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Tom Jones, the Legendary Welsh Crooner

Full Name Sir Thomas John Woodward
Age 82
Birthday June 7, 1940
Birthplace Pontypridd, Wales
Relationship Status Married to Linda Trenchard
Height 5‘ 10"
Net Worth $250 million
Social Media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube

As a longtime Tom Jones fan, I‘ve been captivated by that powerful voice for over 25 years. When he belts out classics like "It‘s Not Unusual" or delivers soulful renditions of contemporary songs, you can instantly feel the emotion in his vocals.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in 1940 in the Welsh town of Pontypridd, Jones grew up with traditional choral music and American rock n‘ roll. After singing with local bands, he was discovered by Gordon Mills in 1963, who became his manager and gave him the name Tom Jones.

Achieving International Stardom

Jones soon achieved great success, with hits like:

  • "It‘s Not Unusual" – Reached #1 on UK charts in 1965
  • "What‘s New Pussycat" – Hit #3 in 1965, title song from hit film
  • "Delilah" – Stood at #2 on US charts for 3 weeks in 1967

He earned a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1967. With his charismatic performance style and sex symbol status, Jones also gained fame through his Las Vegas residencies and TV specials.

Reinventing Himself Over the Decades

Remarkably, Jones has sustained his success over decades by reinventing himself. In the 1970s, he shifted from pop to singing soul and country hits. He found a new audience in the 1980s and 90s by covering songs like Prince‘s "Kiss" and the Art of Noise‘s "Kiss."

Even in recent years, he‘s collaborated with younger artists and delivered powerful new renditions of songs by acts like the White Stripes. This adaptability has enabled him to resonate with audiences old and new.

Legacy and Influence

With 100 million records sold, Tom Jones‘ fabulous career has earned him numerous honors, including:

  • Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006
  • Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005
  • Winner of a Brit Awards Lifetime Achievement honor in 2003
  • Holder of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame since 1989

Even in his 80s, Jones continues to tour and wow crowds with that legendary voice. He remains an icon who has inspired countless artists with his vocal mastery and dynamic presence.