Tommy James: Behind the Crystal Blue Persuasion (Extended Interview) - CBN.com
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- Опубліковано 10 лип 2024
- In this extended interview, Tommy James talks about his days with the mob and how the rock'n'roll lifestyle almost derailed his life... The Christian Broadcasting Network CBN www.cbn.com
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He should be in the Hall Of Fame, amazing work.
He sure should be IMO.. not joking! 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
Crystal Blue Persuasion, one of the absolute best songs of the 1960s.
I'd go as far to say 'of all time!'
yeah just imagine a song that Was inspire by all the Meth lab epidemic in the United States
@@andrewdekovitch7144 So, you didn't watch the video, or ever listen to the song. Good to know.
It's one of the greatest songs in history
@@johnrogers4524 .. I'm pretty sure it was a joke. Not a great one, but still....
Tommy's lack of ego and arrogance is great to see, a legendary rocker who is down to earth and a nice guy to know.
I once heard him in an interview when, in all likelihood, he was blitzed on something. Unlike that interview, this one is so thoughtful and rightly reveals a man once tortured by the same kind of demons that waylaid Keith Moon, John Bonham, Elvis, and many others.
He's just so mellow, nice and sweet. His voice and music matched his personality.
i agree with you, and it takes a big person to come out and openly tell their story. admit to things, and be good example to others, and how he reached for bible and become so interested. i love this
Most of them are. They are just regular guys.
👊🤙
I’ve covered his songs in cover bands for years. Praise the Lord this man Loves the Lord!
WHY ISN'T HE IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME? mindboggling
Bill Tinquery Christian...and not Hollywood connected
HOF is overrated.
Because He is a proffessing follower of the one true God....the world doesn't want to reflect that as they serve the opposite and will not except outsiders .....his songs are poetry and had more lyrical masterpieces then most. ❤
bc of the bad dye job.
@D C I stand by my remark. That dye is "crystal black persuasion"... he should try "George Washington gray."
Loved this interview! We serve such a loving and compassionate Father. What a great testimony Tommy. Thanks for sharing. ❤
Glad you enjoyed it!
Tommy, I want you to know I have loved your Music since the beginning. I've been listening to your music daily ever since. Every morning when I wake up I listen to Crystal Blue Persuasion. I also have your CD in my car CD player and I never take it out. Everytime I get in my car the first thing I do is play Crystal Blue Persuasion. This song is my lifeline. It starts my day happy and thankful I'm alive. Thank you for writing this song Tommy.
Much Love, Mary
A genius dude. Just saw him last night on Cape Cod. I've never seen such crisp, correct musical timing in my life, and I've seen A LOT OF BIG BANDS from the sixties, seventies, eighties onward. Tommy was a really gracious dude, an audience oriented kind of guy. He drew a very nice, personable audience, too.
I had your records 45’s, crystal blue persuasion is my all time favorite song. Great interview and love hearing him speak, what a solid and full of grace guy.
Such a good guy. He should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Chris, I completely agree with you that Tommy James
should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
He's too good for RRHOF!
Indeed!
I meant he should be in hall of fame.
What do you mean? He is not in the HofF??????????? Are u sure?
Crysyal blue persuasion is the most spiritual song of all time
Charles Dcrystal blue persuasion uke.
...well, *ONE* of them, anyway.
I used to listen to Crystal Blue Persuasion when I would cruise my lowrider back in the seventies. I really never paid a lot of attention to the lyrics so I never understood the true meaning. The other night while on UA-cam ( of course) I saw a version of this song with Lyrics. In the last 5 years I became a Christian and that song brought me to tears. God bless you Tommy.
Crystal ?? "Spiritual" ? Ok...whatever... !!
@@geraldfrieberg7921 What was the meaning behind the song Crystal Blue Persuasion?
He was inspired by his reading of the book of Ezekiel where it speaks of the Blue Shekinah Light which represented the presence of the Almighty God and the Books of Isaiah and Revelation where it speaks of a bright future of a brotherhood of mankind living in peace and harmony. This is where he got his idea from.💕🙏😍
Being a Giddian, the part of his story about the Giddian Bible really touched my heart. I can't tell you how many Bibles I gave to students, nurses, inmates, and places in hotel desk drawers. I just never knew if my work was effective.
