Happy birthday, Tom Jones, born on this day in 1940!

Best Sheet Music download from our Library.

The Unstoppable Force: Tom Jones – Voice, Charisma, and Six Decades of Unusual Power

For over six decades, the name Tom Jones has reverberated with a unique blend of raw power, undeniable charisma, and a voice that seems forged in the very soul of Wales. More than just a singer, he is a phenomenon – a working-class boy from Pontypridd who conquered the world, weathered shifting musical tides, and emerged not just as a survivor, but as a beloved, enduring icon. His journey is a testament to sheer talent, relentless energy, and an uncanny ability to connect with audiences across generations.

Please, subscribe to our Library.

If you are already a subscriber, please, check our NEW SCORES’ page every month for new sheet music. THANK YOU!

From Coal Dust to Stardust: The Welsh Crucible

Born Thomas John Woodward on June 7, 1940, in Treforest, Pontypridd, Jones’ early life was steeped in the industrial landscape of South Wales. Illness kept him from following his coal miner father into the pits, but it couldn’t contain the burgeoning force within him. Music became his escape and his passion. Influenced initially by American rock ‘n’ roll and R&B – the raw energy of Little Richard, the bluesy swagger of Jerry Lee Lewis, and the burgeoning sounds of soul – young Tom began singing in local pubs and working men’s clubs. These crucibles honed his stagecraft. He learned to command attention, to project over the clatter of glasses and the chatter of crowds, developing the powerhouse delivery that would become his trademark.

His early bands, like Tommy Scott and the Senators, played a gritty, energetic brand of R&B-infused rock. It was during this period, performing in a local club, that he caught the ear of London-based manager Gordon Mills in 1964. Mills saw beyond the raw material; he saw star potential. He gave him the name Tom Jones – simple, strong, memorable – and steered him towards a sound that could bridge the Atlantic.

Browse in the Library:

“It’s Not Unusual”: The Explosive Breakthrough

The catalyst arrived in 1965 with “It’s Not Unusual.” Written by Mills and Les Reed, the song was an instant, explosive hit. That opening brass fanfare, the driving beat, and then that voice – a rich, powerful baritone bursting with youthful exuberance and sexual confidence – crashed onto the airwaves. It topped the UK charts and became a massive international success, reaching the Top 10 in the US. Jones wasn’t just singing; he was performing with every fiber of his being. His dynamic stage presence, characterized by hip-swiveling, knee-drops, and intense eye contact, was electrifying. He became an immediate sex symbol, a primal force of nature on stage.

This was swiftly followed by the theme for the James Bond film Thunderball (“Thunderball”), solidifying his international appeal. Hits like “What’s New Pussycat?” (written by a young Burt Bacharach and Hal David), “Green, Green Grass of Home” (a poignant country ballad showcasing unexpected depth), and “Delilah” (a dramatic tale of passion and murder that became one of his signature anthems) cemented his status as a global superstar throughout the late 1960s.

Vegas and Beyond: The King of the Residency

As the psychedelic 60s gave way to the heavier 70s, Jones’ brand of big-voiced, brass-driven pop might have seemed out of step. But Jones, ever adaptable, found a new kingdom: Las Vegas. His move to the desert oasis was a masterstroke. The Las Vegas stage was made for him – a place where showmanship, vocal prowess, and a touch of glamour reigned supreme.

His residencies, particularly at Caesars Palace, became legendary. Night after night, he delivered high-octane performances. Dressed impeccably in sharp suits (often unbuttoned to reveal a famously hairy chest), dripping with charisma, he belted out his hits, covered contemporary and classic songs (from Prince to Frank Sinatra), and engaged in playful, flirtatious banter with the audience. The infamous ritual of women throwing their underwear onto the stage began – a testament to his undimmed sex appeal and the uninhibited atmosphere he cultivated. Vegas wasn’t a retreat; it was a reinvention, proving his timeless appeal as an entertainer par excellence.

