Tommy James & The Shondells

Tommy James & the Shondells, an American rock band, were formed in Niles, Michigan, in 1964. The group initially began as Tom and the Tornadoes with Tommy Jackson (later known as Tommy James) as lead singer. In 1959, while attending high school, they released their first single "Long Pony Tail". In 1964, after renaming themselves the Shondells, they recorded "Hanky Panky", which gained local popularity but failed to chart nationally. The band disbanded in 1965. Tommy James reformed the group as Tommy James & the Shondells in 1966 with new members, and "Hanky Panky" became a number one hit after national promotion by Roulette Records. In 1967, they released their first album I Think We're Alone Now, which included the hit single of the same name. The band continued to release successful albums such as Mony Mony (1968), Crimson & Clover (1969), and Cellophane Symphony (1969). Notable hits include "I Think We're Alone Now" (1967), "Mirage" (1967), "Sweet Cherry Wine" (1969), and "Crystal Blue Persuasion" (1969). The band's second number one single, "Crimson and Clover", was released in 1969. Throughout their career, Tommy James & the Shondells charted twelve top 40 hits, including five in the Hot 100's Top 10.