1960s hit-making machine Tommy James & The Shondells to perform Nov. 15 at Riverside Casino & Resort

Tommy James & The Shondells were a hit machine during the 1960s. The British Invasion had no effect on the New Jersey based pop-rock band, which consistently reached the radio.

“Hanky Panky” and “Crimson and Clover” hit the top of the pop charts. “I Think We’re Alone Now,” “Crystal Blue Persuasion” and “Mony Mony” were just some of their other hits that reached Billboard’s Top 10.

Huge pop success and the adulation from ardent fans was just part of the picture. There was another element that made James and his band such a compelling story and it’s all covered in James’ memoir, “Me, the Mob and the Music.” The book became a New York Times bestseller in 2010. The word since the book hit the shelves was that it would become a movie.

Hollywood expressed interest since James and his band, the Shondells, signed a deal with Roulette Records, which was owned by mob kingpin Morris Levy.

James and The Shondells were courted by virtually every record company in 1966. “We visited every label,” James said while calling from his New Jersey home. “We visited Colombia, RCA, Atlantic and we also went to Roulette Records. All of the labels were on board. When I went to bed that night (before the band thought it would sign a contract), I wondered what label we would end up with. The next day all the record labels said no to us but Roulette. (Iconic Atlantic Records executive/producer) Jerry Wexler was the only one to tell us the truth.”

Wexler revealed that Roulette CEO Morris Levy strong-armed the other labels. “Wexler told us that Levy told all the other labels that ‘It was my bleeping record, so stay the bleep away.’ So they made us an offer we couldn’t refuse. We had one hit after another during that stretch but it wasn’t a very relaxing time. We were walking on eggshells the whole time we were with Roulette.”

James, 77, didn’t want to walk in cement shoes so he waited until the last member of Roulette Records died in 2005 before he told his story. Nearly 14-years after the book was released, a film is on the horizon.

“Kathleen Marshall will direct and Matthew Stone is writing the screenplay,” James said. “The casting phase is happening. That’s going to be the hardest part.”

James doesn’t have an opinion who should play him, but he hopes for a young actor that has a musical background.

“So many actors start out in rock bands, so I think they can find someone who sings and performs,” James said. “Look at the movie ‘Ray’ where Jamie Foxx did such a great job singing and looking like Ray Charles. The big challenge is to find someone who plays guitar as badly as I do.”

The self-deprecating James would like to cast Levy. James believes character actor Armen Garo, who was in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “The Departed” and “American Hustle” would be perfect as Levy.

"Armen looks like Levy and he's a good actor," James said. "He's not terribly famous but he's terribly good."

James can’t help but focus on the “Me, the Mob and the Music” film but he also is thinking about his band’s slate of dates, which includes a gig Nov. 15, 2024, at the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort.

“I’m still shocked after all of these years that people want to hear ‘Hanky Panky,’” James said. “It’s been an amazing career. The fans still enjoy the music.”

And then there are the musicians, who have honored Tommy James & The Shondells. More than 300 cover versions of their songs have been recorded. The recording artists who have covered James’ tunes are remarkably diverse. Dolly Parton, Prince, Billy Idol, Tom Jones and Culture Club have recorded James & The Shondells tunes.

“It’s been incredible,” James said. “There are so many great versions of our songs.”

And who is James favorite among the many acts that have tipped their cap to his canon?

“I would have to say R. E. M,” James said. “I love their take on ‘Dragging the Line.’ It’s in the Austin Powers film. But Dolly Parton blew my mind with her version of ‘Crimson and Clover.’ Tom Jones did ‘I’m Alive.’ It's so cool since the covers keep the music alive.”

James has only met a few of the recording artists who have covered his songs. He laughed when detailing his encounter with Tiffany, who had a massive hit with her version of “I Think We’re Alone Now” a generation ago.

“She was a real sweetheart,” James said. “She apologized for recording the song, and I said, ‘Why are you saying you’re sorry? You went to No. 1 with the song and we only went to No 3.”

James’ sense of humor is intact and it’s useful since the charismatic singer-songwriter enjoys engaging the audience.

“I love performing,” James said. “I’m so fortunate that I’m still able to go out and play at this point in my life. It’s been an amazing ride.”