Sunday June 7, 2020 “Crystal Blue Persuasion” Tommy James & the Shondells
I know, those of you familiar with this song are wondering just what a drug referencing tune is doing on our Sunday schedule but alas you would be wrong. According to Tommy James, a co-writer on the song it was right out of chapter 19 of the Book of Revelation, about the lake of crystal, and just what the Apostle John sees, the crystal blue persuasion.
Given the ‘new’ inspiration you might get a different feeling from lyrics like ‘better get ready to see the light, love is the answer’. It inspired Tommy and his Shondells to all convert to Christianity. Haven't been able to discover just what a Shondell is.
Tommy James enjoyed a long career of top 20 hits and would go on to write and produce additional non-Shondell tunes as well. He also wrote an interesting autobiography part of which deals with his early manager Morris Levy, a heavyweight, mobbed up guy who had a violent reputation.
One of his stories involved a New Jersey club owner who informed Tommy after the band had performed that he would not be able to pay the band because they did not make enough at the door.
Tommy asked to use the phone in the club owner’s office so he could inform his manager, who he identified as Morris Levy, of these circumstances. The club owner immediately found the cash and paid the band.
Stay safe and well…’a new day is coming’.