His vocals are so pure! His songwriting is impeccable. This man should be in the HOF! He is such a humble guy, he loves his Lord, but he deserves so much more. He is a national treasure, and he doesn't know it. It's about time that he should know. Tommy James. Hall of Fame damnit!!!
I was in Junior High when their music came out. I think we're alone now and Crimson and Clover were my favorite. What a great band!
Tommy, you were and always will be the best. I can't describe how much your wonderful music is ingrained into my life and my soul. God bless you!
Class Act and last night he continued that trend at Westbury Theatre here on Long Island. Tremendous talent and person.
What a great story! The local band at my first sock hop in 1966 covered Tommy James. I danced with 3 or 4 girls that night and only remember dancing to Hanky Panky. Loved TJ and the Shondells! Crystal Blue Persuasion........the best of all his hits!
He's such a nice man... and a great musical artist 💙
Your input is very much appreciated.
I am 60 now - and still LOVE listening to Tommy James and The Shondells music because it brings back such amazing and wonderful teen moments - cruising - singing - and just being real. In September 2016 - I will be in the FRONT row of TJ&S concert in St. Charles, IL and so excited to finally see these amazing and talented individuals IN PERSON - its like time travel somehow. Cannot wait for my husband and I to experience this event! All warm thoughts toward Tommy James.
that cool how fun
Great! Hope you get video you can share, and that the show is all it can be, for you. Love Tommy James and always knew he had talent from way back as Tommy Roe. He has a great voice and style. I've not yet found out if the Shondells are all the originals or not. Be nice if so.
He is NOT Tommy Roe. Two different people.
@Dee Bunk How was the concert? 😊
Dee Bunk, i'm 64 and with you All the way Brother !!!
Fascinating! Have been a Tommy James fan since 1969 when I bought the "Crimson and Clover" single. "Crystal Blue Persuasion" is my favorite song of all time and love most of TJ&S' music.
I saw Tommy James and the Shondells last night and they were great. Tommy came into the audience and I got to shake his hand. What a great evening!
Hello Tony Seel,
I am glad you say Tommy James and the Shondells. Nice to hear that Tommy James entered the audience and that you shook his hand. I would like to see Tommy James
and the Shondells in real life.
Hey Tommy I was born in 1966 but I sure dig your music and beliefs. God has drawn me to your music, grand funk railroad, Kansas,glass harp. You have been a big influence on me for years with my guitar playing.
God drove you to the record store?? Wow...really??
This guy wrote some major hits...even the teenybopper tiffany and billy idol had hits with his songs...totally underrated and underappreciated....this guy is american rock royalty
What a treat to stumble upon! When I was a young girl with my children's record player, the first 45 I bought was, Mony, Mony. Now, all these years later, I can't help but think, yeah, I had pretty good taste. Way to go Tommy James!
I still have that 45!
What a nice, lovely man. Love your music Tommy. My fav: Crystal Blue Persuasion
Thanks, Tommy for the wonderful music and the incredible story.
Nice interview, dad. Miss you.
I've always really liked Tommy James' music and after seeing this I think I know why now. What an inspirational man and awesome musician and songwriter.
Humble guy for a freakin’ genius
Fantastic Song! I remember buying the record in 1969 when l was 13. #1 record here in Canada 🇨🇦 . Tommy James is an amazing musician and songwriter! ❤
Your music got me through some very hard times in my life.Loved it man.
I was looking across the room out the window this morning and was thinking, "What a beautiful blue sky!" God whispered, "Crystal Blue Persuasion", to me. I looked up your song and found such a lovely message. I thought that was the end of the message, but then he nudged me to listen to this interview. ..... I also saw UFO's here in Va Bch, near the Oceana Jet Base. Have seen 3 flying saucers thus far. No one believes you, but God knows. ........ God bless you, Mr. James. He loves you.
