Tom Jones (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Tom Jones OBE
Jones in 2018
Born	Thomas John Woodward (1940-06-07) 7 June 1940 (age 85) Treforest, Wales
Occupation	Singer
Years active	1963–present
Spouse(s)	Linda Trenchard ​ ​ (m. 1957; died 2016)​
Children	2
Musical career
Genres	Pop R&B soul country gospel
Labels	Columbia Decca Epic Jive Island Mercury Polydor Interscope V2 S-Curve Virgin EMI

Sir Thomas Jones Woodward (born Thomas John Woodward; 7 June 1940) is a famous Welsh singer. His music career started in the 1960s with many popular songs. He has performed all over the world, including many shows in Las Vegas from 1967 to 2011. People describe his voice as strong and powerful.

Tom Jones sings many types of music, like pop, R&B (Rhythm and Blues), soul, country, and gospel. The New York Times once called him a "musical shapeshifter" because he could change his voice to fit different styles. He has sold over 100 million records. He had 36 songs in the Top 40 in the UK and 19 in the US. Some of his most famous songs include "It's Not Unusual", "What's New Pussycat?", the theme song for the James Bond film Thunderball (1965), "Green, Green Grass of Home", "Delilah", "She's a Lady", and a cover of Prince's "Kiss".

Jones has also acted a few times. He was in the TV film Pleasure Cove (1979) and played himself in the movie Mars Attacks! (1996). He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 1970 for hosting his TV show This Is Tom Jones. He won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1966 and two Brit Awards. In 1998, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). In 2006, Queen Elizabeth II made him a knight for his contributions to music. In recent years, he became popular again as a coach on the TV talent show The Voice UK.

Early Life and Beginnings

Thomas John Woodward was born in Treforest, Wales, on 7 June 1940. His mother was Freda Jones and his father was Thomas Woodward, a coal miner. Tom started singing when he was very young. He would sing at family parties, weddings, and in his school choir. He didn't enjoy school or sports much, but singing made him feel confident.

When he was 12, he got sick with tuberculosis. He spent two years recovering in bed. He said this was the hardest time of his life. During this period, he mostly listened to music and drew.

Music Career Journey

Starting His Music Path

Tom Jones's voice is known for being strong and deep. He said that when he was young, his voice was higher, but it changed as he got older. In 1963, he became the lead singer for a Welsh band called Tommy Scott and the Senators. They became popular in South Wales. In 1964, they tried to get a record deal but didn't have much luck.

Later that year, a music producer named Peter Sullivan saw them perform. He introduced them to manager Gordon Mills. Mills became Jones's manager and brought him to London. Mills changed his name to "Tom Jones" because a popular movie with that name had just come out.

Becoming a Star

Gordon Mills helped Tom Jones get a recording contract with Decca. His first song, "Chills and Fever", came out in late 1964 but wasn't a hit. However, his next song, "It's Not Unusual", became a huge international success. It reached No. 1 in the UK and the top ten in the US in 1965. This made him one of the most popular singers during the British Invasion.

In 1965, Jones also recorded theme songs for movies, including the James Bond film Thunderball and What's New Pussycat?. He wasn't sure about singing "What's New Pussycat?" at first. But the songwriter, Burt Bacharach, convinced him that his powerful voice was perfect for the "crazy song."

Tom Jones won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1966. Around this time, he met Elvis Presley in Hollywood, and they became good friends.

In 1966, Jones's popularity slowed down a bit. His manager helped him change his image to a more classic singer. Jones started singing different kinds of songs. He soon had more hits in both the UK and the US, like "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" and "Delilah".

Performing in Las Vegas and TV Shows

In 1967, Tom Jones performed in Las Vegas for the first time. His performances became famous for his energetic style and open shirts. He continued to perform in Las Vegas every year until 2011.

Jones singing a duet with Janis Joplin on the television programme This Is Tom Jones in 1969

From 1969 to 1971, Jones had a very successful TV show called This Is Tom Jones. It was shown in both the UK and the US. He was even nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his hosting. He had another TV show from 1980 to 1981.

In the 1970s, Jones continued to have hit songs like "She's a Lady". However, his popularity began to decrease in the mid-1970s. He did have a big country music hit in 1976 called "Say You'll Stay Until Tomorrow".

Jones (left) and Oliver performing on This Is Tom Jones in 1970.

The star commemorating Jones at the Orpheum Theatre, Memphis

In 1979, Jones acted in the TV film Pleasure Cove. In the early 1980s, he started recording country music. His manager, Gordon Mills, passed away in 1986. After that, Tom's son, Mark, became his manager.

In 1987, Tom Jones had another hit song in the UK called "A Boy from Nowhere". The next year, he covered Prince's song "Kiss" with Art of Noise. This song was very popular and won an MTV Video Music Award.

Return to Popularity in the 1990s

Tom Jones received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989. In 1992, he performed at the Glastonbury Festival in the UK for the first time. He also appeared as himself in popular US TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Simpsons.

In 1993, Jones signed with Interscope Records and released the album The Lead and How to Swing It in 1994. In 1996, he appeared as himself in the movie Mars Attacks!.

In 1999, Jones released the album Reload. This album featured him singing duets with many other artists. It became a No. 1 album in the UK and sold over 4 million copies worldwide.

Into the 21st Century

In 2000, US President Bill Clinton invited Tom Jones to perform at the New Year's Eve celebrations in Washington, D.C. Jones also won a BRIT Award for Best British Male that year.

