Heading back to the rockin’ 60′s in Niles, Michigan for this set of tunes!

Tommy James & The Shondells
26 Greatest Hits

So it’s a little sad that the record I dusted off is a compilation, but its cool because there are hits upon hits for rocking out! Sorta reminds me of a live concert, except with no cheering crowd.

Of-course while I was catching my breath from jamming to Sweet Cherry Wine & air drumming Mony Mony; I was intrigued to learn that Tommy James’s first gig was at age 12 with a group he formed called, “The Tornadoes”. At age 12 for me, I remember dancing around the living room to Draggin’ The Line!

Not only was it surprising he started performing at a young age, but Pittsburgh (whoo!) provided a powerful launch to his musical career! Apparently two years after it was recored and released, a Pittsburgh nightclub DJ in 1966 started spinning Hanky Panky. The tune generated such a response with the public that local radio stations then began spinning the tune and record bootleggers began pressing out copies of the single – 8000 in 10 days!! Impressive! The number one hit in the summer of that year was Hanky Panky. Of course the rest, as they say, is history.

There are lots of interesting facts and tidbits about Tommy James & The Shondells – more than enough to overwhelm this post! Check out Tommy James’s site for the complete biography.

26 Greatest Hits (Front Cover)

26 Greatest Hits (Back Cover)

Here is one of my favorites chilling on youtube. (Sweet Cherry Wine)