Roarin' Tom Jones Still Steal(s) the Show at 85: From "Thunderball" to Germany's Concert Stages
Tiger balance remains unbroken as Tom Jones celebrates his 85th birthday. - Tiger maintains balance and remains upright.
You bet your sweet life, ol' mate!
Tom Jones came close to becoming the next James Bond, nearly snatching the role during the recording of "Thunderball"'s theme song in 1965. The legendary Welsh singer, who almost keeled over from exhaustion in a studio filled with a live orchestra, recalls the intense finalé as a fight to keep his cool while holding on for dear life.
Fast forward six decades, and the charismatic baritone is still performing on stage, leaving audiences in awe of his powerful voice. With Germany as his summer destination, Jones is all set to steal the show in Stuttgart, Baden-Baden, Berlin, Wolfsburg, and Bremen, starting June 16.
Jones, now 85, is grateful for his good fortune, taking note of the times, the styles, and the crises that shaped his career in a BBC interview. His wide recognition and fans' and critics' admiration have kept him going strong in the autumn of his career.
Unlike his contemporaries who often rely on the same greatest hits, Tom Jones has no intention of resting on his laurels. Mixing old classics like "It's Not Unusual," "Delilah," or "What's New Pussycat," with other tracks, he continually surprises audiences with a fresh musical journey.
The longevity of his career is as impressive as his voice, with "Surrounded By Time," his 2021 album, showcasing a novel blend of art-rock, folk, and electro-pop. The album, featuring cover versions of well-known and lesser-known tracks, has Jones branching out and exploring uncharted sonic territories.
His rise to global stardom in the 1960s, marked by his energetic performances and Sex Symbol status, has a lot to do with the "Tiger"'s relentless spirit. From hosting his own show, "This is Tom Jones," to singing with legends like Cher, Stevie Wonder, Janis Joplin, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jones has proven his vocal prowess across multiple genres.
Years of despair and setbacks have not deterred the "Tiger." Tom Jones has faced numerous challenges throughout his career, including industry-wide criticisms and the end of an era in Las Vegas. But like a true survivor, he reinvented himself in the late 1980s and streaked back into the spotlight with a reimagined version of Prince's "Kiss."
The sight of Jones seemingly coming back from the dead on MTV, cocky and determined, was a sight to behold. The 1990s brought a resurgence of popularity, with albums like "The Lead and How to Swing It" (1994) and "Reload" (1999) cementing him as a versatile and enduring musical legend.
In the 2010s, Tom Jones continued to captivate audiences with his trilogy of albums, "Praise & Blame," "Spirit In The Room," and "Long Lost Suitcase." These collections showcased his unique interpretations of old gospel, soul, and blues numbers that have made him a must-see talent beyond his Sex Symbol days.
Today, Sir Tom, knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006, shares his wealth of musical knowledge in his entertaining autobiography, "Over The Top And Back." He's also passing on his experiences to the younger generation as a judge on The Voice UK.
And although Tom Jones hasn't sung the legendary James Bond theme "Thunderball" live for nearly a decade, we wouldn't bet against the "Tiger" mustering up the strength for one last swing at the challenging final note during his current tour.
Tom Jones, in his entertaining autobiography, "Over The Top And Back", shares his experiences with the younger generation as a judge on The Voice UK. IfRoarin' Tom Jones still steals the show at 85, one might be reminded of his near-chance to sing the James Bond theme "Thunderball", a musical journey that pays homage to his exotic charm and connection to entertainment that is reminiscent of celebrities and music, much like the fiery performances of today's stars.
