Tom Jones (singer)

Tom Jones (singer). Sir Tom Jones is a Welsh singer whose powerful baritone voice and dynamic stage presence have made him an international entertainment icon for over six decades. Initially rising to fame in the mid-1960s with a string of hit singles, his career has spanned musical styles from pop and rock and roll to rhythm and blues, country, and dance music. Knighted in 2006 for his services to music, Jones remains a revered and active performer, known for his enduring popularity across generations.

Early life and career beginnings

Born Thomas John Woodward in Treforest, Pontypridd, his early life in South Wales was marked by a passion for music influenced by American rock and roll artists like Elvis Presley and blues and R&B singers such as Little Richard. He left school at age 16, married his childhood sweetheart Melinda Trenchard, and worked in manual labor while performing with local beat groups like The Squires in pubs and working men's clubs. His big break came in 1964 when he was discovered by manager Gordon Mills, who renamed him Tom Jones and secured him a recording contract with Decca Records.

Rise to fame and musical success

Jones's career exploded in 1965 with the release of "It's Not Unusual", which topped the UK Singles Chart and reached the Top 10 in the United States. This was swiftly followed by the theme for the James Bond film Thunderball. Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, he achieved massive success with hits like "Green, Green Grass of Home", "Delilah", and "She's a Lady", establishing his signature robust vocal style. His highly successful television variety show, This Is Tom Jones, broadcast from 1969 to 1971 on ITV and ABC, cemented his status as a major international star and a popular performer in Las Vegas.

Later career and continued popularity

After a commercial dip in the late 1970s, Jones experienced a significant career resurgence in the late 1980s. A collaboration with the Art of Noise on a cover of "Kiss" in 1988 returned him to the top of the charts and introduced him to a new audience. He continued to reinvent his sound, working with artists like Van Morrison and Wyclef Jean, and releasing the critically acclaimed album Reload in 1999, a collection of duets with contemporary stars like The Cardigans, Robbie Williams, and Barenaked Ladies. From 2012 to 2014, he served as a coach and mentor on the British television talent show The Voice UK.

Personal life and public image

Jones married Melinda Trenchard in 1957, and they remained together until her death in 2016; their son, Mark Woodward, later became his manager. For much of his career, Jones cultivated a flamboyant, sexually charged public image, famously having scarves thrown to him on stage by adoring fans. This persona, combined with his powerful voice, made him a quintessential Las Vegas headliner during the 1970s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1999 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006, becoming Sir Tom Jones.

Legacy and influence

With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Tom Jones is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His influence extends across genres, impacting later soul and pop vocalists. He has received numerous accolades, including a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music and a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1966. Inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006, his enduring appeal is demonstrated by his ability to collaborate with artists from Moby to Jessie J, maintaining relevance while honoring his rich musical roots in Wales and American blues.

Category:Welsh singers Category:1940 births Category:Living people