Roaring Like a Tiger: Sir Tom Jones at 85 Still Packing a Punch
Veteran singer Tom Jones, aged 85, continues his battle in the limelight, manifesting his vigor through the song "The Tiger."
Get ready to be enthralled, because the Welsh legend Tom Jones, who's turning 85 today, is back on tour across Germany this summer! Known for his powerful voice, electrifying performances, and enduring sex symbol status, Jones has become a timeless figure in the music industry.
Remember when he almost became a James Bond theme song singer back in 1965 with "Thunderball"? Well, in a London interview, he revealed that he pushed himself to the limit during the recording session! "I almost passed out," he confessed. With a live orchestra and no time to catch his breath before the song's epic finale, Jones recalls "holding on to the booth window, eyes closed, and kept the note - only to lean against the wall to keep from fainting when I opened my eyes again!"
Not one to back down, the self-proclaimed "Tiger" continues to captivate audiences with his remarkable voice and energetic performances, six decades after he rose to global stardom in the '60s.
No Rest for the Wicked – or the Veteran Singer
Looking back on his past, Jones recently admitted to feeling incredibly fortunate, acknowledging the times, places, styles, and crises he faced. "When I look at clips from the past, I realize how lucky I am," he shared in a BBC interview. With a wide fan base and critical acclaim, this autumn of his career is nothing short of triumphant.
While many singers of his generation rely on their greatest hits, Jones shuns nostalgia by incorporating new sounds into his performances. You can expect to hear old classics like "It's Not Unusual," "Delilah," and "What's New Pussycat" alongside fresh tracks on his recent tour.
His latest album, "Surrounded By Time," released in 2021, is a thought-provoking amalgamation of art rock, folk, and electro-pop. Featuring cover versions of both well-known and lesser-known tunes, like Michel Legrand's "The Windmills of Your Mind" and Michael Kiwanuka's "I Won't Lie," this album reinvents these songs in a captivating new way. In a nutshell, Jones asserts, "I want to make the most of every second I have left."
From Humble Beginnings to Global Stardom
Tom Jones gained international recognition as a charismatic singer and entertainer, and as a heartthrob. His performances were marked by his formfitting pants, open shirt, and sexy dance moves – earning him the nickname "The Tiger." Female admirers would often hurl their underwear onto the stage, a tradition still carried on (albeit playfully) in today's performances.
Jones hosted a TV show named "This is Tom Jones," where he shared the stage with icons like Cher, Stevie Wonder, Janis Joplin, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Fast-forward to today, and Jones regularly posts clips from his television performances on social media, continuing to delight fans with his timeless performances.
When discussing crises, Jones is referencing periods when his career seemed on the decline. For instance, in the early '70s, several of his albums tanked, and his hits fell out of radio rotation. He was dismissed as a has-been, a bitter pill for the seasoned performer to swallow.
However, as a child, Jones learned the value of persistence. He tirelessly played in small towns and venues, refusing to give up. He even took on residencies in Las Vegas, a city then considered the final destination for singers, reinventing himself as a nightclub entertainer.
A Life of Musical Reinvention
At the end of the '80s, Jones made a professional comeback by pivoting musically. With the help of Art of Noise, he re-recorded Prince's "Kiss," and the iconic music video was a staple on MTV. Overnight, "Tiger" Jones was cool again!
In 1994, Jones released "The Lead and How to Swing It" with influences of pop, rock, funk, and dance, and the hit single "If I Only Knew" (still featured on his current tour). The duet album "Reload" from 1999 showcased collaborations with renowned artists like Robbie Williams, the Stereophonics, and the Cardigans. "Mama Told Me Not To Come" and "Burning Down the House" were instant hits, while "Sex Bomb," penned by Mousse T., remains a milestone in Jones' career.
Yet another musical masterstroke – and reinvention – was achieved with the album trilogy "Praise & Blame" (2010), "Spirit in the Room" (2012), and "Long Lost Suitcase" (2015), where Jones interpreted old gospel, soul, and blues numbers. His version of John Lee Hooker's "Burning Hell" became a massive hit.
No More "Thunderball" for the Tired Tiger?
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006, Tom Jones has chronicled his extensive musical experiences in his entertaining autobiography "Over The Top And Back." He's also passed down his wisdom to younger artists through the TV show "The Voice UK" since 2012 – with a brief hiatus. At his concerts, you can see the fruits of his mentorship, as he continues to charm new and younger fans with his powerful singing performances.
By the way, Jones hasn't sung the legendary James Bond theme song "Thunderball" live in nearly a decade. Perhaps the risk of collapsing at the song's demanding finale is too great for the elder "Tiger." Still, one could never rule out the possibility that he'd manage to pull it off.
Asa testament to his enduring appeal, Sir Tom Jones' performances continue to captivate audiences with a blend of legendary hits and contemporary music, ensuring a diverse entertainment experience for fans. The music, because of Jones' adaptability, remains a crucial element in his performances, showcasing his ability to reinvent himself across various genres and eras.
