Rock and roll group, initially formed in
1964 as
The Shondells. Their first single,
"Hanky Panky"(
1964) (originally by The Raindrops), was a national number one hit. Shortly after, the original group split and Tommy James (
b. April 29,
1947) formed a new group of the same name in
1967. A number of hits followed, including
I Think We're Alone Now(
1967) and later a hit for Tiffany
?,
Crimson and Clover(
1968) and
Mony Mony(
1967), written by James and inspired by the sign for
Municipal
Of
New
York that hung outside his office. The latter group split in
1969, after which James went on to a little solo success.