Leader of The Shondells, garage band legends - their mouth-breathing "Hanky Panky" was a regional hit before becoming a US #1, followed by "I Think We're Alone Now", later a new wave staple. By 60s end, they had begat classix of pop psychedelia "Crimson and Clover" (later bludgeoned by Joan Jett) and "Crystal Blue Persuasion" (bubblegummified blue-eyed soul). James crashed, and became an early adopter of the Jesus Thing, returning briefly as an Elder Statesman.