62. Tommy James & the Shondells

Somehow in the late ’60s, if you were not making a political stance or experimenting in the studio, you ran the risk of not being taken seriously. Sure, you could still be successful, but respect was hard to come by. In the case of Tommy James & the Shondells, their respect would come much later.

Think about this interesting fact from 1987; Tiffany’s hatchet job of “I Think We’re Alone Now” was replaced at number one by Billy Idol’s successful remake of “Mony Mony”. Musically, the best adjective to describe them was fun (though we are sure our readers will come up with others) and the songs of Tommy James certainly conjured up that. Although they were described as a Bubblegum band in their day, that is a label that appears to be diminishing over time. If they overcome that image and their original work continues to get covered by credible artists (we don’t mean Tiffany), they could overcome their long-shot status for entry.

FilmStrip Rock.Tommy James and the Shondells

www.tommyjames.com

Should Tommy James and the Shondells be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 91.9%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 3.7%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3.3%

No opinion. - 0.4%

No way! - 0.7%

The Bullet Points

Previous Rank: 2011: #105
2012: #101
2013: #100
2014: #96
2015: #90
2016: #87
Eligible Since: Wednesday, 01 January 1992
Country of Origin: U.S.A. (Pittsburgh, PA)
Why they will get in: Many of their songs still hold up today, and they are gaining appreciation.
Why they won't get in: They were not perceived as groundbreaking and have too much of a Bubblegum label to overcome.
Nominated in: Never
Essential Albums: I Think We’re Alone Now (1967)
Crimson and Clover (1968)
Mony Mony (1968)
Cellophane Symphony (1969)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Hanky Panky (Single, 1963)
Mirage (From I Think We’re Alone Now, 1967)
Crimson and Clover (From Crimson and Clover, 1968)
Crystal Blue Persuasion (From Crimson and Clover, 1968)
She (From Travellin’, 1970)