In his native Wales, he is known as "Jones the Voice." Today, he is one of the most enduring personalities in the music entertainment business. His unique vocal power, ability, and charismatic persona make him one of the most respected, admired and loved performers in modern music.
Tom's unique weighty voice is a baritone to tenor range. He is a vocal powerhouse with the ability to give his audience every ounce of his energy, enthusiasm and concentration. If his delivery is vigorous, he invites his audience in with the vulnerability of his emotional conviction. He is a natural, a Welshman, a worker, an artist.
Tom possesses a wide range of musical expression. He is first and foremost a rocker with a true rhythm and blues soul. In his youth, he was a "Teddy-Boy," a rebel, with not much on his mind but music and sex. His young style and attitude was dominated by the birth of rock 'n' roll. But he had ears and a natural ability that could appreciate and understand the quickly burgeoning styles of popular music. As much time as he spent listening to American and British radio he would spend in the pubs, drinking and singing. He learned he could sing anything, and he learned he could entertain.
Tom has sustained his popularity for more than three decades. His recordings have spanned the spectrum from gospel to pop, rock to standard, rhythm and blues to rock-a-billy, country to contemporary urban sounds. His sensuous performance style is legendary, while his salient grace is that he never takes his image too seriously.
Born Thomas John Woodward in Pontypridd, South Wales, Great Britain on June 7, 1940, his father worked the coal mines of the Rhondda Valley, while his mother tended the house and the two children. The old great Welsh traditions of poetry and song were the love of the laborers-born of their earth, the life of their gatherings, the soul of their hard lives.
Tom was singing at an early age. He sang in the church and with the choir at the Treforrest Secondary Modern School. He would ask his mother to "pull the drapes and announce me," as he sang on his "stage" in the sitting room. A more or less unsuccessful school career ended, as it did for most boys at age 16, with a wife and son to follow at age 17.
Tom brought in money for his new family from an assortment of jobs, including a builder's laborer, a glove cutter, paper miller, and door-to-door vacuum salesman. He sang in the pubs at night, working with local groups. By 1963, he had gained notoriety with his own group, Tommy Scott and the Senators, and was playing regularly in the demanding atmosphere at the working-class clubs and dance halls. Gordon Mills, a man with a solid performance background who had decided to branch into songwriting and management, want to see Tom work. As Mills recalled: "The first few bars were all I needed to hear, they convinced me that here was a voice that could make him the greatest singer in the world."
Mills became his manager, and took him to London to promote him. It was not an easy task, as record companies found his disconcerting. The vocal sound was raucous and too powerful, the performance style too forward and sexual. He sounded black and moved like Presley. The two men persisted though, and in late 1964 landed a record contract. The first single was a flop, consequently Jones told Mills he wanted to try a new song penned by Mills called "It's Not Unusual." Considered "too hot" by the established BBC Radio at the time, it was broken by the pirate off-shore station Radio Caroline. By the following year, the song was an international hit, and found Tom himself opening for the Rolling Stones at London's Beat City and gigging with the Spencer Davis Group. A few huge single hits to follow were "What's New Pussycat," "Help Yourself," "I'll Never Fall In Love Again," and "Without Love." The next few years of recording successes found Tom performing a remarkably varied repertoire. Tom cultivated his natural talent and ability by listening and learning from his favorite artists of the time. His performance inspiration came early from Solomon Burke, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Little Richard, Jackie Wilson, Brook Benton, and many other Blues and R&B greats. The soul of Rock 'n' Roll he found in Jerry Lee Lewis. A long friendship with Elvis Presley was built on mutual respect and admiration. Elvis would warm up his voice to "Delilah" before his own performance, and when "Green Green Grass of Home" hit for Tom in 1966, Elvis would call radio stations repeatedly to request the song.
An avalanche of gold singles and albums were soon to follow: "Delilah," "Help Yourself," "Love Me Tonight," and "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" in 1968, "Funny Familiar Forgotten Feelings," and LP's "Tom Jones Live," "Tom Jones in Las Vegas," and "This Is Tom Jones," in 1969. For most of the year, several of the LP's were in the Top 10 Charts in both Europe and the United States.
Continuing into the 70's gold hits came with "I Who Have Nothing," "She's A Lady," and "Tom Jones Live at Caesars Palace." By the end of 1970 Tom has sold over 30 million discs in all categories around the world.
