Tom Jones
Sir Thomas John Woodward, known professionally as Tom Jones, was born on June 7, 1940, in Pontypridd, South Wales. The son of a coal miner, he developed a passion for singing at an early age, performing at family gatherings and in school choirs. After leaving school at 15, Jones worked various manual jobs while singing in clubs at night. He married Linda Trenchard at 17 and soon after signed with Decca Records in London, marking the beginning of his illustrious music career.
Jones's career took off in the 1960s with a series of top 10 hits, including "It's Not Unusual," "What's New Pussycat?," and "Green, Green Grass of Home." Known for his robust baritone voice, Jones became a versatile performer, embracing genres from pop and R&B to soul and gospel. His dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess earned him a residency in Las Vegas from 1967 to 2011.
Throughout his career, Jones has sold over 100 million records worldwide, with numerous hits in both the UK and the US. He has received multiple accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1966 and two Brit Awards. In 2006, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music.
Jones experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 2010s, particularly through his role as a coach on The Voice UK. His later albums, such as "Praise & Blame" and "Spirit In The Room," received critical acclaim, showcasing his ability to reinterpret songs with raw and soulful performances.
Beyond music, Jones has dabbled in acting, appearing in films like "Mars Attacks!" and hosting the television series "This Is Tom Jones," for which he received a Golden Globe nomination.
Tom Jones's enduring appeal lies in his ability to adapt and reinvent himself while maintaining the powerful voice and charismatic presence that have captivated audiences for over five decades.