Tommy Roe, ’60s Hitmaker, Publishes Autobiography

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Tommy Roe’s memoir, From Cabbagetown to Tinseltown

Remember the big 1960s hits “Sheila,” “Hooray for Hazel,” “Sweet Pea,” “Everybody,” “Dizzy” and “Jam Up Jelly Tight”? They were all sung by Tommy Roe, an Atlanta-born artist who ultimately placed 27 singles on the Billboard chart.

Roe, 74, has now written an autobiography, From Cabbagetown to Tinseltown, with co-writer Michael Robert Krikorian. The book is available now–click on the picture of its cover–and at his website.

Tommy Roe (bottom right) with the Beatles and singer Chris Montez

Roe is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the Iowa Rock and Roll Association Hall of Fame, as well as the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. In From Cabbagetown to Tinseltown, according to a press release, “Roe correlates his journey to Hollywood with the historical events of that time period that were changing and shaping America and, in turn, the music industry. In this autobiography, Roe doesn’t hold back. He uses his down-home humor and unique perspective to share about his years and experiences both inside and outside of music.”

Roe said, “My journey from a working class section of Atlanta called Cabbagetown to the glamour that is Hollywood was anything but easy. I stuck by my principles and values making a name for myself that I could be proud of. Writing this book was sometimes a struggle for me and very cathartic indeed. It took the better part of three years, and brought back a lot of memories, the good and the bad. I have been truly blessed to live this life, and I’m glad that I can look back with no regrets.” .

Roe received four RIAA Certified Gold Records, and two of his hits, “Sheila” and “Dizzy,” topped the Billboard chart at #1. A total of 11 of his singles reached the Billboard Top 40. In 1963, Roe and fellow American singer Chris Montez toured England with the Beatles, who were just on the verge of breaking out worldwide.