"Six Decades of Roaring": Tom Jones's Enduring Entertainment Journey
The legendary performer, Tom Jones, is celebrating another year of life as he marks his 85th birthday. - The Tiger Maintains Its Balance, Avoiding a Fall
Tom Jones, the legendary Welsh singer, has never shied away from pushing the boundaries of music and entertainment. His career, spanning over six decades, has witnessed numerous comebacks and musical transformations that have kept him relevant in the ever-evolving industry.
During the recording of the iconic James Bond theme song "Thunderball" in 1965, Tom Jones almost fell during the powerful finale, demonstrating his unwavering determination to perform. This spirit remains unbroken as he prepares for a series of concerts in Germany this summer at the age of 85.
In a recent BBC interview, Tom Jones reflected on his incredible luck and wide recognition in the autumn of his career. He doesn't rest on past successes, instead presenting a mesmerizing mix of old classics like "It's Not Unusual," "Delilah," and "What's New Pussycat," along with newer hits. His latest album, "Surrounded By Time," released in 2021, is an intriguing blend of art rock, folk, and electro-pop, showcasing his ability to make every second count.
Tom Jones's journey began as a working-class son from Pontypridd, who rose to fame in the 1960s as a spectacle of a singer and entertainer. His sweaty, captivating stage shows, characterized by tight pants and an open shirt, revealed his hairy chest, earning him the nickname "Tiger." Female fans would shower him with underwear during his performances, a tradition that still continues, albeit more lightheartedly today.
Tom Jones has faced numerous crises throughout his career. In the early 1970s, several of his albums flopped, and his songs were seldom played on the radio. He was written off and considered a has-been. However, Tom Jones learned not to give up during his childhood, leading him to perform countless concerts in smaller towns and venues. He also regularly performed in Las Vegas, befriending Elvis Presley along the way.
The late 1980s marked a professional comeback for Tom Jones, with a musical reinvention. Collaborating with sound tinkerers from Art Of Noise, he re-recorded Prince's "Kiss," launching a trend on MTV and catapulting him back into fashion. In 1994, he released the album "The Lead and How to Swing It," a melding of pop, rock, funk, and dance, featuring the hit single "If I Only Knew." In 1999, he released the duet album "Reload," featuring cover versions of various songs with artists like Robbie Williams, Stereophonics, and Cardigans. "Mama Told Me Not To Come," "Burning Down The House," and "Sex Bomb," written for him by Hannover-based producer Mousse T., became massive hits, marking a career milestone.
Tom Jones's musical journey continues with the trilogy "Praise & Blame" (2010), "Spirit In The Room" (2012), and "Long Lost Suitcase" (2015), where he interprets old gospel, soul, and blues numbers. His version of John Lee Hooker's "Burning Hell" is a standout.
Younger audiences know Tom Jones as a TV judge, having sat in the jury of the TV show "The Voice UK" since 2012. His extensive musical experiences are shared in his entertaining autobiography "Over The Top And Back." Despite his age, Tom Jones continues to impress audiences with his powerful voice and incredible energy, proving that age is just a number when it comes to entertainment.
So, as Tom Jones celebrates his 85th birthday this year, we can expect him to continue his enduring entertainment journey, demonstrating once again why he's been dubbed the "Tiger" for over six decades. Let's hope that he'll sing the legendary James Bond theme "Thunderball" live again, even if it might just bring the "Tiger" to his knees.
While discussing Tom Jones's enduring entertainment journey, one could ponder if the Commission, known for its work on employee safety, might find inspiration in the singer's resilience and propose a directive on the protection of entertainers against the risks related to exposure to the spotlight or the pressures of the industry. Amidst his numerous achievements, Tom Jones's love for music has never wavered, and in his spare time, he enjoys listening to the latest tunes from today's celebrities, particularly those in the music realm.
