"Well, the music from our past is still with us and will always be, unfortunately the creators of Rock “N” Roll will not be with us forever. As for the future, I hope the legacy of all the talented musicians and entertainers will be appreciated by future generations and a gift we can always enjoy. I have no fears for our future. History tells us, no matter how bad things get, we, (humans) always seem to figure it out."

Tommy Roe: From Here to... Galaxy!

American Singer/Songwriter Tommy Roe had several top hits in the 60’s and 70’s starting in 1962 with “Sheila.” That same year Tommy headlined a British Tour with Chris Montez – their warmup band was called, The Beatles! After that tour other hits followed, “Everybody” (1963) “The Folk Singer” (1964), “Sweet Pea” (1966) “Hooray for Hazel” (1966), Worldwide #1 “Dizzy” (number #1 hit worldwide!)  (1969)”, “Jam Up and Jelly Tight” (1970). Tommy also wrote other hits for other artists. He continued to write throughout the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s. Many times with songwriting partners Mac Davis and Freddy Weller of Paul Revere and The Raiders fame. Tommy’s catalog continues to be recorded by artists worldwide.

(Tommy Roe / Photo courtesy of Tommy Roe)

His new album called “From Here to Here” (2023) is a collection of new songs recorded at Solar Studios and produced by Michael Franklin. Tommy and Michael have been lifelong friends and the band on many of the tracks, Paul Parker, Tim Franklin and Michael Franklin, were in Tommy’s touring band for many years. Four of the songs were originally recorded in 2012. “Devil’s Soul Pile” which went to #1 on the Adult Contemporary charts.

Interview by Michael Limnios

Special Thanks: Tommy Roe & Billy James (Glass Onyon PR)

How has the Rock n’ Roll music and culture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

I believe having the opportunity at a very young age to be involved in the music business opened the door for me to experience life on a scale that I could never have imagined. I was only fourteen years old when I wrote my first hit Sheila, which became a worldwide hit for me in 1962 at the age of twenty. So my education came from my travels around the world, and the people I have met along the way. Living life to the hilt is an education money can’t buy.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What characterizes your music philosophy From Here (past) to Here (today)?

Well, my original sound was considered, Rock’a’ billy which during the mid-60’s morphed into the Bubble Gum genre. I believe the influence of The Beatles and the so-called British Invasion of the mid 60’s had a lot to do with the change in my style. While I have been called the father of Bubble Gum, I have always considered the early Beatle hits, Please Please Me, Love Me Do, and I Saw Her Standing There, as the blueprints for Bubble Gum music. Their audience was my audience, so I wrote a song called Sweet Pea in 1964 which became another big hit for me and was the beginning of the Bubble Gum craze. Hence, I was called the father of Bubble Gum... My new CD, From Here To Here, is a collection of songs I have written, or co-written, and a transition from my Bubble Gum success in the past to my newly found musical freedom of the present. After 60 plus years of touring and working in the studio I am still enjoying this gift of writing songs and recording. 

"To never give up, always remember where you came from, never forget all your friends along the way who helped you to become successful, don’t be,  greedy, and always show your appreciation and love for your fans. My fans are the best, and have followed me all these years, through good times and bad. Love you all..." (Photo: Tommy Roe, Chris Montez and The Beatles / Photographs courtesy of Tommy Roe)

Why do you think that Tommy Roe and Rock n’ Roll music continues to generate such a devoted following?

I think my songs in general are friendly, non-threatening, easy on the ears, fun to dance to, and always puts a smile on your face. For me that has always been the magic of Rock ’N’ Roll.

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

I guess my first hit "Sheila" changed my life the most. Again, I would say that my first hit Sheila was a highlight along with all my musical success, but my family has always been the most important highlight in my life.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future?

Well, the music from our past is still with us and will always be, unfortunately the creators of Rock “N” Roll will not be with us forever. As for the future, I hope the legacy of all the talented musicians and entertainers will be appreciated by future generations and a gift we can always enjoy. I have no fears for our future. History tells us, no matter how bad things get, we, (humans) always seem to figure it out.

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

AM radio would still be king, and the young generation could appreciate its magic.

What were the reasons that made the 50s/60s to be the center of Rock n’ Roll research and experiments?

It was new, spontaneous, and fun.

"I believe having the opportunity at a very young age to be involved in the music business opened the door for me to experience life on a scale that I could never have imagined. I was only fourteen years old when I wrote my first hit Sheila, which became a worldwide hit for me in 1962 at the age of twenty. So my education came from my travels around the world, and the people I have met along the way. Living life to the hilt is an education money can’t buy."

(Tommy Roe  / Photo courtesy of Tommy Roe)

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

To never give up, always remember where you came from, never forget all your friends along the way who helped you to become successful, don’t be,  greedy, and always show your appreciation and love for your fans. My fans are the best, and have followed me all these years, through good times and bad. Love you all...