He is a musical legend – Meet Tommy James Children: Tommy James Has How Many Children, Kids. At just four years old, James started as a child model, foreshadowing his future in the limelight.
In 1959, at the tender age of twelve, he formed a band named “The Echoes,” which later evolved into “Tom and the Tornadoes,” showing his early commitment to music.
Tommy James Biography
Born as Thomas Gregory Jackson on April 29, 1947, he’s a multi-talented musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. His journey in the world of entertainment began at a young age, setting the stage for his remarkable career.
The Shondells Era
In 1964, the band underwent a name change, becoming “The Shondells.” They had the privilege of recording at WNIL Studios under the watchful eye of a local DJ named Jack Douglas, who had his own record label venture, Snap Records.
The Hit That Changed Everything
One of the tracks they recorded, “Hanky Panky,” originally by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, gained local success but lacked national promotion.
Fate intervened when a local dance promoter named Bob Mack discovered the song and featured it in his Pittsburgh dance clubs.
The song quickly gained traction and climbed to the number one spot on Pittsburgh radio stations in early 1966.
The Journey to Stardom
With “Hanky Panky” gaining momentum, James received numerous calls from Pittsburgh, urging him to visit Pennsylvania. There, he met key figures like Bob Mack and Chuck Rubin.
With the song’s regional success and recognition from music trade papers, the trio decided to venture to New York City in pursuit of a record deal.
The Roulette Records Saga
Their journey took them to various major recording labels, but Roulette Records initially provided no response.
It turned out that Morris Levy, the label’s head, had claimed ownership of “Hanky Panky” and effectively scared off other record companies. The only viable option was to sign with Roulette Records.
The Birth of Tommy James and the Shondells
As the band had disbanded two years prior, James found himself as the sole remaining Shondell.
He performed with various bands until he met the Raconteurs at the Thunderbird Lounge in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
This marked the birth of the new Shondells, and Thomas Gregory Jackson adopted the professional name of Tommy James.
Chart-Topping Success
By June 1966, “Hanky Panky” reached the top of the charts at WLS. Just one month later, in July 1966, it became the number one single in the United States, solidifying Tommy James and the Shondells’ place in music history.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
In February 2018, Tommy James took on a new role as the host of the weekly radio program “Gettin Together with Tommy James” on Sirius XM Radio channel 73, 60s Gold, connecting with audiences through his enduring passion for music.
He has also graced late-night infomercials, showcasing collections of music from the Woodstock era for Time Life, highlighting his ongoing influence and resonance in the world of entertainment.
Tommy James Has How Many Children, Kids
Tommy James, the talented American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, is a father, but specific details about his child remain undisclosed.
Tommy has been married three times in his life, and sadly, his wife Lynda passed away in February 2022 after battling a prolonged illness.
According to one source, Tommy James is the proud parent of three children: Michael, Matthew, and Marisa. However, the accuracy of this information may be uncertain, as it’s unclear when it was last updated. Additionally, another source claims that Tommy James has a son named Brian.
Source: whoiswriter.com
