Tom Jones: Still Roaring at 85 - The Immortal "Tiger"
Veteran Singer Tom Jones, aged 85, Declares Continued Struggle: "The Tiger" Remains Undeterred
Blast from the past! legendary vocal powerhouse, Tom Jones, is alive and kickin' at 85! The Welsh baritone, known as "The Tiger," made his global debut in the swingin' '60s and has refused to fade into obscurity, even today. This summer, he's hitting the road to Germany for an unstoppable tour.
Here's a flashback to that close call with James Bond. During the recording of "Thunderball" in 1965, our man Tom Jones pushed himself to the extreme. "I nearly bit the dust," he declared in a London interview. With an orchestra backing him, the pressure was on to deliver during a live performance. Tom confessed he nearly forgotten to breathe before reaching the song's climax – quite the beltin' blast!
"It was touch and go, but I held on for dear life," he recalled. "I had to grab the studio glass, shut my peepers, hit the note, and when I reopened them, I about went down like a sack of potatoes!"
Fast forward six decades, and Tom Jones is still shaking things up with his vocal chops. And don't even get us started on those throbbing timbres of his! This month, the legend will celebrate his 85th birthday, but there's no sign of him slowing down anytime soon. So, grab your eye patch and get ready to groove along, 'cause Jones is back on tour!
No Room for Complacency
In a BBC interview, Tom Jones expressed gratitude for his illustrious career, describing it as a lucky break. He's earned the respect of fans and critics alike, with his unwavering determination and heavenly voice. As music legends of his generation tend to rely on their old hits, Tom politely declines the invitation.
His arsenal remains stocked with classics like "It's Not Unusual," "Delilah," and "What's New Pussycat," but his live shows are anything but repetitive. He'll throw in a little twist here and a few surprises there, ensuring that each performance leaves audiences spellbound.
In 2021, Tom Jones released "Surrounded By Time," an album that simply refuses to age. Packed with a captivating blend of art rock, folk, and electro-pop, this collection features covers of iconic tunes like "The Windmills of Your Mind" and "I Won't Lie." In his own words, he's making the most of every second.
From Working-Class Roots to Global Stardom
Tom Jones gained fame as a boundary-pushing singer and entertainer, but it was his sex appeal that captured the hearts of millions. At his live shows, the sweat would drip off his body as he beneath tight pants and an open shirt, flaunting his mane. Everyone knew him as "The Tiger." Women's lingerie routinely showered the stage, and while that still happens occasionally, it's usually just a friendly jest these days.
TV enthusiasts around the world admired his self-titled show, "This is Tom Jones," as he shared the stage with icons like Cher, Stevie Wonder, Janis Joplin, and Crosby, Stills, & Nash. Watching those clips today on his social media channels still brings back the good 'ol days!
When Tom Jones brings up crises, he reminisces about the periods when his career seemed done for. Such times as the early '70s, when album after album would flop, and his songs barely saw daylight on the radio. He might have been labeled a has-been, but he refused to accept that label.
The young Tom learned to keep going through thick and thin, chugging along with concerts in small towns and low-key venues. Vegas, known as the final resting place for singers, was his playground, where he was a nightclub entertainer.
A True "Tiger" Renewal
In the '80s, Tom Jones rocked his way back into the spotlight with a musical reinvention. With the help of the Art of Noise, he retooled his interpretation of Prince's "Kiss." The accompanying music video made it onto MTV, and suddenly, Jones was back in the groove!
Just a few years later, he dropped the album "The Lead and How to Swing It" with infusions of pop, rock, funk, and dance. The hit single, "If I Only Knew," is still a staple in his current tour.
In 1999, he collaborated with popular artists like Robbie Williams, the Stereophonics, and the Cardigans on "Reload." The duet album featured a blend of well-known and lesser-known songs, such as "Mama Told Me Not To Come" and "Burning Down The House" – both absolute bangers!
The brilliance of his career continued with the release of the hit single, "Sex Bomb." The Hanoverian producer Mousse T. crafted this anthem just for him, resulting in yet another career milestone and a brand-new sound.
But Jones isn't done yet – oh no. He continues to astound us with new albums like his gospel, soul, and blues-inspired trilogy, "Praise & Blame," "Spirit In The Room," and "Long Lost Suitcase." His version of John Lee Hooker's "Burning Hell" set the music world on fire.
Tom Jones remains a household name, as evident in his knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006. He's penned a memoir entitled "Over The Top And Back" that offers a peek into his incredible journey through the world of music. And to keep things fresh, he shares his experiences with the younger generation as a coach on "The Voice UK."
So, there you have it, folks – Tom Jones, stillgoing strong at 85, and showing no signs of slowing down! Who knows – maybe another journey with James Bond is yet to come. Until then, catch "The Lion" in action at his concerts, and keep on shakin'!
Sources: ntv.de, Philip Dethlefs, dpa
- Tom Jones, as a music legend, consistently maintains a connection with the entertainment world, mixing his iconic classics with modern twists, creating unforgettable live performances.
- Throughout his illustrious career, Tom Jones has performed alongside numerous celebrities and enjoyed a significant repertoire of music, showcasing his versatility and enduring influence in the industry.
