Tommy Tutone

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Tommy Tutone
Tommy Tutone 2017
Jimmy James (l), Tommy Heath (r)
Background information
OriginCalifornia, U.S.A.
GenresRock, pop rock, power pop, new wave
Years active1978-1984
1996–present
LabelsColumbia/CBS Records
Spectra Records
MembersTommy Heath
Jimmy James
Steve Fister
Andy Gauthier
Past membersJohn Cowsill
Terry Nails
Jon Lyons
Mickey Shine
Victor Carberry
Jerry Angel
Jim Keller
Greg Sutton
Joe Lamond
Pete Costello
Mona Gnader
Websitewww.tutone.com

Tommy Tutone is a power pop band, best known for its 1981 hit "867-5309/Jenny", which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Although it is usually referred to as a San Francisco band, it was actually based in Willits, California, at the time that "Jenny" was released. The song became so popular that people in the United States to this day dial this telephone number and ask for Jenny as a prank. Regarding the famous number, "We had people threatening to sue us. It was the Buffalo Chief of Police's daughter's number in New York," said frontman Tommy Heath.

A common misconception is that Tommy Tutone is the name of the lead singer; it is actually the name of the band. Tommy Heath is the lead singer. The name of the band developed from its original name, Tommy and the Tu-tones, to merely Tommy Tutone.

Foundation

Heath and Jim Keller founded the band in 1978, with Heath acting as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, also playing keyboards on occasion; Keller playing lead guitar and supporting vocals. Heath and Keller were the only constant members of Tommy Tutone during the band's heyday, and the lineup featured a rotating membership of bassists and drummers. Bassist Jon Lyons (original name Jonathan Lyons Terlep) who replaced original bassist, Terry Nails (Steve Jones, Ozzy Osbourne) was later replaced by Greg Sutton, Pete Costello, and Jimmy James. Mona Gnader, the bassist in Sammy Hagar's Waborita band, played with the band as well. Original drummer Mickey Shine (Clover and drummer on the first Elvis Costello album) was replaced by Victor Carberry for the band's second album. Carberry was in turn replaced with Jerry Angel. John Cowsill of The Cowsills played percussion (and sang) on "867-5309/Jenny."[1] From 2001-2010, the band has consisted of Heath, James, Greg Georgeson (guitar), Andy Gauthier (drums). Tommy Heath became a computer analyst and software engineer and moved to Portland, Oregon. [2][3] In 2007, the band signed a recording contract with Spectra Records.

In 2017 with the addition of Steve Fister (Steppenwolf, Lita Ford) on guitar, Jimmy James switched to drums and the band released the single "My Little Red Book".

Jim Keller went on to become the director of Philip Glass's publishing company, Dunvagen Music Publishers. [4] He still performs in New York City.

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album details Peak chart
positions
US
[5] 		CAN
[6]
1980 Tommy Tutone 68 82
1981 Tommy Tutone 2
  • Release date: September 23, 1981
  • Label: Columbia/CBS Records
 20 44
1983 National Emotion
  • Release date: April 16, 1983
  • Label: Columbia/CBS Records
 179 —
1996 Nervous Love
  • Release date: January 22, 1996
  • Label: Appaloosa Records
 — —
1998 Tutone.rtf
  • Release date: July 28, 1998
  • Label: Secret Disc Records
 — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Singles

Year Single Peak chart positions Certifications
(sales threshold) 		Album
US
[7] 		US Main
[7] 		CAN
[8] 		NZ
[9]
1980 "Angel Say No" 38 — — — Tommy Tutone
1981 "867-5309/Jenny" 4 1 2 32 Tommy Tutone 2
1982 "Which Man Are You" 101 — — —
1983 "Get Around Girl" — — — — National Emotion
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

References

  1. ^ John Cowsill Related Discography.
  2. ^ Staff (2012-08-08). "Where Are They Now? 1982's Biggest Pop Acts-Catch up with A Flock of Seagulls, Toni Basil, Tommy Tutone and more though". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2017-03-15.
  3. ^ Wells, Shannon (2013-11-15). "Tommy Tutone leader finds there's life well after 'Jenny'". Portland Tribune - Pamplin Media Group. Retrieved 2017-03-15.
  4. ^ Baynes, Luke (2012-05-31). "Life after 'Jenny'". Williston Observer. Retrieved 2017-03-15.
  5. ^ "allmusic ((( Tommy Tutone > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles )))". Allmusic. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  6. ^ "Results - RPM - Library and Archives Canada - Top Albums/CDs". RPM. Retrieved October 15, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ a b "allmusic ((( Tommy Tutone > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles )))". Allmusic. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  8. ^ "Results - RPM - Library and Archives Canada - Top Singles". RPM. Retrieved October 15, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ "charts.org.nz - New Zealand charts portal". charts.org.nz. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  10. ^ "RIAA - Gold & Platinum - October 15, 2010: Tommy Tutone certified singles". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 15, 2010.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tommy_Tutone&oldid=810976423"