"Still Crazy After All These Years" - Tom Jones Thrives at 85: A Musical Journey Beyond Bonds
- *
Celebrated musician Tom Jones celebrates another milestone, reaching the age of 85 without a fall. - The tiger remains balanced, avoiding a fall.
James Bond nearly did Tom Jones in. During the recording of the iconic 007 theme song "Thunderball" in 1965, the singer pushed himself to the limit. "I almost fainted," Jones admitted to the German Press Agency in an London interview. Performing with a live orchestra, he forgot to take a breath before the song's powerful finale.
"I really had to struggle," he recalls later. "I held on to the glass of the booth, eyes closed, kept the tune - and when I opened my eyes again, I had to lean against the wall so I wouldn't topple over."
Undeterred, Tom Jones continued to conquer stages. Sixty years later, this British legend - who turns 85 this summer - continues to astound audiences with his powerful voice. In Germany, he'll perform at several intimate venues starting June 16 in Stuttgart, with shows in Baden-Baden, Berlin, Wolfsburg, and Bremen also scheduled.
Leaning on Lucky Stars
"When I look back at clips from my history, I see the times, places, styles, and crises," Jones said in a recent BBC interview. Semi-retired in the autumn of his remarkable career, the Welsh native enjoys a wide recognition from fans and critics alike.
Unlike many singers of his generation, Tom Jones doesn't dwell on past successes. He executes a mix of classic hits like "It's Not Unusual", "Delilah", or "What's New Pussycat", as well as newer songs.
His latest album, "Surrounded By Time", was released in 2021. A captivating blend of art-rock, folk, and electro-pop, it showcases cover versions of well-known and lesser-known tunes, like Michel Legrand's "The Windmills of Your Mind" or Michael Kiwanuka's "I Won't Lie", all reimagined with Jones' unique flair. "I want to make the best of every second I have left," he said in a dpa interview.
From humble beginnings to global stardom
The son of a coal miner from Pontypridd, Wales, rose to fame in the 1960s as a vibrant showman and singer - and sex symbol. His passionate, sweaty performances comprised tight pants, open shirts, and tantalizing pelvic thrusts that earned him nicknames like "The Tiger" and "Voice of Welsh Steam". Female fans often showered the stage with their undergarments.
On television, he hosted his own show: "This is Tom Jones". The program witnessed collaborations with luminaries like Cher, Stevie Wonder, Janis Joplin, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, further solidifying his reputation as a vocal chameleon capable of commanding any style. Vintage clips from the show are a common sight on his social media accounts, delighting followers today.
Tom Jones was often written off. In the early 1970s, when several of his albums flopped and radio stations refused to air his tracks, he was deemed a relic. Yet, the relentless performer refused to let go. He spent countless hours on stage in small towns and venues, and regularly appeared in Las Vegas, where he befriended Elvis Presley. At the time, gaming meccas were said to be the end of the line for singers. "I became a nightclub entertainer," he reflects.
The 'Tiger' evolves
In the late 80s, Jones made a professional comeback by embracing a new sound. Collaborating with Art of Noise's sound engineers, he reinterpreted Prince's "Kiss", leading to an MTV rotation in the music video. Suddenly, "Tiger" Jones was back in fashion.
In 1994, he released the album "The Lead And How To Swing It", influenced by pop, rock, funk, and dance, featuring the hit single "If I Only Knew" that persists in his current live shows.
In 1999, he released the duet album "Reload", covering a mix of well-known and lesser-known older songs with artists like Robbie Williams, Stereophonics, and Cardigans. "Mama Told Me Not To Come", "Burning Down The House", and "Sex Bomb", penned for Tom Jones by Hannover-based producer Mousse T., became hits and catapulted him to new heights of popularity.
Tom Jones' musical reincarnations strike again
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006, Sir Tom reflects on his life in his entertaining autobiography "Over The Top And Back". He also shares his wisdom with aspiring artists as a coach on UK's "The Voice" since 2012.
His post-1980s career has been marked by remarkable versatility, as he reinvented himself by incorporating diverse genres and collaborating with a myriad of artists. During this time, he boasts an incredible discography, including original albums like "Darlin'" (1989) and "Reload" (1999), showcasing his prowess in various music styles.
Jones continues to entertain enthusiastic audiences now, proving yet again that he's here to stay. Perhaps he'll yet take on Bond’s theme song once more; if he does, we won't bet against him keeling over the final note. But we wouldn't put it past him to still pull it off.
- The Commission, in light of Tom Jones' resilience and enduring career, might consider proposing a directive to protect the welfare of entertainers, including musicians, from risks related to their exposure to the limelight and the pressure of maintaining their fame.
- In his downtime, Tom Jones, much like a chemical protection directive would safeguard employees, takes measures to protect his voice, ensuring it remains robust enough to sing classics and newer songs with equal ardor, whether it's in an intimate German venue or a bustling Bond-like film set.