With this tremendous recording success, Tom was able to draw capacity audiences everywhere, from concert halls and arenas in the U.S. and Europe to the showrooms of Las Vegas. His skills as a showman and entertainer developed sharply; his energy, openness and spontaneity charmed critics and audiences alike.
Tom was offered his own television show the summer of 1969. A contract was drawn with ABC that was the largest ever between network and artist. The show's location was split between London and Los Angeles, and included an impressive roster largely suggested by Tom: Aretha Franklin, Burt Bacharach, Elvis and Priscilla Presley, The Triorchy Male Voice Choir, Stevie Wonder, Anne Bancroft, June and Johnny Cash, Charlie Pride, Bob Hope, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Who, Ella Fitzgerald, Kirk Douglas, Elliot Gould, Janis Joplin, Shirley Bassey, Dusty Springfield, Dick Cavett, Richard Pryor, Roy Clark, Phyllis Diller, Nancy Wilson, Debbie Reynolds, Tony Newely, Sammy Davis, Jr., Julie Prowse, Paul Anka, Ray Charles, Lou Rawls, Tony Bennett, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, George Carlin, Robert Klein, Dick Shawn, Little Richard, Peter Sellers, Bee Gee's, Sonny & Cher, Wilson Picket, The Hollies, Joni Mitchell, Smokey Robinson, The Supremes and Joe Cocker and The Grease Band were but a few of the guests involved.
In 1987 Tom was asked to perform a musical play with a bullfighting theme called "Matador" on the CBS Epic label. The songs of the title role are demanding and a wonderful showpiece for Tom's musical and emotional interpretations. The single from "Matador," "A Boy From Nowhere," reached #2 on the British charts that summer. This prompted insistent requests for "It's Not Unusual" in the London clubs, along with a very successful re-release of the song in the charts. A new interest emerged in the Tom Jones classics, his contemporary interpretations, and a new material amongst a young, very excited generation of fans.
Late in 1988, the British avante-garde techno-pop group The Art of Noise requested a collaboration with Tom on a cover of Prince's "Kiss." The results were sensational and highly contemporary, and the record put Tom back into the Top 10 charts in the European territories as well as the Top 40 in America. The video of "Kiss," produced by Propaganda Films, was seen in strong rotation on both MTV and VH-1, winning the "Breakthrough Video" MTV Award that year. The talents of Tom Jones were once again seen in a format reaching across all demographics worldwide.
In 1991, Tom recorded an album for Chrysalis Records, U.K. The project, entitled "Carrying A Torch," is highlighted by a collaboration with an old friend, Van Morrison. Van wrote, produced and played four songs, while his band provided the backup. The songs were recorded live in one afternoon, resulting in a great experience for all concerned. Although not released in America, this collaboration was acclaimed by critics and audiences as a truly interesting and successful blend of unique talents.
1991 also saw Tom involved in a number of high-quality television productions in the U.K. In May, Tom was invited to perform in aid of Kurdish refugees for The Simple Truth, a multi-media concert from Wembley Arena in London, broadcast by MTV. Backed by members of the Pink Floyd band, Tom gave an exciting and memorable performance in the company of Lisa Stansfield, Sinead O'Connor, INXS, Paul Simon, Whitney Houston, Hammer, Gloria Estefan, and many others. In December, Tom was invited to perform for "The Big 30," a celebration for the 30th Anniversary of Amnesty International. Against assisted by David Gilmore and his band, Tom set a hot tone for his fellow musical guests (Seal, Daryl Hall, Lisa Stansfield, KLF and more) with opening and closing numbers. Ending the year with "The Ghosts of Oxford Street," a new Christmas production conceived and directed by legendary punk impressario Malcolm Maclaren, Tom was cast alongside Sinead O'Connor, Happy Mondays, Kirsty McColl and The Pogues. He sang two songs within the context of the story, including "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" produced by Dave Stewart.
1992 was an exciting year for Tom. His new television series, Tom Jones: THE RIGHT TIME, produced for the national independent ITV network in the U.K. aired in the summer to wide critical and commercial appeal. The six half-hour segments are music-based and designed in a way unique to television formats. Guest artists include: The Chieftains, Joe Cocker, EMF, Erasure, Bob Geldof, David Gilmore, Daryl Hall, Al Jarreau, Cyndi Lauper, Lyle Lovett, Mica Paris, Sam Moore, Shakespears Sister, Curtis Steiger and Stevie Wonder. The series aired in the U.S. on VH-1.
