Me, the Mob, and the Music

Me, the Mob, and the Music chronicles Tommy James's rise to fame as a rock musician in the 1960s, alongside his complex relationship with Morris Levy and Roulette Records. James recounts his journey from local bands to chart-topping success with hits that defined an era. The memoir details the music industry's dark connections to organized crime during this period, focusing on James's experiences at Roulette Records. The story follows his navigation of both the creative and business aspects of his career, including recording sessions, tours, and dealings with industry figures. The book reveals the balancing act performers faced between artistic expression and survival in a music industry controlled by powerful, sometimes dangerous individuals. It stands as both a personal history and a document of a unique period in American popular music, when rock and roll intersected with organized crime.

Readers found this memoir delivered an inside look at music industry corruption and mob control in the 1960s. The book maintains a fast pace while balancing music history with organized crime dealings. Readers appreciated: - Detailed accounts of how hit songs were created - Frank discussion of payola and industry exploitation - Personal stories about encounters with Morris Levy and Roulette Records - Behind-the-scenes stories of touring and recording Common criticisms: - Jumps between timeline periods frequently - Some readers wanted more depth on the music itself - A few felt James downplayed his own questionable choices Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (450+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "Eye-opening account of how the mob controlled parts of the music business. James tells it straight without self-pity or sensationalism." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers noted the book reads like a crime thriller while maintaining historical accuracy about the 1960s music scene.

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🎸 Despite massive success with hits like "Crimson and Clover" and "Mony Mony," Tommy James lost an estimated $30-40 million in royalties to Morris Levy's Roulette Records due to mob connections and fraudulent accounting. 🎵 The book reveals that James turned down an invitation to perform at Woodstock in 1969 because his manager, Morris Levy, dismissed it as "a bunch of hippies in a field." 👊 Morris Levy, the record label owner featured prominently in the book, was the inspiration for the character Hesh Rabkin in "The Sopranos" TV series. 🎼 Many of Tommy James's recording sessions were attended by notorious mobsters who would sit in the control room, creating an atmosphere of constant tension and fear. 🎬 The book is being adapted into a biopic titled "Me, the Mob, and the Music," with producer Barbara De Fina (known for "Goodfellas" and "Casino") attached to the project.