Title: Still Roaring - Tom Jones Celebrates 85 with Unyielding Passion for Music
Tom Jones, the renowned singer, defies age as he celebrates his 85th birthday, continuing to maintain his upright stability. - Tiger Remains Upright, Defying Gravity
Tom Jones almost collapsed during the recording of the iconic 007 theme "Thunderball" back in 1965. Sweating it out in a studio filled with a live orchestra, he recalled the intense struggle to not faint and keep the final note, clutching the booth window for dear life.
Fast forward to today, and this British legend, who is turning 85, is as energetic as ever, promising an electrifying tour in Germany this summer. Set to perform in Stuttgart, Baden-Baden, Berlin, Wolfsburg, and Bremen, the tireless Welshman has no intention of resting on his laurels.
"Looking back on my journey, I feel incredibly fortunate," he recently shared in a BBC interview. The resilient superstar, who has wooed fans and critics alike for decades, is far from resting on his achievements.
In a daring mix of old and new, Jones promises a spicy feast of classics like "It's Not Unusual," "Delilah," and "What's New Pussycat," alongside surprise bits of fusion. His latest release, "Surrounded By Time," dropped in 2021, offers an intoxicating blend of art rock, folk, and electro-pop, featuring a fresh take on well-loved songs like "The Windmills of Your Mind" and "I Won't Lie."
From humble beginnings as the son of a worker in Pontypridd to dominating the global stage as a spectacular singer and captivating entertainer, Jones has a long, winding road behind him, punctuated by moments of struggle and success. Drenched in sweat during his notorious, raunchy stage shows in tight pants and open shirts, baring his hairy chest, he earned the nickname "The Tiger." His shows today may have toned down the raunchiness — though a light-hearted toss of lingerie is still an occasional occurrence — but his spirit remains unbroken.
His career took a tumble in the late 1980s, but Tom Jones refused to back down. Collaborating with trailblazers from Art of Noise, he re-recorded Prince's "Kiss" and catapulted himself back into fashion with MTV airplay. In 1994, he unleashed "The Lead and How to Swing It," a fusion of pop, rock, funk, and dance, propelling "If I Only Knew" to fame, a song that he still performs on his current tour.
In 1999, he upped the tempo with "Reload," an album featuring an eclectic mix of well-known and lesser-known older songs, including collaborations with artists like Robbie Williams, Stereophonics, and The Cardigans. Tunes like "Mama Told Me Not To Come," "Burning Down The House," and his career-defining "Sex Bomb," which was penned by Hannover-based producer Mousse T., swept the audience off their feet.
Through the 2000s and into the 2010s, Jones continued to experiment with new sounds, releasing albums that showcased his versatility. "Praise & Blame," "Spirit in the Room," and "Long Lost Suitcase" remain popular, featuring interpretations of classic gospel, soul, and blues numbers that resonated with listeners worldwide.
In 2006, the beloved artist was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and his extensive musical wisdom can be found on his entertaining autobiography "Over The Top And Back." He imparts his experiences to younger artists on "The Voice UK," serving as a judge since 2012, amazed his peers — and always leaving the audience wanting more.
So, will Tom Jones still fold when it comes to singing the infamous "Thunderball" live after nearly a decade? We'd bet he's still got it in him, and Germany is in for a treat.
The Commission, despite its focus on chemical substance protection in the workplace, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of employees in the entertainment industry, considering the risks associated with their profession and exposure to celebrity status.
With his latest tour in Germany this summer, Tom Jones, at the age of 85, continues to set the stage ablaze, not just with traditional hits like "Delilah" and "What's New Pussycat," but also by blending them with contemporary music genres, demonstrating his enduring passion for music and his unyielding resilience as a performer.