Following production of THE RIGHT TIME, Tom accepted an invitation to perform as the "special guest" at the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, in Somerset, England. Now in its twenty-second year, it is the largest festival in Europe, with four stages that showcase contemporary, alternative, jazz and world-music artists as well as performers of other medium. Tom stunned an audience of 75,000 at sundown, giving perhaps the watershed performance of his latter career. Also that summer, Tom continued to exploit his range and versatility as soloist with The World Choir, a 7,000 massed male-voiced choir, accompanied by the four bands of the Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Coldstream Guards, performed at Cardiff Arms Park.
In November 1992, Tom appeared as himself on the animated hit comedy show The Simpsons. As Marge temporarily finds work at the plant, her boss kidnaps Tom in a plot to seduce her. In the end, Homer makes a chivalrous stand for his wife, and Tom serenades the two of them with "It's Not Unusual."
Wrapping up the year, Tom enjoyed a sold-out critically acclaimed five week tour of the U.K. and Ireland. In aid of the national charity ChildLine, he recorded a wonderful new version of "All You Need Is Love," produced by Dave Stewart. To capture the experience of his 1992 Tour, a live recording was made in London at the Town & Country Club, his first in 23 years. Finally, the year closed with an experience of a lifetime: participation in a live stage performance of Dylan Thomas' "Under Milkwood," directed by Sir Anthony Hopkins, in aid of The Prince's Trust and performed in the presence of HRH.
Tom began 1993 with a recorded version of the Rolling Stones' classic "Gimme Shelter" with alternative band New Model Army, released on the independent label Food Records (EMI) in March. The song is part of a multi-record project that will benefit the national U.K. charity Shelter, which has long worked for the homeless.
Shortly after some promotional efforts in support of THE RIGHT TIME, Tom was invited by Sting and Trudie Styler to participate in an annual show at Carnegie Hall to benefit their charity, the Rainforest Foundation. In an evening of extraordinary performances, he shared the bill with James Taylor, George Michael, Sting, Bryan Adams, Herb Albert, and Tina Tuner. Tom was the surprise sensation of the evening, ripping through several songs with Sting and his band.
In 1994, Tom signed with hot upstart label Interscope Records (Atlantic/WEA) headed by multi-platinum producer Jimmy Iovine. Interscope's diverse roster includes Nine Inch Nails, Helmet, Pop Will Eat Itself, Dr. Dre, Bush and Snoop Doggy Dog. After taking a year to complete the project, Tom's new album is a stunning development of his abilities. The Lead and How To Swing It is produced by some of today's outstanding talents including Trevor Horn, Teddy Riley, Flood and Alan Moulder, Youth and Jeff Lynne. Each producer welcomed the opportunity to interpret Tom's artistry in his own way; the result is a diverse work critically acclaimed as one of the year's best. Once again Tom proves himself as a unique artist - one with a history who is able to renew and reactivate himself with new music, one of the few who is able to bridge decades and genres without being forced or affected.
Also in 1994, Paddy Maloney of the seminal Irish band The Chieftains approached Tom to contribute to their new collaborative project, The Long Black Veil. They approached Tom to contribute to their new collaborative project, The Long Black Veil. The song requested was The Tennesse Waltz, which was recorded, in a fun-filled afternoon at the late Frank Zappa's studio, Utility Muffin Research Kitchen in Los Angeles. Tom's full-throated Celtic version of the country great is among other contributions from Sinead O'Connor, Sting, Mick Jagger, Ry Cooder, Mark Knopfler, Van Morrison, Marianne Faithful, and The Rolling Stones. The skillful musical framework provided by the Chieftains brings out the best in their singers while illustra.
In 1996 Tom contributed to movie tracks with fresh re-make of a classic tune. "Kung Fu Fighting" in collaboration with the techno-punk band Rudy for the movie Supercop starring Jackie Chan. "Mars Attacks" is released in December where Tom plays himself in this sci-fi remake.
In 1997 he did the sound track for the hilarious British hit comedy The Full Monty recording Randy Newman's You Can Leave Your Hat On.