Wow!
I 'm so glad to hear this... love this story !!! 2019 Always loved Tommy James Music !!!
I remember when Hanky Panky was popular and on the radio. I was just a kid in the 60's and grew to love all of Tommy's hits. I was lucky enough to see Tommy James and the Shondelles in concert a few years ago. Awesome show! Tommy still sounds great!
How the holy spirit moves us is amazing
Indeed…👍🥰🙌
Absolutely
Tommy, I have been listening to your music like forever. I found out about all this stuff a few years ago. I must say I was blown away. I mean, how many rock stars do you hear of giving their testimony about how God saved them? Your testimony is nothing short of a miracle. I don't care what anybody says, it is a straight up miracle. But then again, God is in the miracle business isn't He? I've had a few miracles in my life. Some that happened to me and some that happened to others because I listened to God and did what He said. I doubt I will ever get the chance to meet you and talk about Jesus but in case I don't, I do plan on seeing you in Heaven. God Bless you Tommy.
God bless you Tommy James and your family!
Best interview I’ve ever heard. Thank you, Tommy❤
Great Interview Tommy and Great Band! Tommy James and the Shondells. Crimson and Clover should have put them in the Hall of Fame. I never get tired of that song!
Awesome story !! So glad to hear that Tommy is a Christian. I had no idea the inspiration behind some of those songs.
I always thought that "Ball of Fire in the Sky" was about God, the question was however, which god was he singing about.
@@paulthomas8335 The only one who exists
It was in the air, the age of Aquarius .. all beyond the norms and outdated traditions
God is so good he is always tthere for us and if you look for him you will see all the times he has been there.
Amen, Lonnie!
SO good he makes drug addicts
I'm a black guy and in 1968 I was 16yrs old, I've always liked different cultures of music, the Dave Clark Five, the Four Seasons and many more, but back in those days Tommy James and the Shondells was one of my favorite groups, my favorites were Mony Mony, Crimson and Clover over and over, crystal blue persuasion.
Been a fan since 1966, but really knew nothing about this man until last week when I found the crystal blue persuasion video at the bitter end. Amazing story amazin music amazin man. Thanks for for 49 years of great memories tommy
I was born in 1961 and Hanky Panky was my first record, a 45 playing it over and over.
Tommy being the honest person he is. My sister was best friends in high school with Tommy's cousin in South Bend, Indiana in the 60's....met him at her house playing billiards, very nice guy. His father was an elevator operator in a local hotel(back when hotels had elevator operators!).
(Karina translation) Wow there are many beautiful songs recorded with him with this song is unforgettable. The truth is that this song over the years none will be more beautiful. Simply the very very best!
One of my favorite songs of all time. First heard it in 1969 while camping with my family on the beach of Galveston, Texas. Has always inspired me.
Great concert in Laughlin this year. Still sounds the same. Tommy, you rock!!!
Thank you for watching and for the kind words. God bless you! }
Loved hearing this interview and the testimony by Tommy James. L8ve the music! 💜🎵🌷
Hey Tommy,thanks for coming back to Niles HS in about 1973 and giving us a free concert at the Sr High auditorium. Didn't realize at the time (being a stupid kid) just how lucky we were! I remember buying 45's at Spin It records downtown,but that was after you had left the store...
Awesome interview. Thanks so much for posting this :))
Such a great interview. An inspiring testimony to the change God can make in a persons life. I have always loved Tommy and the Shondells, being in my teens at the height of their career as a band. I never really gave a lot of thought to what Crystal Blue Persuasion was about, but had an inkling it was't drug related. Just a great love song, the main point being love!! Love was the answer and still IS. Tommys testimony to Gods working in his life is SO different to so many of the other life stories of high profile rock groups. It really makes me sad to think of all the groups that ended in pain and too often tragedy. Such a great story of God and a rock and roll band that REALLY DID hit the GOOD times. Thanks, Tommy for your faith in God and keep rocking for Him.
Too bad man made up (god) and its only a myth and not fact....
