Tom Jones
Thomas Jones Woodward was born in Pontypridd, South Wales, Great Britain on June 7, 1940 to a father who worked the coal mines of the Rhondda Valley. After quitting school at 15, working a variety of manual jobs, singing in the clubs at night and marrying at 17, Tom went on to sign with Decca Records in London.
Tom has a fundamental interest in a wide range of music. Although he is well known for hits including It’s Not Unusual, Kiss , Delilah, What’s New Pussycat, I’ll Never Fall In Love Again and If I Only Knew, he is first and foremost a rocker with a true rhythm and blues soul. He has remained a vital recording artist, with his 1999 album Reload the biggest selling (5m) of his then 35-year career. Tom was a key player in Martin Scorsese’s Red White & Blues series, and in 2004 released an album of roots rock n roll with Jools Holland, the foremost boogie pianist in the UK. Prior to 2010‘s Praise & Blame, his 2008 studio album, 24 Hours, was a critical career highlight with many of the self-penned tracks being an insightful and evocative reflection of his spirited and rich life. In the words of the Washington Post, 24 Hours “finds Jones vocalizing with an almost reckless exuberance”—this vibrant collection exemplifies Tom’s substance and grit, tempered with an air of reflection.
Tom was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen in 2006, an honour he fervently cherishes. Other highlights of his 44-year career include receiving a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, a Silver Clef Award for Lifetime Achievement, in 2009 the “Hitmaker” award from the US Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2010 the prestigious (UK) Music Industry Trust Award. He has been animated as himself in The Simpsons,Duck Dodgers, The Emperors New Groove; other film roles include Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks! and Angelica Houston’s Agnes Brown.
Sir Tom is indeed a living legend. He is welcomed in venues worldwide, from urban clubs to performing arts centers to arenas. His irresistible show traverses musical eras and genres, cuts across class divides and appeals to young and old, male and female, mainstream and cutting edge. Godfather of modern soul, Sir Tom has always been about the power of the song, the power of the voice.
For more information and full biographical details, please go to www.tomjones.com.