In 2002, Jones released the album Mr. Jones, which was produced by rapper Wyclef Jean. In 2003, he received the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. He also teamed up with pianist Jools Holland in 2004 for a rock 'n' roll album.

On 28 May 2005, Tom Jones performed a concert in his hometown of Pontypridd, Wales, for about 20,000 people. This was his first performance there since 1964. In 2006, Queen Elizabeth II made him a knight for his services to music.

Performing at Hampton Court Palace in London, 2007

In 2007, Jones performed at the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium. He also sang national anthems before several boxing matches. In 2008, he released 24 Hours, his first album of new songs in over 15 years in the US. He went on a world tour to promote it.

In March 2009, Jones reached No. 1 on the UK Music Charts again with a cover of "Islands in the Stream". He sang it with Ruth Jones, Rob Brydon, and Robin Gibb for charity. This was his first UK No. 1 since 1967, setting a new record for the longest gap between two UK chart-toppers.

Recent Years and The Voice UK

Jones at House of Blues, Anaheim, 2009

Jones's album Praise & Blame came out in July 2010. It mostly featured gospel and blues songs. In August 2010, the album reached No. 2 on the UK album chart.

In May 2011, Jones sang on the album Let Them Talk by Hugh Laurie. He also appeared on American Idol.

In March 2012, Jones released a single called Evil, produced by Jack White. He visited Spillers Records in Cardiff, the world's oldest record shop, which he visited as a boy.

Tom Jones became a coach on the BBC talent show The Voice UK in March 2012. He helped Leanne Mitchell win the first series. He was a coach for several seasons.

Jones at the Turku Castle in Turku, Finland, 2012

In May 2012, Jones released the album Spirit in the Room. He also performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert in front of Buckingham Palace.

In September 2015, Jones released his autobiography Over the Top and Back along with his album Long Lost Suitcase. This album was the last in a series of three.

In 2017, Jones returned to The Voice UK as a coach. In January 2021, he announced his album Surrounded by Time, which was released in April.

On 3 September 2022, Jones performed "I Won't Crumble With You If You Fall" on The Voice UK. He explained that the song reminded him of his wife's last words to him. The song quickly became very popular.

Personal Life and Family

Tom Jones was married to his school girlfriend, Melinda Rose "Linda" Trenchard, from 2 March 1957 until she passed away from cancer on 10 April 2016. They got married when they were 16 because Linda was pregnant. Their son, Mark, was born soon after. To support his family, Jones worked in construction and at a glove factory before becoming a singer.

After his wife's death, Jones sold their home in Los Angeles and moved to an apartment in London, which was his wife's wish.

Jones met his idol, Elvis Presley, in 1965. They became good friends and spent a lot of time together, especially in Las Vegas. Their friendship lasted until Presley's death in 1977.

In 2015, Jones's autobiography Over the Top and Back was published. In 2021, Jones shared that he uses a special exercise called inversion therapy to stay healthy.

Artistry and Influence

Tom Jones's singing style was inspired by American soul music. He was influenced by blues, R&B, and rock and roll singers like Little Richard, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

The band Space and singer Cerys Matthews released a song called "The Ballad of Tom Jones". It's about a couple who stop fighting when they hear his music on the radio.

Two musicals have been made based on Tom Jones's life and music. One is called Tom: A Story of Tom Jones, and another is What's New Pussycat?, which uses his songs in a story set in the 1960s.

Just like Elvis Presley, Tom Jones has many people around the world who imitate his singing style.

In the 2006 animated film Flushed Away, the main character is mistaken for Tom Jones when he sings "She's a Lady". Jones's song "What's New Pussycat?" is also played at the end of the movie.

Discography

Studio albums

Live albums

• Tom Jones Live! At the Talk of the Town (1967)
• Tom Jones Live in Las Vegas (1969)
• Tom Jones Live at Caesar's Palace (1971)
• John Farnham & Tom Jones – Together in Concert (with John Farnham) (2005)
• Tom Jones (promotional The Mail on Sunday CD) (2010)

Box sets

• The Definitive Tom Jones (2003)
• The Complete Decca Studio Albums Collection (2020)

Songs Written by Tom Jones

Jones has written or co-written several songs, including: "And I Tell the Sea", "Looking Out My Window", "Feel the Rain" (from the 2002 Mr. Jones album), "Jezebel", "The Letter", "Younger Days", "Tom Jones International", "Holiday", "The Road", "24 Hours", "Seasons", "We Got Love", "Seen That Face", "Give a Little Love", "If He Should Ever Leave You", and "Whatever it Takes". He also co-wrote "Traveling Shoes" from the 2012 album Spirit in the Room.

Film and TV Appearances

Awards and Honors

Amadeus Austrian Music Awards

Brit Awards

Danish Music Awards

NME Awards

Silver Clef Awards

• 1966: Grammy Award for Best New Artist
• 1966: Grammy Award nomination for Contemporary Rock & Roll Male Vocal Performance for "What's New Pussycat?"
• 1966: Grammy Award nomination for Contemporary Rock & Roll Single for "It's Not Unusual"
• 1970: Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy for This Is Tom Jones
• 1970: Ivor Novello Award for International Artist of the Year
• 1989: MTV Video Music Award – Breakthrough Video for "Kiss"
• 1989: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• 1999: appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
• 2006: Knighthood for "services to music"
• 2017: Bambi Award in the category "legend"

See also

In Spanish: Tom Jones (cantante) para niños

• List of Welsh musicians