Rocker Tommy James and the Shondells to perform at Empire State Plaza
Posted at: 07/04/2012 3:10 PM
| Updated at: 07/04/2012 3:22 PM
By: Emma Levine
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ALBANY- Tommy James will perform with the Shondells at the Empire State Plaza for this year’s Fourth of July festivities.
James, who has 23 gold singles, nine platinum albums and over 100 million records sold worldwide, has had his songs covered by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, R.E.M., Prince, Billy Joel, Joan Jett and more, according to a statement.
“It’s an honor to be performing for this Fourth of July Celebration,” said James in a statement. “To provide the soundtrack for such a special day is a really cool deal.”
James’ 40 years of songs include, “Crimson & Clover,” “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “I Think We’re Alone Now,” and “Hanky Panky.” James also wrote a bestselling autobiography titled “Me, the Mob, and the Music.”
The book talks about James’ relationship with Morris Levy, the head of the Roulette Records, a front for the Genovese crime family in New York and also gives a rocker’s perspective on the history of rock and roll music. There are plans for the book to be made into a movie.
Aside from his music career, James has also spoke at New York University’s Clive David Department of Recorded Music, Rutgers University, Wililam-Patterson University and others. He is also writing a comedy for TV for his company, Aura Entertainment.
Tommy James and the Shondells will perform Wednesday at 8:15 p.m. Click here to learn more about Tommy James.