The Wilderness and the Remarkable Comeback: Prince, Knighthood, and Relevance

The 1980s presented challenges. While still a popular live act, his chart success waned. The musical landscape had shifted dramatically. However, Jones possessed an innate musical curiosity and a refusal to be relegated to nostalgia. His salvation came unexpectedly in 1988 via a collaboration with the British electronic outfit Art of Noise on a radical cover of Prince’s “Kiss.” Produced by Trevor Horn, the track was stripped back, funky, and dripping with cool. Jones’ voice, now seasoned with a smoky maturity, slid perfectly over the electronic groove. It was a revelation. “Kiss” became a massive worldwide hit, reintroducing Tom Jones to a whole new generation and proving his voice could be utterly contemporary.

This resurgence opened new doors. He recorded the acclaimed Reload album in 1999, a collection of duets with artists ranging from Robbie Williams and The Cardigans to Van Morrison and Cerys Matthews. It was another smash hit, spawning chart-toppers like “Sex Bomb” and “Mama Told Me Not To Come.” He collaborated with Wyclef Jean, appeared on records with artists as diverse as Stereophonics and Jack White, and even became a hugely popular coach on the UK talent show The Voice.

In 2006, his cultural significance was formally recognized when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, becoming Sir Tom Jones. It was a fitting tribute to a national treasure who had carried the banner of Welsh talent across the globe for decades.

The Voice: An Instrument of Unparalleled Power

At the absolute core of Tom Jones’ longevity lies The Voice. It’s a force of nature – a deep, resonant baritone capable of astonishing power and surprising subtlety. He possesses incredible lung capacity and breath control, allowing him to sustain notes with seemingly effortless power. But it’s not just about volume; it’s about the texture and emotion. He can convey raw lust (“It’s Not Unusual,” “Sex Bomb”), heartbreaking melancholy (“Green, Green Grass of Home,” “I (Who Have Nothing)”), dramatic intensity (“Delilah”), and playful swagger (“Kiss,” “What’s New Pussycat?”) with equal conviction. His phrasing is impeccable, learned from the greats of blues, soul, and jazz. He doesn’t just sing songs; he inhabits them, imbuing them with a lived-in authenticity. Even in his 80s, while perhaps not hitting every note with the sheer power of his youth, the voice retains its distinctive character, warmth, and undeniable presence.

The Enduring Legacy: More Than Just a Singer

Tom Jones’ legacy is multi-faceted:

1. The Voice: He remains one of the most recognizable and powerful vocal instruments in popular music history.
2. The Showman: A master of stagecraft who understands the art of entertainment, connecting viscerally with audiences through sheer energy and personality.
3. The Survivor: His ability to adapt, reinvent aspects of his career, and remain relevant across six decades is unparalleled among his peers.
4. The Welsh Icon: He is a source of immense pride for Wales, embodying its passion, resilience, and talent on the world stage.
5. The Cultural Phenomenon: From the underwear throwing to the open shirts, the Vegas glitz to the unexpected collaborations, he created moments that transcended music and entered pop culture lore.

Conclusion: The Unusual Endures

Tom Jones is not simply a singer who had hits; he is a force of nature whose career defies easy categorization. He is the boy from the valleys who became a global superstar, the Vegas kingpin who conquered the dance charts with electronic music, the sex symbol who matured into a respected knight and mentor. Through it all, that magnificent, unmistakable voice has been the constant – an instrument of pure, unadulterated power and emotion.

He represents the enduring appeal of authentic talent coupled with undeniable charisma. He connects because he sings with passion, performs with commitment, and possesses a genuine love for the music and the audience. In a world of fleeting trends, Tom Jones stands as a monument to the timeless power of a great voice, magnetic stage presence, and the sheer, unstoppable force of personality. He is, quite simply, unusual – and his extraordinary journey continues to resonate.

Tom Jones – It’s Not Unusual (This Is Tom Jones, 15th May 1969)

Celebrate with us the 84th anniversary of ‘It’s Not Unusual’, with this powerful performance by Tom Jones, during the ‘This is Tom Jones’ show in 1969.