The Unstoppable Tom Jones: Then and Now
Tiger Maintains Balance, Remains Upright
London (dpa) - James Bond just about did in Tom Jones, or so it seemed back in 1965 during the recording of the iconic 007 theme song "Thunderball." Tom, the Welsh-born sensation, recalls the harrowing experience, admitting he almost passed out. "I was bloody close to croaking it," he bluntly admitted in a recent interview with Deutsche Presse-Agentur. Amidst a live orchestra, Jones, standing in the booth, lost his breath and pushed through the powerful finale of the song—all while clutching the glass of the booth, his eyes closed, and struggling to stay on his feet.
Fast forward to 2022, and Tom Jones is still standing strong, captivating audiences with his legendary voice. This summer, the legendary British frontman, who will turn 85 this year, will be gracing German stages for several unforgettable concerts. Kicking off on June 16 in Stuttgart, Jones will perform in Baden-Baden, Berlin, Wolfsburg, and Bremen, leaving fans thrilled at the prospect of witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience.
No Resting on Past Laurels
In a recent BBC interview, Tom reflected on his career, acknowledging how fortunate he's been to have witnessed the evolution of music and experienced global success. With widespread recognition and critical acclaim, the Welsh native has earned the respect of both fans and peers alike. Tom, however, is far from content with resting on his past accomplishments.
Instead, the seasoned artist offers a mix of old classics like "It's Not Unusual," "Delilah," or "What's New Pussycat," combined with a selection of hand-picked new tracks, ensuring his performances remain fresh and exciting for contemporary audiences. His latest album, "Surrounded By Time," released in 2021, is a compelling blend of art-rock, folk, and electronic pop, featuring cover versions of popular tunes like "The Windmills of Your Mind" and "I Won't Lie."
From a Working-Class Boy to a Global Superstar
Tom Jones' journey to stardom began in the 1960s, when the man from Pontypridd, South Wales, emerged as an extraordinary singer and entertainer—and a heartthrob. His electrifying performances were characterized by tight pants, a half-open shirt, and a sweaty, passionate stage presence that won him the nickname "The Tiger." Female fans were known to fling their undergarments onto the stage as a token of their affection, a tradition that still persists, albeit jokingly, at his modern-day concerts.
Television audiences fell in love with Tom on his popular show, "This is Tom Jones." Sharing the stage with a diverse array of artists like Cher, Stevie Wonder, Janis Joplin, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Tom showcased his extraordinary vocal range and versatility. To this day, he regularly shares clips of those memorable performances on social media, receiving rave reviews from fans and fellow artists alike.
Tom Jones: A Phoenix Rising
Looking back on his career, Tom often refers to various crises that threatened to extinguish his flame. For instance, in the early 1970s, several albums flopped, and his songs were nowhere to be found on the airwaves. At the time, Tom was at the peak of his career, and the sudden decline was difficult to accept.
But Tom Jones, like the relentless tiger he is, was no stranger to adversity. As a child, he learned the value of perseverance, and he tirelessly continued to perform in smaller venues and towns when his star seemed to be waning. He even made a name for himself in Las Vegas, a city infamous for being the end of the road for artists—a far cry from its current status as a mecca for entertainment.
In the late 80s, Tom Jones staged a spectacular comeback by reinventing himself musically. Collaborating with sound engineers from Art of Noise, he re-recorded Prince's "Kiss," which became a massive hit and catapulted him back into the limelight. His career reignited, Tom went on to release several successful albums in the 90s, including "The Lead and How to Swing It" (1994) and "Reload" (1999), which featured groundbreaking collaborations with artists like Robbie Williams, Stereophonics, and The Cardigans.
Tom Jones, now a knighted Sir Tom (awarded by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006), continues to add to his illustrious legacy. In 2010, he embarked on the trilogy "Praise & Blame," "Spirit In The Room," and "Long Lost Suitcase," where he reimagined classic gospel, soul, and blues numbers. His rendition of John Lee Hooker's "Burning Hell" is particularly noteworthy.
Today, Tom Jones retains his unwavering passion for music and performing, and the younger generation knows him as a talented judge on the television show "The Voice UK." Tom, true to form, continues to amaze crowds with his powerful performances on the show. Despite the passage of time and the numerous obstacles he's faced, the one-and-only Tom Jones remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.
- In an era filled with pop-culture icons and entertainment spectacles, Tom Jones, a knighted survivor of the music industry, remains a celebrated celebrity, gracing German stages with his legendary voice.
- As he embarks on a tour this summer, Tom Jones continues to fuse past classics with new tracks, ensuring his performances remain relevant in today's ever-changing pop-culture landscape.