Also in 1997 Tom was featured for the first time in a television commercial for Victoria's Secret. With photography great Herb Ritts directing, Tom shared the spot with supermodels Helena Cristainsen, Tyra Banks, Stephanie Seymour, and Karen Mulder.
In 1998 Tom appears on the Brit Awards where he accepts an award for "The Full Monty" and he and Robbie Williams bring down the house with their duet of "Land of a Thousand Dances." The Brit Awards aired for the first time in the USA in April. Tom goes to Ireland to film his part in the movie "The Mammy" with Angelica Houston. The movie is set to be released in 1999.Tom signs a new record contract with Gut Records of London. A duet album is planned.
In 1999 Tom makes the Honours list with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) award for his contribution to the world of music and entertainment for over 30 years. Tom receives his award from the Queen on March 9th. Tom takes part in a special ad for BBC Wales - Wales and Proud of It. 60 Minutes II does a nice segment on Tom in April. In May Tom gives a midnight performance at the Cannes Film Festival in France to promote the movie "Agnes Browne." Tom appears at the spectacular free gala concert in Cardiff Bay to mark the royal opening of the new Assembly. July - Madame Tussaud Wax Museum opens at "The Venetian" in Las Vegas. Tom is featured in "Las Vegas Legends." Tom's new CD "Reload" is released in the UK on September 27. On October 3 "Reload" enters the UK Charts at #1 and goes Platinum not even after a month to the release date. December - The movie "Agnes Browne" is released to selected theatres in Los Angeles and New York. Tom is invited to sing for the Pope at the annual concert at the Vatican in Rome. Tom is also invited to sing for President Clinton in Washington D.C. on New Year's Eve to ring in the "new" Millennium!
In 2000 Tom celebrates 35 years in show business on March 1. On March 3 Tom wins his first Brit Award for "Best British Male Solo Artist. The movie "Agnes Browne" opens in all theatres on March 3. April - Tom appears on VH1 in a special called "Men Strike Back." Tom makes his second appearance at the Rainforest Foundation benefit concert at Carnegie Hall. Tom received the highest Dutch music award "Edison" for Best International Male Singer for his latest CD "Reload." "Reload" dominates the International charts selling over 2 million copies worldwide and re-entering the UK charts at #1 on 5/8 and 6/11. Tom's hometown had a special celebration at 44 Laura St. on 6/7 in honor of his 60th birthday. HBO series "Sex & The City" includes "Sex Bomb" in their soundtrack. Tom sets concert record at Cardiff International Arena with seven record breaking appearances. Tom does six part series on BBC Radio 2 "Tom Jones - In His Own Words." Tom is listed as the 5th wealthiest rock star by Britain's list of Top 10. "Sex Bomb" wins "Song of the Year" at the M6 Music Awards in Paris. Tom wins "Best Male International Artist" at the Spanish Amigo Awards (the equivalent of the Grammy). Cerys Matthews and Kelly Jones join Tom on stage during the UK Tour in Cardiff and Kelly also joined Tom on stage in Glasglow. Disney's "The Emperor's New Groove" is released in the movie theatres on December 15th. Tom sings "Perfect Day" in this new Disney release. In Berlin, Germany on 12/18 Tom receives a Bambi Award for "Comeback of the Year 2000."
In 2001 on 3/15 Tom is nominated for the category "International Artist"
for Echo. Other nominees in this category are: Enrique Iglesias,
Mark Knopfler, Santana, and Robbie Williams.
Movie - Someone Likes You includes "Burning Down The House"
from "Reload" in the soundtrack. On 5/29 Tom performs with Luciano
Pavarotti at his Pavorotti & Friends concert in Mondena, Italy. Tom
performed "Sex Bomb" and sang "Delilah" with Luciano who did his part in
Italian. "Sex Bomb" is nominated for Ivor Novello Award which reflects
the talents of British songwriters and composers. On 6/3 Tom
did a comedy routine at the Amesty International Concert at London's Wembley
Arena. On 6/29 in London, Tom followed in the footsteps of Sir Elton John
and The Rolling Stones in winning The Silver Clef
Award. This award honors singers for their
contribution to pop music. On 7/8 Tom wowed a crowd of 100,000 at
"Party In The Park" - Hyde Park - London. This was a charity
fundraiser sponsored by Prince Charles. Tom sang "It's Not
Unusual," "You Can Leave Your Hat On," "Mama Told Me Not To
Come," and "Sex Bomb." BBC On-line launched a Welsh Icon
section on their web site and the first of these Welsh icons was Tom!
