Free Republic

Tommy James’ career was a ride. That’s how he describes it now, and that’s how his soon-to-be boss, Morris Levy, described it when James initially signed to Roulette Records. “I hope you’re ready kid,” he said as James put pen to paper on a life-changing contract, “Because you’re about to go on one hell of a ride.” If only he knew just how true that was. In 1964, James recorded ‘Hanky Panky’ for a small Michigan label. It did OK, but nothing earth-shattering and nowhere near enough to have people consider James the next big thing. It wasn’t until 1966,...

Great Psych-Garage-Bubblegum 60's

NILES — Two people have been arrested for arson at the Niles Walmart. Paula Kryski and Stephen Taghon have been arrested for the October 31 incident. Right now they're being held at the St. Joseph County jail before being transferred to Berrien County. Taghon is facing third degree arson and larceny. Kryski is charged with conspiracy to commit arson.

In this extended interview, Tommy James talks about his days with the mob and how the rock'n'roll lifestyle almost derailed his life...

  Niles, Mich. You can take a tour through an inflatable colon on Friday. It will be on display at Niles High School from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited to come check it out. It is an interactive display and students will be on site to educate visitors. The giant colon is being presented by Michiana Hematology Oncology. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. It is estimated that nearly 127,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year alone.

1960s pop star Tommy James is out with his autobiography which details the not-so-hidden hand of the Genovese crime family in the music industry. In Me, the Mob, and the Music, James writes of his experience with Morris Levy, the head of Roulette Records, with whom he was forced to sign through mob influence as reported by Chris Jordan for Courier News: James tells of an awkward working relationship with Levy, for whom James felt affection and fear. Levy, as James points out, was an associate of Genovese Family types like "Fat Tony'' Salerno and Vincent "The Chin'' Gigante, whose...

CBN.com – He had hits like “Mony, Mony”, “Crimson and Clover”, and “Crystal Blue Persuasion” – 23 gold records in all, but what went on behind the scenes? I sat down with Tommy James to talk with him about his new book, Me, the Mob, and the Music. Scott Ross: When did that start for you, the music thing? Tommy James: It actually started when I was four years old. I started playing a ukulele. When I was nine years old, I got my first acoustic guitar, and I saw Elvis on the first Ed Sullivan Show. Rock'n'Roll suddenly became...

And the winner of The Greatest Song Of ALl Time as determined by me is . . . (drum roll, please) . . . . Tommy James and the Shondells ' MIRAGE ' ( applause )