Venerable Music Icon Tom Jones, at 85 Years Old, Continues His Fierce Musical Battles: "The Tiger" Persists in the Ring
Title: Timeless Roar: Tom Jones at 85, Still Commanding the Stage
Tom Jones, the Welsh legend, turns 85 today, and he's celebrating by hitting the road for a series of concerts in Germany. Known for his powerful voice and irresistible stage presence, Jones has refused to let age deter him from his passion for music.
In 1965, Jones nearly passed out while recording the James Bond theme, "Thunderball." He stood with a live orchestra in the studio, forgetting to breathe before the song's dramatic finale. sixty years later, he's still commanding stages with his vocal prowess.
No Rest for the Weary
Jones credits his long career to his "blessing." In a recent interview, he expressed his gratitude for his wide acclaim and the fans who continue to support him. Unlike many artists of his generation, Jones doesn't rely on the same greatest hits set. He combines old classics, like "It's Not Unusual," "Delilah," and "What's New Pussycat" with new material.
His latest album, "Surrounded By Time," released in 2021, was a captivating blend of art-rock, folk, and electro-pop. The album, produced by Ethan Johns, earned Jones the distinction of being the oldest male ever to top the UK Official Albums Chart with new material.
From Working-Class Boy to Global Icon
Jones gained fame in the 1960s as a spectacular singer, entertainer, and sex symbol. His sweaty, exhilarating performances featuring tight pants and an open shirt, revealing his hairy chest, earned him the nickname, "The Tiger." Female fans regularly threw their underwear on stage. While less frequent today, it still occurs, more as a joke.
In addition to his music, Jones hosted his own TV show, "This is Tom Jones," where he sang with various stars such as Cher, Stevie Wonder, Janis Joplin, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Clips from the show still make appearances on his social media channels, earning enthusiastic comments.
When Jones speaks of crises today, he refers to times when his career seemed over, like the early 1970s when multiple albums failed, and his songs disappeared from radio playlists. He was written off as yesterday’s news, but he tirelessly played concerts in smaller towns and venues and regularly performed in Las Vegas, considered the end of the line for singers.
At the end of the 80s, Jones made a professional comeback by musically reinventing himself. With Art Of Noise, he re-recorded the song "Kiss" by Prince, which catapulted him back into the limelight. In 1994, he released "The Lead And How to Swing It," featuring pop, rock, funk, and dance influences, and the hit single, "If I Only Knew."
In 1999, Jones released the duet album "Reload" with a mix of well-known and lesser-known older songs, collaborating with hip artists like Robbie Williams, the Stereophonics, and the Cardigans. "Mama Told Me Not To Come" and "Burning Down The House" became hits, just like "Sex Bomb," written for him by Mousse T. and a significant milestone in his career.
Jones achieved another musical masterstroke 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. His version of John Lee Hooker’s "Burning Hell" was a massive hit.
Timeless Titan
In 2006, Queen Elizabeth II knighted Jones, and he has since written about his extensive musical experiences in his entertaining autobiography "Over The Top And Back." He continues to mentor young artists on the TV show "The Voice UK."
Although he hasn't sung "Thunderball" live for almost ten years, perhaps the risk is too great that the "Tiger" might still topple over at the strenuous final note. But one would still believe he could do it.
Sources: ntv.de, Philip Dethlefs, dpa
In the realm of timeless entertainment, Tom Jones continues to captivate audiences with his mesmerizing music, much like the iconic James Bond theme "Thunderball" from six decades ago. His latest album, "Surrounded By Time," showcases his versatility, blending genres such as art-rock, folk, and electro-pop.
This Welsh legend, now 85, has a knack for reinventing himself, proving time and again that his passion for music remains undeterred, making him a true timeless titan.