October - BBC Wales launched its new digital TV channel BBC 2W on 11/5. They
used Tom's closing words at his Cardiff Castle shows "Cardiff we love you,
Wales we love you" to promote their new digital service. November - Top of
the Pops - Tom joined Wyclef Jean (formerly of the Fugees) on stage at this
year's Top Of The Pops Awards in Manchester, England. Wyclef had been rumored
to be joined by a mystery surprise guest, but it wasn't announced that it would
be Tom!
In 2002 Tom went to London the early part of March to take part in a Blues Documentary that was filmed by Mike Figgis. Wyclef Jean is writing and producing Tom's new CD. For the first time in Tom's career he is contributing to the tracks as a writer. 4/24 Tom's Website (tomjones.com) is launched with a new look. 6/3 Tom performs for the Queen at her Jubilee Concert. Tom sings "Sex Bomb" and "You Can Leave Your Hat On." 6/18 Wyclef Jean releases his CD titled "Masquerade" which includes a duet with Tom singing "What's New Pussycat?" Hello Magazine - Tom won both polls as favorite act for the Queen's Jubilee Concert. 7/8 Space releases a Greatest Hits CD which includes Tom's "Sunny Afternoon" from "Reload." Tom is #8 on the list of Top 10 Riches Welsh people and Tom is the only one from the music world. 8/24 Tom signs with V2 Records in London for his upcoming CD in the fall. On 10/21 Tom's first single release from his new CD is released "Tom Jones International." As Tom's new single is released he received the Q Merit Award in recognition of his longevity, style, and charisma. On 11/4 Tom's new CD "Mr. Jones" is released in the UK and Europe receiving rave reviews from top UK Music critics. Also on 11/4 the DVD/Video of Tom's Cardiff Concert that was taped on 7/28/01 is released. Title is called "Tom Jones Live at Cardiff Castle." On 11/22 The Brit Awards announces that Tom will be honored at the 2003 Brit Awards for his outstanding contribution to the music world.
In 2003 Tom receives another Brit award for his "Outstanding
Contribution to Music" on February 20 in London. Tom dedicated his
award to both is parents who were his biggest fans and supporters.
February 20 was Tom Jones Day in Wales in honor of Tom receiving the highest of
Brit Awards. Tom's music was played all day on BBC Radio 2.
"New" Greatest Hits, which includes the "Reload" hits, is
released on February 17 and "Black Betty" is the second single
released from "Mr. Jones" CD on February 24. On May 23 A&E airs
Tom's concert "Live at Cardiff Castle. On June 23 Planet Rock ITV
airs a profile on Tom. Tom records "Duck Dodgers" sung to the "Thunderball" theme for Cartoon Network's upcoming series Duck Dodgers
starring Daffy Duck. The track also features Oklahoma rockers Flaming
Lips. On July 4 Tom appears on Cable Meets Mr. Jones on BBC 1 Wales. This
was an hour special with Stereophonics drummer, Stuart Cable. The track also
features Oklahoma rockers Flaming Lips. On July 26 Tom is inducted in the Gaming Hall of Fame in Atlantic City for his significant contribution to the
gaming industry. In September Tom and Catherine Zeta Jones star in a new TV
commercial for T-Mobile. On October 3 Tom is featured in a special documentary
about The Blues on PBS. Mike Figgis directed the British contribution call
Red, White & Blues. Figgis asked Tom to front a band of musical luminaries
that would act as an illustrative centerpiece of the 90 minutes. On October 14
Reloaded: The Greatest Hits is released in the US. This CD includes Tom's hits
from 1964 to 2002 to the most recent UK releases (not available before in the
USA) from the multi-platinum Reload album and Tom's most recent release, Mr.
Jones. To promote this CD release Tom appears on Good Morning American
October 28 -30, which they call "Tom Jones Week." On November 7
Tom is Larry King's guest for an hour of interesting conversation. Tom
sings on Regis & Kelly on November 13. Planet Rock's profile on Tom airs in
the States on November 16 on The Biography Channel. Tom is Jay Leno's guest on
The Tonight Show on December 10 and on December 17 Tom appears on Craig
Kilborn's Late Late Show. A four CD Box Set is released in the UK - The
Definitive Tom Jones - 1964-2002 under Universal label.
