967), “Mony Mony” (1968), “Sweet Cherry Wine” (1969) and “Crystal Blue Persuasion” (1969). The band’s roots trace back to 1959, when The Echoes formed in Niles, Michigan. The group later evolved into Tom and the Tornadoes, featuring 12‑year‑old Tommy James (then performing as Tommy Jackson) as lead singer. While attending Niles High School, the group released its first single, “Long Pony Tail”, in 1962. In 1964, James renamed the band the Shondells, choosing the name because it “sounded good” and as a nod to Troy Shondell, known for his 1961 hit “This Time”. At that point, the lineup included Tommy James (vocals, guitar), Larry Coverdale (lead guitar), Larry Wright (bass), Craig Villeneuve (keyboards) and Jim Payne (drums). In February 1964, the band recorded “Hanky Panky”, written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich and originally released as a B‑side by the Raindrops. James’ version became a regional success in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, but Snap Records, the label that issued the single, lacked national distribution.
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Crimson and Clover
Hanky Panky
Mony Mony
I Think We`re Alone Now
She
Sweet Cherry Wine
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