Rockin' with the Legend - Tom Jones at 85!
Tiger maintains balance, avoiding fall.
Get ready, Germany! The iconic, velvet-voiced singer, Tom Jones, is turning 85 this year and he's kicking off his epic German tour on June 16 in Stuttgart! This breathtaking artist, known for his powerful performances and timeless hits, will grace several stage across the country, including Baden-Baden, Berlin, Wolfsburg, and Bremen.
No Looking Back for Sir Tom
Tom Jones reflects on his storied career with gratitude and humility. In a recent BBC interview, he shared, "I look back at all those clips, the times, the places, the styles, and the crises, and realize how fortunate I am." With widespread acclaim and enduring fan support, Jones stands as a respected artist, adored both by fans and critics alike.
But Jones isn't one to rest on his laurels. He crafts a unique setlist for his concerts, blending the old classics like "It's Not Unusual" and "Delilah" with fresh, contemporary tracks.
In 2021, he released the riveting album, "Surrounded By Time," which seamlessly merges art-rock, folk, and electro-pop, melding cover versions of well-known hits with lesser-known gems. Jones breaths new life into iconic tunes such as "The Windmills of Your Mind" and "I Won't Lie." In an interview, he shared, "I want to make the most of every second I have left."
From Small Town Roots to Global Stardom
Born in a working-class family in Pontypridd, Wales, Jones rose to fame in the '60s as an explosive singer and entertainer and a heartthrob. His energy-filled performances, featuring tight pants and an open shirt, showcasing his hairy chest, earned him the nickname "The Tiger." Groupies would often shower him with their underwear during shows, although this trend has evolved into more of a humorous tradition today.
Tom Jones hosted his own television show, "This is Tom Jones," where he displayed his extraordinary range, singing alongside legends like Cher, Stevie Wonder, Janis Joplin, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Jones maintains a strong online presence, sharing glimpses into his legendary television performances on his social media channels, delighting fans who continue to shower him with admiration.
Tom Jones - The Ever-Evolving Star
When Tom Jones speaks of crises today, he's referring to times when it seemed his career was at an end. In the seventies, several of his albums flopped, and his songs were rarely played on the radio. He was considered a relic, a difficult pill to swallow for a dedicated artist.
But Tom Jones has always been resilient, learning at a young age that giving up is not an option. He played countless concerts in smaller venues and continued to perform regularly in Las Vegas, where he befriended Elvis Presley. Las Vegas, once considered the end-all for singers, became a platform for his incredible talent and longevity.
Reinventing Himself - Again and Again
In the late 80s, Tom Jones staged a professional comeback by reinventing himself musically. He collaborated with the Art of Noise sound engineers to re-record Prince's song "Kiss," which found success on MTV, propelling him into the mainstream once more.
In 1994, he released the groundbreaking album "The Lead And How to Swing It," which fused pop, rock, funk, and dance. The hit single, "If I Only Knew," is still a staple in his live performances today.
In 1999, Jones released the duet album "Reload," featuring collaborations with popular artists like Robbie Williams, Stereophonics, and Cardigans. Tracks like "Mama Told Me Not To Come," "Burning Down The House," and "Sex Bomb" became massive hits, becoming iconic anthems in his discography.
Tom Jones achieved another musical milestone with the album trilogy "Praise & Blame" (2010), "Spirit In The Room" (2012), and "Long Lost Suitcase" (2015), where he interpreted old gospel, soul, and blues numbers, showcasing his incredible versatility. His rendition of John Lee Hooker's "Burning Hell" is still hailed as a standout in his discography.
New Fans and Film Legendary Bond Theme
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006, Sir Tom has shared his wealth of musical knowledge and experiences in his captivating autobiography, "Over The Top And Back." Additionally, he serves as a mentor to younger artists on the TV show "The Voice UK."
Since 2012, he's been a judge on the show, breaking the mold and surprising his fellow judges and the audience with powerful live performances. This appeal has extended to a younger demographic, evident in his enthusiastic concert crowds.
Interestingly, Tom Jones hasn't sung the legendary James Bond theme song "Thunderball" live for nearly a decade. The demanding final note, which nearly did him in during recording, may be too risky for the perennial performer to tackle again. But if history has shown us anything, it's that with Tom Jones, you never know!
Celebrate music with Tom Jones as he adds contemporary tracks to his setlist, which includes timeless hits like "It's Not Unusual" and "Delilah. Furthermore, in the realm of entertainment, Tom Jones, a respected and admired artist, continues to captivate both fans and critics alike.