In 2004, Tom rings in the year performing on The Tonight Show with Jay
Leno. Tom sings on The Ellen Degeneres Show on February 24 and appears on Late
Night with Conan O'Brian on March 5. On March 8 Tom is featured on 20/20
special feature called "Second Acts" along with Johnny Depp, Clay
Aiken, and Oksana Baiul. On March 1 it was announced that Tom was voted #3
Top Welsh Hero of Wales and he was voted #1 in the Performers category.
Tom received 2,072 votes. Coming in #3 was very impressive for Tom because the
top two spots went to two gentlemen, who played important roles in Welsh
history. On April 18 Tom is the only male performer appearing on VH-1 Divas
Live Concert coming live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Tom donates a pair of
his glasses and a signed photo to The Discovery Fund for Eye Research's 4th
annual "Seeing the Stars" Celebrity Charity Eyewear and Memorabilia
auction on eBay which ran May 27 - June 6. Money donated to medical
research for eye diseases. In May Tom records a new CD with Jools Holland, which
is scheduled to be released late September. CD will be a mix of classics and
originals. On September 20, the first single "It'll Be Me" off the new
CD by Tom and Jools Holland is released. On September 21 BBC Radio 2 sponsors a
unique and exclusive concert with both Tom and Jools Holland at Hammersmith
Palais - London. On September 27 the new CD titled "Tom Jones & Jools
Holland" is released worldwide except in the USA. On November 15, Tom's
website, http://www.tomjones.com has a new
look with exciting pages to visit including a forum for fans to ask questions
and make comments. Tom ends the year touring some of America's top clubs,
like the Irving Plaza in New York City and House of Blues in Chicago and Los
Angeles.
In 2005 David Dye of The World Café Session does an interview with Tom on
January 7 which is heard on WXPN 88.5 Philadelphia, PA and on stations via
website http://worldcafe.org. Tom talked about his latest releases
and his 40-year career. On January 12 Tom's appearance on Kumars at No. 42
aired on BBC America. February 9 - 20 Tom does a tour of Australia with Australia's popular singer, John
Farnham. A CD of this concert was
released on March 28 and a DVD to be released in April. In February Tom
announces that blues band "Tower of Power" will tour with him during
June and July. On March 21 Tom announces he will be doing a birthday concert in
his hometown, Pontypridd on May 28. Wales is planning a "Welsh Walk
of Fame" to celebrate Cardiff's double anniversary celebrations, 100 years
as a city and 50 years as the Capital. Tom is listed as one of the chosen
greats! On May 19 it is announced that Tom is one of the top 50 most successful
acts of all time. Tom eclipsed the likes of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen,
and Celine Dion in the Guinness World Records list. On May 23 Europe's biggest
Music Trade publication "Music Week" published a special sixteen-page
tribute to Tom. More than 25,000 fans greeted Tom on May 28 at Ponty Park in his
hometown, Pontypridd, South Wales to celebrate the homecoming of a genuine Welsh
legend. The concert was the first one he put on in his hometown and as he
ended the show he said "we must do this again"! Black Book
Magazine - the Entertain Me Issue - examined entertainment as an American and
global phenomenon. The issue featured 19 portraits of some of the more
interesting entertainers of our time and Tom was one of them. On June 6 Tom
joins Wynton Marsalis Septet with Lyle Lovett, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Robert
Downey, Jr., and Wynona Judd in the Jazz at Lincoln Center's 4th Annual Spring
Gala "That's Entertainment" at the Apollo Theatre in New York City.
Proceeds from the event support the hundreds of performance and education events
produced annually by Jazz at Lincoln Center. In July A-Mazing Tribute to Tom -
Staff at Heatherton Country Sports Park near Tenby, UK count themselves as Tom's
biggest fans. They created a five-acre maize field, which stands 13 ft.
tall, although Tom's image could only be seen from the air. They thought it
would be nice to celebrate his 65th birthday and because he came to Ponty this
year. September 18 - UK Walk of Fame - Walkway dedicated to entertainers from
TV, music and comedy in central London outside St. Paul's in Covent Garden.
