On this date in 1969, TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS released the single CRYSTAL BLUE PERSUASION (Jun 3, 1969) The song's gentle-tempoed groove, built around a notable organ part, alongside melodic passages for an acoustic guitar and an engaging bass pattern, marked a departure from their contemporary psychedelic rock efforts, evoking comparisons with the sound of The Rascals at the time. The genesis of the song lies in the biblical scriptures that Tommy had been reading. Recollecting his inspirati

"Crystal Blue Persuasion" - is a 1968 song originally recorded by Tommy James and the Shondells and composed by Eddie Gray, Tommy James, and Mike Vale. A gentle-tempoed groove, "Crystal Blue Persuasion" was built around a prominent organ part with an understated arrangement, more akin to The Rascals' sound at the time than to James's contemporary efforts with psychedelic rock. It included melodic passages for an acoustic guitar, as well as a bass pattern, played between the bridge and the third