@@kensims4086 man did not make up God its True God is real and alive now and forever
ask Him to reveal Himself again
what have u got to lose
@@Robert-re5vk it's very sad that so so many people don't believe in GOD they'll regret it one day.
WHEN CBN INTERVIEW WITH TOMMY JAMES, I WAS ASTONISHED ON HOW HIS LIFE WAS AS A ROCK AND ROLL SINGER WITH THE SHONDELLS. AND THEN 2010, AS THIS INTERVIEW WITH CBN, HIS LIFE WAS TURNED AROUND TO BECOMING A NEW CREATION OF BEING A NEW PERSON. AND WHEN I SAW THIS HAPPENING, HE'D CAME BACK OF BECOMING A JESUS FOLLOWER. I HAD TO TELL TOMMY JAMES HOW PROUD I AM FOR BEING LIKE THIS AS OF RIGHT NOW. MAY GOD KEEP YOU AND TO BLESS YOU ALWAYS OF ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE OF GOD.
In honor of mothers day coming up, let's give a shout out to Tommy's mom for buying that guitar, thank you Mrs. James.
You can get this GREAT book at the library. This is my 48th book on rock musicians and ONE OF THE BEST !! How good ? It's only 200 pages and should be 500. That good. Tommy my man, I enjoyed your story as much as Eric Clapton and Rod Stewart's books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. My first album I ever received was from my parents when I was a kid, in the mid 70s. It was a 2-record vinyl of Tommy's greatest hits. I kept seeing a commercial on TV for it and I asked my mother to buy it for me, and she did. Still love all the music to this day. After nearly 50 years, I have an opportunity to go see Tommy perform later this year and I can't imagine missing it.
What an amazing story! I am so glad that I had the chance to listen to the truth behind the songs, the discovery of Tommy James and the Shondells and corporate dishonor.
Love the part where he says he was a big UFO buff and then opened the Bible at random to Ezekiel only to read the greatest UFO story of all. Enjoyed the interview very much.
Even God can use Bible roulette, happened to me also. Humble, real guy thoroughly enjoyed
Dude is a hit machine.
Truly an amazing testimonial Mr James. Tommy James and The Shondells had me at Dragging The Line.
Thanks for the music and the testimony Tommy!
WOW, Ive loved his music since my earliest memories. Amazing testament to the power of the Lord.
There's maybe 10 or 12 songs that when I hear them I say to myself, "Now THAT is my favorite song." Crystal Blue Persuasion is definitely among them.
I saw Tommy James and The Shondells at Rocky Point Amusement Park in Rhode Island. I was 14-15 years old. Pete threw out a broken drum stick to the crowd and I got it. 65 and still have the drum stick!
Just read the book, "Me, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James and Shondells". This video is a great complement to the book, and vice versa, filled with fascinating music industry and mob insider trivia. God bless you, TJ, as you continue to perform and tell your life story.
Wow! I intuitively knew he was saved when I fell in love with his music in the 70s! I was saved in 1971❤
I remember as a kid in the early 70s hearing one of those "Time-Life Collections" the hIts of Tommy James and Shondells never knowing who this man was but enjoying those little snippets of his music.
Grew up in Niles, MI. My sister was closer in age than I. Nice to find this interview.
I still have the 45 single. Never get tired of hearing it.
I loved the song Hanky Panky! I had the record and we all loved it. Crystal Blue Persuasion I loves to but didn’t understand the meaning! Thanks for the memories. God brings us to Him in His time! Thanks for sharing! 🇨🇦🇺🇸🎺🙏🏻🙏🏽🙏🏼🙏🏾✝️🕎☝🏻❤️❤️❤️
Awesome story... Thank you for the music, Tommy
I love the interviewer. “I know you’ve be divorced twice, but I didn’t know you had that many hit singles”. He’s an extremely underrated artist who co wrote some amazing and timeless hit songs. I hear they’re making a movie about his life. Can’t wait
I just saw Tommy @ the Westbury Music Fair last Saturday with the Hot Autumn Nights Tour. Fantastic set ! Had to buy his double CD after the show. Tommy your music and this video interview are truly inspiring. Thank You!