Tom is among the first 100 to get a "Star" on this Avenue of Stars. On
November 26 Tom is Grand Marshall of Cleveland's Winterfest Parade. Tom
ends the year with another Lifetime Achievement Award
"Outstanding Contribution to Music" from The Pop Factory Music
Awards on December 3.
2006 starts off with the special ceremony at Buckingham Palace on March 29
where Tom becomes forever known at Sir Tom Jones.
Tom's website tomjones.com launches a new look on March 27. Tom announces on his
web site that he will be touring the UK in October. Tom teams up with Chicane
and releases a new single called "Stoned In
Love" in the UK on April 24 under the Globe Records/Universal label.
Tom's grandson Alex Woodward competes in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games
representing the land of his grandfather, Wales, in the Full Bore Shooting
event. Tom's single "Stone In Love" reaches #7 on the UK Charts, #1 on
the MTV Galaxy Dance Chart for four weeks in a row, drop to second place for two
weeks and then back to #1 for another two weeks. Tom is the most popular Welsh
Star on Google Search Engine. On June 8 Tom is invited to sing "Thunderball"
at the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award presentation to Sean
Connery. This was aired on USA Channel on June 21. SIR TOM Jones
helped tell the story of Welsh immigration into the USA. New York's Ellis Island
Immigration Museum - next to the Statue of Liberty off Manhattan - reveals the
contribution the Welsh have made to America. Ten panels tell the story from the
early settlements in modern-day Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania,
through the War of Independence, the American Civil War, immigration through
Ellis Island, and ending with present-day "settlers" such as Sir
Howard Stringer, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta Jones and Sir Tom. Caesars
Palace - Las Vegas - August 5 - 40th Anniversary - Access Hollywood showed a
brief segment on Caesars big 40th Anniversary. They showed some of the big names
that had played at Caesars over the years. Tom and Frank Sinatra were in
the spotlight. Tom played at Caesars from 1971 - 1983. He had the
largest marquee in all of Las Vegas at the time.
October of 2006 Tom tours the
2007 starts off with Sir Tom touring South America for the first time in many years. The tour was a resounding success. Sir Tom was presented with two awards from the people of Chile. March 2 Sir Tom and Lady Linda celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a quite night with the family. Wonderful news was announced end of March that Tom’s TV Series “This is Tom Jones” first DVD volume will be in stores June 5th. The first volume consists of eight shows featuring Rock ‘n Roll Legends with an added disc with a special interview with Tom and other extras. On June 24 Tom entertains the workers, staff and sponsors of the new O2 Arena in London. July 1 - Concert for Princess Diana - Tom is invited by Prince William and Prince Harry to honor their mother’s memory by performing at this special concert at Wembley Arena in London. Tom performs “Kiss” one of Diana’s favorite songs. Both Prince William and Harry were dancing along with Tom to this number. This was aired in 140 countries. Tom sings the British National Anthem at the Hatton vs. Mayweather fight on December 8th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Team Hatton ask Sir Tom and Sir Tom was happy to comply and help make a small contribution to what would be on of the great sporting events of the year.
2008 starts off with Tom reaching a big milestone - Forty years of performing on the Las Vegas Strip! Tom opened his March engagement on March 27 around the same time he first performed on the Las Vegas Strip 40 years ago! April 19 Tom sings the Welsh National Anthem at the Calzaghe-Hopkins Fight at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Calzaghe is one of Tom’s fellow Welshman. On August 4 Tom makes his first Canadian Idol appearance where he gave his critiques of the contestant’s performances along with the judges. Tom’s second Canadian Idol appearance is on August 5 where he performed his new song “If He Should Ever Leave You” live on the results show. Tom releases a new CD titled “24 Hours” on S-Curve Records November 17 UK/Europe and November 25 USA. This release is Tom’s first in the USA in fifteen years.
2009 – On June 16 Tom is
honored by the Friars Foundation in New York with the “Artistic Scholarship
Applause Award”. On June 18 Tom was the guest of honour at the 40th annual
Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony where he received a special award in
recognition of his "exceptional staying power". Tom was awarded with
the Howie Richmond Hitmaker prize. The board stated they chose the Delilah
singer due to his hugely successful career spanning five decades, praising the
star's “exceptional staying power and accomplishments, along with his unique
artistry. On June 28 Tom was one of the surprise inclusions on the line-up
this year at the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England. Tom performed
on the Pyramid stage at the sell-out festival with other big names acts
including Status Quo, Madness and Blur. Tom
tours the UK and Europe September through November.
