He started his career as a member of The Raconteurs until Tommy James needed a backing ensemble to promote “Hanky Panky” – hence Mike Vale anchored The Shondells during their glorious run of Top 40 radio hits in the late 1960s.

A singer (“Love Makes the World Go ‘Round”), and writer / co-writer of such tracks as “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “Ball Of Fire,” “Sugar On Sunday,” “The Lover,” “She”, and “Loved One,” among others, Vale was a pocket player with a penchant for grooves and melodies, as evidenced on “Candy Maker” from the band’s last, lost gem Travelin’ (1970).

Following his stint with James, Vale formed Hog Heaven with various ex-Shondells / Raconteurs and waxed two solo slabs In My Dreams, and It’s a Pittsburgh Thing.

Mike Vale Sound & Vision

With Tommy James….

“Crimson & Clover” https://youtu.be/XS0niyiKlcw

“Love Makes the World Go Round” https://youtu.be/Fmj4EQ7F8C8

“Ball of Fire” https://youtu.be/xHicr-MofXY

“Sugar On Sunday” https://youtu.be/ZH5Ks4KrzYo

“She” https://youtu.be/Ve0G37XPaYU

“Candy Maker” https://youtu.be/Rk2h4Y6z-8A

With Hog Heaven…

“Never Been As Happy” https://youtu.be/Ar1axNbKbWg