Beautiful,gentle soul,with an incomparable genius.His music is the soundtrack,of my life 😎
a great many great Hits that have stood the test of time . Tommy James was truly terrific and very underrated
Real good guy, and in my opinion should be up there with the best of them! It's only once in a lifetime that and artist can come up with the perfect song that feels so good and reaches all generations and he did it!! " Crystal Blue Sensation"
I can't believe that the interviewer had no idea that he had a lot of hits in the late sixties to '71 and Tommy had to name a lot of the songs!
This is why I love UA-cam. Music I’ve lessoned to my whole life not knowing who the hell they were just a song.
Amazing story! Always loved his voice! I still have my 45's of Crystal blue persuasion, Hanky Panky, Sweet cherry wine, etc. Just wondering, what became of his story? I just watched a video of Tommy James, and the author of his book, telling a group of people at a Barnes & Noble book signing, that a movie, and broadway play was in the making! These videos were made in 2010, it's five years later! Not seeing anything regarding a movie on his life yet! Hopefully, the "darker" forces haven't had a hand in repressing his story.
Whilst watching Breaking Bad recently this song came on and I was transported back to what was, at the time, great times. Better than the hell we are living in today that’s for sure.
wonderful interview and Mr Tommy James I really enjoy your music
Always been a fan of Tommy James when I was a kid & still today!!!
I just finished reading his book a few days ago, it was very good. Saw him in concert on Nov 11, and he talked about his book. I ordered it the following day. He's had, as he stated, quite a wild ride! I think Crystal Blue Persuasion is one of the most beautiful, meaningful songs.
I like that he “stole” Gideons Bible.
They're there for their removal.
@@RU2AIM Most people didn't know that.
Love this testimony. As well as your music. Thanks for sharing.
Great Artist...........:)
Great story….good guy…fantastic music. Thanks TJ.
Barry, just happened by and saw your post. Ironically, I just listened to Snoopy the other day at Nautilus, I hadn't heard that tune in decades. You guys and many others made my childhood I think unique; the music was great and in my opinion will never be equaled. The Ventures did an instrumental cover of Snoopy on one of their albums. I doubt if that could happen in this day and age. I will play the guitar and write till I drop. Have a good day.
Enjoyed this interview so much that I listen to it everyday. Read your book this week. You are an amazing man!!!
I am a skeptic , but I respect peoples beliefs . I never new Tommy James was a man of faith , and that does not change a thing in my perception of him as a true Rock and Roll legend . I love his music !
Proud to say Tommy is from my little town of Niles, Michigan!!! Still proud of you Tommy!!!
What an amazing testimony. One of the sweetest and most amazing I’ve ever heard.
Wow...great interview...much admiration for him and his accomplishments...
JUST SAW THEM IN BRANSON MISSOURI . MAN WHAT A GREAT SHOW ! I'M 63 YEARS OLD AND WILL NEVER GET TIRED OF THERE MUSIC !!!!
It is always interesting to find out who comes out into the open with a Christian background. I really loved Cyrstal Blue Persuasion, because it always reminded me of my sweetheart in the 8th grade :) Tommy James shares how he became a believer in Jesus in 1967 ") (@ 16:00 minutes), followed by the rest of the band :) Amazingly enough, Tommy James states that the song, Crystal Blue Persuasion, is about becoming a believer in Jesus :)
George Black
Love this song. Great video.
I met Tommy after a concert in Northern Arizona 2 years ago. Just a wonderful human being who to the time to talk to all of us after the show.
By the way, a great great performance!!!
Fantastic interview!-Tommy's book is an enjoyable read.
What a great interviewee. Tommy James is refreshingly genuine and such a great talent.
One of my all time faves> Crystal Blue Persuasion< And this was fitting then, and take a listen.. Its Fitting exactly right now!! Peace&Love everyone.
♥
I've got no idea why I landed here, on this video... But, it's incredibly interesting. It's time to binge-listen to Tommy James!