Tom ends the year with an appearance on the Jools Holland Annual
Hootenanny on December 31 on BBC 2 in the UK.
2010
- Tom releases his first gospel
CD titled “Praised & Blame” on July 26 in the UK and July 27 in the USA.
The CD reached #2 in the UK charts on August 1.The CD hit Gold status in
the UK after spending the month of August in the Top Ten!
On September 8 Tom made a surprise visit to his hometown to visit the
sights that help launched his career. Film
crew from CBS accompanied him to film for a special upcoming interview. On
September 12 Tom was part of the line up for the Help for Heroes
Concert at Twickenham Stadium in London. On September 15 Tom performs
“Praise & Blame” to a sold out crowd at The Union Chapel in London. On
September 20 Tom released the single “Run On”/”Didn’t It Rain” of the
“Praised & Blame” CD. Tom
appeared on Good Morning America on September 22 and on David Letterman.
He also appeared on CBS “The Early Show” on September 24.
On October 17 CBS Sunday Morning airs the special interview that was
filmed in Pontypridd in September. On
November 1 in London Tom is honored with a MIT Award (Music Industry Trusts’
Award) for his contribution to the music industry. Kelly Jones of rock act
Stereophonics and Cerys Matthews sang for fellow Welsh artist Tom Jones as the
veteran singer was honored with the Music Industry Trusts’ Award – the MITs
– in London. Celebrity fans including director Tim Burton and his wife Helena
Bonham Carter turned out for the ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel last
night (November 1), as well as George Martin, TV presenter Rob Brydon, musical
theatre performer Michael Ball, shadow chancellor Alan Johnson and numerous
executives. Organizers sold 1,100 tickets for the event, which raises money for
music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins and the BRIT Trust, which helps to support
the BRIT School for the Performing Arts. On November 10 Tom sings for Ware Child
at the BSME (British Society of Magazine Editors) Awards in London. Tom
performed five songs for War Child, three from “Praise & Blame” and two
from his past repertoire, receiving two standing ovations. On November 11 Tom
released “Greatest Hits Rediscovered”. Two
disc set musical timeline of hit singles spanning almost five decades.
On November 15 Tom performs at MENCAP’s Little Noise Sessions - –
Celebrating their 5th birthday, Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions
enlisted superstar Tom Jones along with others to perform at the legendary
series of acoustic gigs. Tom kicked off the celebration on November 15
performing a special set from his latest album “Praise & Blame” at the
Union Chapel in London. On November
17 Tom performed at The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala 2010 at Royal Albert Hall in
London. On November 19 Tom performs
for BBC1’s Children In Need. Tom was one of the live performers on the show,
which raised over £80 million pounds ($125 million dollars) for the charity.
Tom performed “Give A Little Love” and “Didn’t It Rain”.
Tom visits Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Centre in London after receiving
his MIT award, who support Nordoff. Tom
spent the afternoon with Fiifi and Frankie, playing instrument and singing to
them. He was astounded at how positively they responded to music and enjoyed
seeing their reaction to the sound of his voice.
LA Times votes Tom’s new CD “Praise & Blame” #5 of the year!
Tom enjoys a consistent U.S. and international touring schedule throughout the year. He lives with is wife of 54 years, Melinda, in their home in Los Angeles, CA. His son, Mark and daughter-in-law Donna, have given him a grandson, Alexander John, born 6/12/83 and a granddaughter Emma Violet, born 9/15/87. His sister also live in Los Angeles. Since September of 1986 when Gordon Mills suffered an untimely death, Tom has been managed by his son, Mark Woodward, who traveled with him since the age of 17.
Tom Jones continues to both deliver and surprise. His voice has matured to perfection, his performance is as driven as it is seasoned, his persona as bold as it is witty and charming. He is completely devoted to his craft and talent, and hopes only that the quickly changing faces of popular music allow him to grow and be challenged as an artist. This incomparable voice and unique talent will be touching the minds and hearts of music lovers for many years to come.
Updated: 12/30/10