Acclaimed rocker Tommy James has released a captivating memoir “Me, the Mob, and the Music.” #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
His book is one of the most entertaining, informative and jaw-dropping music memoirs. What starts as the story of a small-town kid with a dream quickly explodes into a surreal, wild ride through the golden age of rock and roll — complete with hit records, shady record deals, brushes with organized crime, and enough behind-the-scenes chaos to fill ten books.
What makes this memoir so compelling is Tommy James himself. He writes with the same infectious energy that powered classics like “Crimson and Clover,” “Mony Mony,” and “I Think We’re Alone Now.” His voice is warm, funny, self-aware, and surprisingly humble. Even when describing absolutely insane situations — like discovering his record label is literally run by the Mafia — James never loses his sense of humor, wit, or humanity.
The book, which can easily be read in two sittings, captures an era when the music industry was still the Wild West: no rules, massive personalities, and fortunes changing overnight. The stories are incredible, but what elevates the memoir beyond simple rock-star gossip is the emotional honesty underneath it all. James doesn’t paint himself as a victim or a hero; he simply tells the truth as he lived it, and he doesn’t sugarcoat anything. That honesty and rawness gives the book real weight.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect is the portrait of Roulette Records and its notorious boss Morris Levy. The intersection of organized crime and the music business has been hinted at in countless documentaries and rumors, but Me, the Mob, and the Music pulls back the curtain in vivid detail. It’s part music history, part crime saga, and part personal coming-of-age story.
Even readers who aren’t diehard fans of Tommy James & the Shondells will find themselves hooked. The pacing is fast, the anecdotes are unforgettable, and the atmosphere of the 1960s and 70s practically jumps off the page. By the end, you come away with a newfound respect not only for Tommy James’ music, but for his resilience, talent, and sheer ability to survive one of the craziest eras in entertainment history.
This isn’t just a great rock memoir — it’s a genuinely great American underdog story. Tommy James will go down in music history as one of the greatest rock and roll artists, songwriters, and storytellers that the 20th century has known.
If anybody has any doubt as to whether or not Tommy James rightfully belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, all they need to do is read a copy of this book, and the will be blown away. Simply put, Tommy James captures the spirit, heart and soul of rock and roll. “Me, the Mob, and the Music” garners two giant thumbs up.
His book “Me, the Mob, and the Music” is available on Amazon by clicking here.
For more information on Tommy James, his book, music and tour dates, visit his official website, and follow him on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Read More: Tommy James’ interview with Digital Journal.
