Me, the Mob, and the Music

One Helluva Ride with Tommy James and the Shondells

By: Tommy James, Martin Fitzpatrick

Narrated by: David Colacci

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Everyone knows the hits: "Mony Mony," "I Think We're Alone Now," "Crimson and Clover," "Crystal Blue Persuasion." They are nuggets of rock and pop history. However, few know the unlikely story of how these hits came to be. Tommy James had been performing in rock bands in the Michigan area since the age of 12. Prompted to record a few songs by a local disc jockey in 1964, Tommy chose an obscurity titled "Hanky Panky," which became a minor local hit that came and went. Then, in 1966, the record was rediscovered by a Pittsburgh DJ who started playing it on heavy rotation, prompting a tremendous response. Soon every record mogul in New York was pursuing Tommy and the band. Then an even odder thing happened: every offer except one disappeared, and Tommy found himself in the office of Morris Levy at Roulette Records, where he was handed a pen and ominously promised "one helluva ride." Morris Levy, the legendary "godfather" of the music business, needed a hit, and "Hanky Panky" would be his. The song went to number one; Tommy went on to do much more; and Levy continued to reign.

Me, the Mob, and the Music tells the intimate story of the complex and sometimes terrifying relationship between the bright-eyed, sweet-faced blonde musician from the heartland and the big, bombastic, brutal bully from the Bronx, who hustled, cheated, and swindled his way to the top of the music industry. It is also the story of this swaggering, wildly creative era of rock 'n' roll---when the hits kept coming and payola and the strong arm tactics of the mob were the norm---and what it was like, for better or worse, to be in the middle of it.

©2010 Tommy James (P)2010 Tantor

Honestly Told Story

I was in the business in the sixties and knew some of the people mentioned. I fortunately never met Morris Levy but he did cost me a close friend of mine who had a song he wanted. Saying no to Morris could be deadly. Listen to this story to learn how it really was. Great job Tommy.

Fabulous Tommy James!!!

What made the experience of listening to Me, the Mob, and the Music the most enjoyable?

The whole book kept my attention! All their music stands the test of time and is being re-discovered now by younger people today. An era gone by it brings back all the memories of the turbulent 60's and how this music set the touch tone for rock and roll today.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Me, the Mob, and the Music?

All of it! Probably the most touching was at the end when Morris passed away.
It all came full circle for Tommy and how he is a survivor too! So many like him ended up in the 27 club he knew personally.

Have you listened to any of David Colacci’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No but excellent narration for this book

If you could give Me, the Mob, and the Music a new subtitle, what would it be?

Tommy James a Survivor and Trailblazer of Psychedelic Rock

Any additional comments?

If you know this music get this you will not be sorry!
and if you have never listened to Tommy James and The Shondells get their music!

Great Audiobook and Great listening.

loved it and listened to it straight through. Tommy and the Shondells are Rock and Roll Legends.

Fascinating story!

This is an absolutely fascinating story of behind the scenes of the music business! so interesting its being made into a movie with top Hollywood players. should be out in about 2 years read this in the meantime. a eye opener for tommy fans and mob story fans couldn't put it down !

Loved it cause I lived it...

Or should I say re-lived it, the era.
Wish there had been more of Tommy's music to orient the listener to his references. I was aware of his talent vocally, not at all aware of his music producing, writing abilities until listening to this---hence, would have enjoyed hearing some of it, too.
His portrayal of Morris Levy, the legend, is scary, fascinating, and objective....perhaps too objective, as he
is the most interesting, complex person in the book---what about a bio of him by Martin Fitzpatrick as a sequel?

Different Mob Story Take

What an amazing story, Interested.

Tommy James became Tommy James cause of Morris truthfully.

Definitely a good listen, Tommy was a mini Mob Boss lol.

Tommy James Great Book

The book is great. The audible version brings the book to life. Tommy us open and honest about the business and his success.

Great listen!

Very interesting history of Tommy and his musical beginnings. Extremely entertaining narration! Very enjoyable and informative.

Mobsters in Rock and Roll?

Would you listen to Me, the Mob, and the Music again? Why?

I would if I had the time. Great book, very interesting to find out how the industry was in those days.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tommy James. It appears that he was very talented and that his talent was stiffeld because of drugs and his relationship to Morse.

Which character – as performed by David Colacci – was your favorite?

Tommy James

Interesting story

I enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about Tommy James, and his music, but I also learned things about other artists, too. Good book.