"Everyone I've talked to, I've asked them if they've heard that record. It was one of the most powerful records I've ever heard." - Bob Dylan, November 1969, The Rolling Stone Interview.
Johnny Thunder (real name Gil Hamilton) was an American soul and R&B singer, active mostly in the 1960s. He’s best remembered for I’m Alive, a single that’s often considered a cult classic of the 1960s pop-soul era. I’m Alive was written by Tommy James, of Tommy James & the Shondells fame. In fact, Tommy James originally wrote I’m Alive for his own band but passed it along to Johnny Thunder instead.
I’m Alive is a punchy, upbeat soul record with a powerful, defiant vocal performance. It combines garage rock energy with soul swagger — very much in line with the late-1960s crossover vibe.
The song was a modest hit in the U.S. and had more enduring popularity in the UK’s Northern Soul scene — where dancers and collectors revived many overlooked American soul singles for club play.
It's a perfect song to shout out to on a Monday morning. Shout it out loud.
Let them all know you're still alive.
