Tommy Tutone
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| Tommy Tutone | |
|---|---|
| Genre(s) | Rock |
| Label(s) | Columbia Spectra |
Tommy Tutone is a powerpop/rock band, best known for its 1982 hit "867-5309/Jenny", which peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Although they are usually referred to as "a San Francisco band", they were 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's Chief of Police daughter's number in New York," said Frontman Tommy Heath. Although they are frequently remembered as a "one-hit wonder", they actually had another top 40 hit on the Hot 100 with "Angel Say No" in 1980, predating "Jenny" by a couple of years.
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 the original name "Tommy and the Tu-tones" to merely Tommy Tutone.
Heath and Jim Keller founded the band in the late 1970s, with Heath acting as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, also playing keyboards on occasion; Keller playing lead guitar and supporting vocals. Bassist Jon Lyons who replaced original bassist Terry Nails (Steve Jones, Ozzy Osbourne) was later replaced by Greg Sutton. Mona Gnader, a member of 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 who in turn was replaced with Jerry Angel. Steve LeGassick who was involved on and off with the band from the beginning joined later as permanent member, playing keyboards and synthesizer.
Tommy Heath is now a computer analyst and resides in Portland, Oregon.
In 2007, the band signed a recording contract with Spectra Records.
[edit] Chart positions
| Year | Song | Chart | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | "Angel Say No" | Pop Singles | 38 |
| 1982 | "867-5309/Jenny" | Pop Singles | 4 |
[edit] Discography
| Year | Album | Chart | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Tommy Tutone | Pop Albums | 68 |
| 1982 | Tommy Tutone 2 | Pop Albums | 20 |
| 1983 | National Emotion | Pop Albums | 179 |
